Whatever your thoughts are about this it really doesn't matter.
If you live or visit Dubai, this is what you get.
I'm happy to sit anywhere on train or a bus.
Don't go thinking this gives you the right to a seat or more space as a woman.
It's just as packed on the trains and buses wherever you stand.
Or in the ladies section
It is well sign posted and for me the only advantage is these carriages stop right at the top of the escalator.
There are fines for men of AED 100 for being in these areas, but more often than not it's usually Emirate men travelling with their wife and children. Both wearing traditional clothing. The rules aren't enforced that much to be honest, but if a transport inspector does politely remind you that you are in a women's only area, one just moves along nicely, the same goes with eating and drinking on public transport, people do it, until they are asked not to.
There are separate areas at the local doctors although often ignored by husband and wife who really don't want to sit on separate sides of the waiting room for antenatal checks.
So it's not a bad thing, there are very few benefits either other than when you are on the public transport and it is packed, fit to bursting, there are no surprises as to exactly what that may be that is rubbing up against you.
*edit
As a woman I have the choice of using the Women's Only section, it is NOT compulsory for me to have to stand or sit there.
Friends who work in Dubai have talked about this. It's how they do things and it's much easier to just go with their flow.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an issue with it, although i'm more like to get a seat in the other carriages as there are more of them
DeleteHow interesting. And I guess you are just used to this now Suzanne. I think I'd be terrified of standing in the wrong place. Fascinating #tweensteensbeyond
ReplyDeleteas a woman you can stand where you want, so it's quite good really
DeleteVery interesting. Wow. Thanks for sharing. #TriumphantTales
ReplyDeletethank you
DeleteI'm finding your view of Dubai from an insiders point of view fascinating. It's somewhere that I've heard such conflicting stories about - but generally from tourists who are only there briefly #tweensteensbeyond
ReplyDeletethere is a huge difference to visiting and living in a foreign country
DeleteYour posts on life in Dubai are fascinating. I cannot imagine living in such a segregated world. I know that in our church the Easter Orthodox, they have a separate section on the second floor and below on the main level the men and women are supposed to sit in opposite aisles but lately the lines have become blurred.
ReplyDeleteit's not compulsory, it is a choice, it doesn't really bother me
DeleteI have been to Dubai as a visitor (only for 5 days!) and I love hearing from you about what it is like to live there. It seems that these restrictions don't impact a great deal on your life Suzanne - thanks for sharing with us at #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeletetbh it's nice to have the choice
DeleteIt has been a few years since I was in Dubai but the segregation did blow my mind - so odd and archaic x Sim #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteit isn't compulsory, it's a choice
DeleteThis is so interesting. I did not know that women only areas was a thing. #PoCoLo
ReplyDeletebut they're not compulsory, it's a choice
DeleteFascinating - what is there reasoning behind this? Can you imagine if they did this in the UK? There would be uproar! 😃 Thank you for sharing this with #TriumphantTales, I hope you can join me again on Tuesday :)
ReplyDeletei guess there would be the same response if it was introduced a new, but it's always been like this here
DeleteSuzanne I never realised this was a thing in Dubai. I can see the benefits and actually based on some nightmare tube stories from London I would welcome it actually here. Thanks for linking. #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeletethere are definite benefits from it, it doesn't guarantee you a seat, but personal safety and how people feel here is paramount to everyone
DeleteIt's interesting to get an insight into how things are in different countries. #TriumphantTales
ReplyDeletethank you, there are so many things I just accept and don't really take time to appreciate
DeleteNot having segregated areas in the UK is just something that we take for granted and assume everyone else does the same, so it's interesting to hear how things are elsewhere. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteI can remember segregated areas in the UK as a child, especially on public transport for mothers and children
DeleteInteresting... It is fascinating how other countries work. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to #pocolo
there are so many things here, i'd love to see implemented in the UK
Delete