Ladies Only

 Before moving to Dubai I read a lot of books and websites on the region to try and educate myself on the culture and what to expect upon my arrival. One topic that I kept coming across was designated days for ladies and children at the beach, ladies only fitness centers, ladies only salons, ladies night at bars/restaurants. In Saudi, according to my husband who is frequently there for business, they have ladies-only lines at airport security, passport control and takeaway restaurants. Of course we have many of these options in the US, but what we do not have is a ladies only section on the metro, bus, or doctor’s office waiting room. I am bringing up this topic because I had a funny thing happen to me the other day. I had a doctor’s appointment and found myself waiting in the “Ladies & Children” area not even realizing it, just out of instinct. This was not the first time I have been in a waiting room here. I remember the first time being so aware of the signs and sitting in the mixed gender section out of principal and feeling, oddly enough, that it was not appropriate for me to sit in the ladies only section, like it was not intended for a western woman. Funny how seven months here changes a person! If I am not with my husband now, I ALWAYS locate myself in the “Ladies and Families” section. Do not get the wrong idea I am not an “anti-feminist.” Have you met my mother? (Art student in the 70’s, just recently took my father’s name after 25+ years of marriage) Born and bred liberal here! However, about 80% of this city is populated by expatriates, and most of these expats are not from western countries and in many cases these cultures have had little interaction with the female gender besides immediate family. Therefore many women here feel much more comfortable amongst themselves and also some men just stare. It is totally harmless (I think), just innocent curiosity. Dubai is a very safe city. There is very little crime because penalties are severe for even a minor offense. However, whether male or female, no one likes to be starred at…
One of the many things I have learned here is the importance of not only respecting a different culture but also in many cases embracing it. You may think I am encouraging “segregation” and not agree with sitting in the Ladies waiting room, but when you are offered a free glass of bubbly because it’s Tuesday night and ladies drink for free, are you going to deny that?