My name is Peter and I manage the Reservations and Distribution function for EK (Emirates Airline) based in hot & sunny Dubai. I am happy to help any fellow interliners and to assist with general info or suggestions for UAE and the region. There are a lot of misconceptions about the UAE, and people frequently confuse this country with Saudi Arabia. I travel a lot so may not always be able to respond immediately.
Hello. I met a couple from there on the train in London. They made it sound fabulous and very affordable. Dubai is very close to the problematic area for us right now though and I am very "american looking". My hair is darker brown though. This may sound weird to some however I have been in the travel industry for a while and know it can be very important to be aware of these things in certain countries. Would you sugggest this destination for us now? Thanks
I don't know if the situation has changed in recent months, but I spent a month in the Middle East in 2000 (literally just before all of the troubles started up again) and had no problems whatsoever with regards to my nationality.(American SWF) In fact, people in Syria, who are undoubtedly the *nicest* people I've ever encoutered in my travels, were thrilled to have an American visit and wanted me to tell my friends at home that they aren't all terrorists. I felt like everyone was looking out for me.
I can't wait for things to settle down so I can return to the ME. Oman, Lebanon, and the rest of Syria are pretty high on my wish list. Believe it or not, Muslim countries have been my favorites to travel in.
Realist, come visit me on the DL ramp in CVG!
Hi there MK & realistfa,
It’s always interesting to read of other peoples perceptions of the area.
I guess if you look at a map, it does appear in the thick of things.
In fact our relatives often phone to see if we are “OK”. We always have a good laugh about that.
There is and has never been the slightest problem here of any sort. There was no change after 9/11 either.
It is extremely safe and secure here for residents or visitors of any nationality, and I venture to say it is safer that CVG or LON or most places in the Western World.
Have travelled a lot within the region and have always been treated with the utmost courtesy and respect – as I treat others.
Agree with your experiences MK, and there has been no change at all in my experience.
We are Canadian and could be taken for American or Brit. No problemo.
The only areas I’d avoid these days are:
Israeli/Palestinian areas in the news.
Afghanistan (flights have just started up again DXB-KBL.
Pakistan (for the moment).
It is really a shame, as have visited Pakistan (Karachi mostly) many times. The people, food and shopping are absolutely great. It is a real shame that a few crazies can ruin things for everyone.
If you want to visit DXB and the UAE – absolutely no problem, apart from the crazy drivers and the fact that it’s getting a bit hot right now.
Come in the winter when the weather is perfect.
Cheers
Peter
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem going right now; it's the wrath of those waiting at home that I don't want to deal with!
I belive in contra-travel---go when and where the others aren't going!
Bonjour Peter,
I used to work for EK but now I'm in the South Pacific (New Caledonia), working for a scheduled domestc none-IATA airline, and I'm desperately trying to get agreement for IDs or ZED with EK.
Could you help ??
Thanks a lot ....
Bonjour Serge,
Will certainly take it up with our staff travel people.
Please advise full details of your airline, and advise if you have contacted anyone already.
Rgds
Bonjour Peter,
I sent already 2 Emails to Mr Taroub Sleiman but no answer ... Can I have your Email address to give you further details ?? Bye ...
SERGE
(Response to several earlier posts.)
Many people I work with and a few friends always question me about the safety of the places I have visited. My response is that I live in the murder capital of the U.S. So anywhere in the world I visit is safer than Chicago. They find that very interesting but still insist on clinging to their unfounded stereotypes. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]
Randy - Nonrev Correspondent Chicago
Hello Peter,
Just wondering if you got any staff travel news for me ... Brgds,
SERGE
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