What media publications are banned in the UAE?
My family and I may be relocating to the UAE (Abu Dhabi or Dubai) and I would like to know if I will be able to receive my favorite feminist magazines, Ms. and Bitch. Is there a listing of publications and books that are not allowed to be mailed into the Emirates?
It seems to me it depends more on the background of the censor desk officer working at at customs at the time you arrive , or collect from post office customs.
I am sure there is a list of band publications but its mostly Arabic magazines usually the type printed in UK by Arab immigrants there which constantly attack the ruling families here .. as usual.
Other than that magazines with pornographic contents, books with explicit anti-Islamic tone, or Israeli publications (this does not mean Jewish).
I am a %100 sure no feminist magazine is on the list though. If you get your mags by means other than post office (i.e fedex, DHL, TNT etc) it is unlikely customs will check.
The ironic thing while some mags are on the banned list (or have their website blocked) don’t be surprised if you see them on sale in Dubai. The customs are not always on the same level so lots of things get thru.
Another situation would be if the publication contains 1 page offending article or picture, they will let it in with that page either ripped or blacked out by marker. That’s what they do with CDs with explicit covers as well.
The UAE does not have a ministry of information any longer , so there is no clear cut standard here. A place like Sharjah would be more strict while a place like Dubai less so , so it depends on where and who.
Not likely.Women are treated like property in these countries.Just about anything that shows any skin or thoughts outside of Muslims won’t be allowed.Why would you ever want to move there?You’d be better off in China.
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I am also in Dubai. As per as my knowledge is concerned about the media and magazines. If it is not containing porn material and not hurting the cultural integrity of the nation it is always allowed. I have seen that this country is not too much strict about most of the things like Saudi Arabia. Don’t have to worry. Anyway Dubai is a city for making money and you get everything form Wine to Women if you have money to afford it.
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You can bring into the UAE everything beside magazines/books including porn, anti Islamic or anything pro Israeli/Jewish.
There is no list of prohibited magazines or books (like banned drugs). But – be aware, that customs will go through everything and many books, magazines, dvds etc will be send to the Ministry of Education for investigation. Before I moved to the UAE I sorted out all my books and dvds. I left dvds like "Schindler’s List" and "Jacob the Liar". Also all books with an "offending" cover (like some Norwegian books have).
I do not know what kind of magazine you are talking about, but if it shows naked female breasts etc., it will confiscated if caught. Sometimes you may buy a magazine, pay a high price and find out that sides are missing. Please do not ask why you have to pay a regular price for a "used" magazine:)) It’s just the way it is and we all have to respect and follow the rules.
Take care.
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Me, Abu Dhabi
It seems to me it depends more on the background of the censor desk officer working at at customs at the time you arrive , or collect from post office customs.
I am sure there is a list of band publications but its mostly Arabic magazines usually the type printed in UK by Arab immigrants there which constantly attack the ruling families here .. as usual.
Other than that magazines with pornographic contents, books with explicit anti-Islamic tone, or Israeli publications (this does not mean Jewish).
I am a %100 sure no feminist magazine is on the list though. If you get your mags by means other than post office (i.e fedex, DHL, TNT etc) it is unlikely customs will check.
The ironic thing while some mags are on the banned list (or have their website blocked) don’t be surprised if you see them on sale in Dubai. The customs are not always on the same level so lots of things get thru.
Another situation would be if the publication contains 1 page offending article or picture, they will let it in with that page either ripped or blacked out by marker. That’s what they do with CDs with explicit covers as well.
The UAE does not have a ministry of information any longer , so there is no clear cut standard here. A place like Sharjah would be more strict while a place like Dubai less so , so it depends on where and who.
References :
I ordered few romance book from local bookstore. they said they cant promise,if the author been banned,am not going to get the book.They even show me the list of the banned author.
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