Fursan, so your first couple of posts here on FM you start by arguing with everyone regarding the topics and merits of their photos? Take it easy my friend I prefer Phil's take on Dubai much better than I see in touristic brochures.
That's the nature of Dubai, and most Gulf states for that matter. The working force is foreign and the cultural (even political) barriers makes taking photos of locals extremely difficult. He's not claiming that his photos are reflective of the city, he's just documenting another perspective of the city.
"The Middle East is country of traditions. Deep rooted in history. Families can trace their origins to Abraham without going to genealogists. Closed Knit. The Gulf region more so."
No one is arguing against the deep-rooted history of the Middle-East either, simply due to the fact that most people on the forum are educated enough to know that, however, the "origin from Abraham" argument wouldn't work here, maybe where you come from among friends & relatives but not here
The best thing I've learnt during my time in the States are two things, don't discuss religion nor politics with people you don't know very well. Please let's keep the forum this way...
Fursan wrote:
Here is my grand uncle being greeted by my sons, my nephews and other of the younger generation.
This is more representative of the Middle East..
Yep, no nieces or aunts.
Anyway, this is a photo forum. If you have a case to make, make it in photos. I'd love to see your pictures of Dubai as one rarely gets an inside view into a very different society.
Seriously, it would be fascinating and an interesting counterpoint to Phil's work.
hijazist wrote:
Fursan, so your first couple of posts here on FM you start by arguing with everyone regarding the topics and merits of their photos? Take it easy my friend I prefer Phil's take on Dubai much better than I see in touristic brochures.
That's the nature of Dubai, and most Gulf states for that matter. The working force is foreign and the cultural (even political) barriers makes taking photos of locals extremely difficult. He's not claiming that his photos are reflective of the city, he's just documenting another perspective of the city.
"The Middle East is country of traditions. Deep rooted in history. Families can trace their origins to Abraham without going to genealogists. Closed Knit. The Gulf region more so."
No one is arguing against the deep-rooted history of the Middle-East either, simply due to the fact that most people on the forum are educated enough to know that, however, the "origin from Abraham" argument wouldn't work here, maybe where you come from among friends & relatives but not here
The best thing I've learnt during my time in the States are two things, don't discuss religion nor politics with people you don't know very well. Please let's keep the forum this way...
Then my friend, ask the person who introduced a political statement in a photographic forum in the first instance.
I note from your ' name ' that you could be from the Hijaz. Documenting another part of the city..Has he documented another.
It won't work here. What won't work here. Few posts yes, but that does not stop me from challenging inaccurate writings or to ask for clarification. ' The argument from Abraham ' works with me everywhere, maybe it does not where you live.
Haven't looked at the X100/X100s thread for some time, so decided to take a peek. Very interesting documentary and apt remarks from Russia. The street shots from Dubai were great as well.
I also agree with the basic rule that politics and religion should generally be avoided in forums -- for evident reasons.
By the way... does anyone know the going rate for a barrel of crude oil these days?
You haven't ruffled too many feathers, Fursan, but the paraphrased 'if you don't like it here, go home' statement is a little long in the tooth and a sweeping statement. Indeed, many would probably wish it was a statement that could be politically correct and mentioned in their own home countries, but it is a little blinkered when you consider what would happen if everyone did actually go home (if they have the luxury of keeping their own passport when they are employed here).
FYI my life and lifestyle is similar to my country of origin, contrary to many expats. I met my wife in Dubai when visiting, and we decided to relocate after we married.
Anyway, end of the political counterpoint from my side. Dubai is a truly multicultural city with many positives. Unfortunately due to the nature of my work I do not mix with many Emiratis to be able to 'break in' culturally, something which I would like to do. Olive branch out - are you in the UAE?
And as an interesting thing to note, there was a Dutch lady who lived in Dubai in the '70s and '80s who documented the same areas as me. At that time there were many Emiratis working and socialising in the souks and as a woman she was able to photograph local women and families with ease. She's worth looking up - I'll drop a link later.
dubaiphil wrote:
You haven't ruffled too many feathers, Fursan, but the paraphrased 'if you don't like it here, go home' statement is a little long in the tooth and a sweeping statement. Indeed, many would probably wish it was a statement that could be politically correct and mentioned in their own home countries, but it is a little blinkered when you consider what would happen if everyone did actually go home (if they have the luxury of keeping their own passport when they are employed here).
FYI my life and lifestyle is similar to my country of origin, contrary to many expats. I met my wife in Dubai when visiting, and we decided to relocate after we married.
Anyway, end of the political counterpoint from my side. Dubai is a truly multicultural city with many positives. Unfortunately due to the nature of my work I do not mix with many Emiratis to be able to 'break in' culturally, something which I would like to do. Olive branch out - are you in the UAE?...Show more →
Hi Phil. Glad to know you. I am not an asshole( usually).
No, I am not based in Dubai, but have a vacation apartment there for the kids and family.
It shall be an honor to meet you..and you could show me the spots !
I didn't mean to be rude, but I am of the opinion that one should accept and embrace the variety of cultures that are evidently a real and integral part of many a country's DNA, if you will.
Even here in the small, northern country of Finland.
I prefer Phil's take on Dubai much better than I see in touristic brochures. 
