All are welcome
Prior to traveling to Dubai, I had wondered how the people would respond to me as a Deaf person. Is Dubai a place that encourages Deaf people to gain an education and high-tier employment? I have met a Deaf person from Dubai in Washington, DC on a government scholarship at a college. However, I questioned whether he was a unique case or if that was the norm.
Upon arriving in Dubai, people immediately understood. The Emirati worker at the customs booth simply gave me a warm smile and gestured for me to pass through. This experience was vastly different from my experiences in America which varies from exchange to exchange.
Dubai, after a week here, seems to me to be consistent with its perception and hospitality towards all visitors and people.
Whenever I ventured out with my group, people appeared almost delighted to experience something different. Some attempted to learn some signs, others were curious and asked questions, and yet others advocated my presence as well as the idea of more Deaf people traveling to Dubai.
I found it truly incredible that in every single encounter I had, the response was particularly positive in that people continued to be warm, open, and understanding.
America calls itself the melting pot. Dubai is simply Dubai - where anything goes.
Upon arriving in Dubai, people immediately understood. The Emirati worker at the customs booth simply gave me a warm smile and gestured for me to pass through. This experience was vastly different from my experiences in America which varies from exchange to exchange.
Dubai, after a week here, seems to me to be consistent with its perception and hospitality towards all visitors and people.
Whenever I ventured out with my group, people appeared almost delighted to experience something different. Some attempted to learn some signs, others were curious and asked questions, and yet others advocated my presence as well as the idea of more Deaf people traveling to Dubai.
I found it truly incredible that in every single encounter I had, the response was particularly positive in that people continued to be warm, open, and understanding.
America calls itself the melting pot. Dubai is simply Dubai - where anything goes.