Dark Dubai by Davidson

In the FT, Roula Khalaf reviews "Dubai: The Vulnerability of Success" by Christopher Davidson in her article "Glitzy Dubai has a darker side". And, I would agree, with every ying comes yang. Although the misunderstanding about why the book was banned or not banned does not really seem clear, it can be put down to the fact that Davidson's book gives an accurate picture of the Emirate and how Dubai has pushed itself into the everyday conscience of the man on the street in the West and the East.



For those of you who have not read the book, read the review, and see if it is your chai nana. For those of you that read the book, remember, this book was banned. If you like it, you'll love Dubai Inc by Aamir Rehman. And for those of you that prefer something a little racier, try a real banned book - Dubai, by Robin Moore.

If you prefer a less balanced view, read a newspaper.

"Perhaps most irritating to the Dubai authorities is Davidson’s depiction of the more seedy side of the city, where he says smuggling, arms trading and prostitution are rife. Though the government has stepped up efforts to curb illegal activity, including money laundering, the openness of Dubai has been a magnet for legitimate business as well as illicit activities."

Glitzy Dubai has a darker side