"marshknute" (marshknute)
11/21/2018 at 12:03 • Filed to: None
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"marshknute" (marshknute)
11/21/2018 at 12:03 • Filed to: None | 0
| 11 |
Is anyone on Oppo familiar with the do’s/don’ts of visiting the UAE? I know pretty much nothing about the culture, custom s, dress code, etc.
From what I’ve read, it sounds like the UAE has extremely strict laws against taking photos of people (especially women) and government property (bridges, airports, Presidential Palace, etc). So I’m wondering if it’s OK to take photos at Yas Marina Circuit during the Grand Prix? It’s not a government-owned establishment, but I can’t possibly take photos without people being in the background.
Alcohol is the another thing I’m unsure about. Apparently it’s legal for non-Muslims to drink at hotels and restaurants, but public intoxication is illegal, so how am I supposed to get home from the restaurant without going out in public?!? I think I’ll just avoid alcohol to be safe.
And perhaps the biggest question I have regards exotic car dealerships in Dubai. Can I just walk into an exotic car dealer and ask to take photos? I do this all the time here in the States, and they’re always extremely gracious and friendly, and treat it as free exposure on social media (especially considering I have a reasonably large car photography page on Instagram: @knutemotorsport).
Lastly is men’s dress code. Temperatures will probably be in the mid-high 80's, but I have no idea if shorts are acceptable. My shorts come to just above the knee, and I typically pair them with a long-sleeve button-down with the sleeves rolled up, and boat shoes (closed toe, but exposed top of foot).
Any UAE veterans here who can shed some light?
OPPOsaurus WRX
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:13 |
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for places liek at the dealer, I’d start with something li ke ‘ back at home this is ok, can I do it here?’
d15b
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:32 |
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Just drink at your hotel.
Nick Has an Exocet
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:34 |
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I’ve only been through once but have a lot of colleagues who have been .
Are you renting a car? I had a buddy rent a car in Dubai. They rental car company called the police after he refused to pay $3k for a bumper respray for a rock chip.
Drink in your hotel if your hotel has a bar but I think they are a bit lenient on this one with foreigners. Just make sure there is always someone much much drunker around. Look for Australians. For some reason they always seem to be the worst behaved people around the F1 scene.
Regarding shorts - I would wear pants. It’s a bit sucky, but I’ve heard you can’t get into some bars after 6pm wearing shorts. You’d probably be okay to wear shorts to an F1 race - but it’s more about where you might go before or after. Just make sure the shorts go all the way to the knee if you do wear them.
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marshknute
> Nick Has an Exocet
11/21/2018 at 12:42 |
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I am renting a car. A Kia Picanto or something similarly cheap . I guess I’ll hope for the best. Did your colleague get arrested, or just bullied by police until he paid for the respray?
And I’m pretty sure all of my shorts are above the knee, so I guess I’m packing lots of pants.
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:46 |
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Haven’t been, but I would assume the uaae is a bit fancier and expect pants for dinner. Better than be over than I underdressed for dinner. Look for tropic weight chinos. Very thin material that doesn’t trap heat and is airy for ventalation. Just don’t get wet or people will see your penguin underwear.
Ram_Riot_6
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:52 |
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I was in Dubai in June and had no issues taking pictures in public with my camera. I had people in many of my pictures and youll be fine as long as you arent taking pictures of people specifically and being obvious about it .
I drank at hotels and restaurants with no issue even when outside of my own hotel and I had to return later in the night.
I did not rent a car but cabs were so plentiful and cheap that there was no need . I’d avoid renting if possible.
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Nick Has an Exocet
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:53 |
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Just bullied. He eventually paid up and our company reimbursed. :)
BeaterGT
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:55 |
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Following this! Doubt my Malaysian GP advice can help much but I just kept my wits about me concerning alcohol. Also I know they’re not the most fashionable, but I wore convertible pants due to the climate . Shorts during the race, pants when needed. Be sure to share pictures :)
Tapas
> marshknute
11/21/2018 at 12:55 |
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I used to live in Dubai as a kid and visited it in 2011 since moving away.
Its probably the most modern, cosmopolitan and western M uslim city in the world. While it’s the right mindset to have that you don’t want to accidentally violate social customs or the law, the “precautions” you should take are not far removed from common sense stuff. They are strict about enforcing the law. Talk to your hotel receptionist too, if you’re still curious about what you can’t do.
Just don’t get into fights with Arab citizens lol (N o, seriously)
You should have no issues with taking pictures at the track. Just don’t ask random women to pose for pictures or take a picture with you lol.
And you can drink at bars and certain hotel and
restaurants, as long as you’re not driving. Public intoxication works similar to the US. Unless you’re really drunk, stumbling, walking on the stress, aggressive or violet, no one cares.
You can walk into big dealerships and ask to take photos. I haven’t done this. But I would call before
hand to make sure they’ll let you do so, as a courtesy
. If they say no, it will save you a trip.
Shorts are acceptable and people there wear them too. Also, everything indoors is air conditioned. So you won’t need them unless you’re going to be out walking. Only thing is people like to dress up when they go out to fancy places. You’re not going to be barred from going anywhere, but you might feel under dressed, depending on where you go.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> Nick Has an Exocet
11/22/2018 at 05:24 |
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drunk A ustralians?
you mean pissed.
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Nick Has an Exocet
> pip bip - choose Corrour
11/22/2018 at 16:46 |
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Hahaha. Damnit. My American is showing.