> As far as non-north-american countries go - the UAE is very progressive
Could you please tell me what do you mean by "Progressive" ? . Coz, I have been living in many countries of Middle East for years and this includes UAE also and they all are same more or less. Like other countries, UAE has the following,
-- Family dictatorships which have absolute control about every element of the society and economy.
-- No Democracy in any tangible meaning of that term
-- Absolutely no freedom of expression(UAE does not even allow the media to give true reports about the recession which has affected the country more than any other country in the world !)
-- Worst rules and laws which are inhumane to say the least.
Now unlike other countries in the region, UAE has the following,
-- Easier access to prostitution & alcohol
Is this one point is what you mean by being "Progressive" ? If something else, please let me know as I have not experienced anything else in my stay here. I do admit that specifically in the case of Saudi, things are even worse as women are not allowed to have their choice of dress or job. If there is any country in the region which has some elements of "progressiveness", its Iran whom we all love to bash.