Dubai Prostitutes' Earnings Soar
Christmas Holiday Increase Economic Opportunity for Emirates Hookers
"Las Vegas is a sputtering 20-watt bulb compared with this fire in the desert," wrote Vanity Fair's Nick Tosches. Dubai is "Capitalism on Steroids" & that includes Xmas.
The sex trade is alive and Ladies of the Night are flourishing in the Emirate of Dubai. Much has been written on sex trafficking around the world and Prostitution in Dubai specifically; however, little has been written from the view and attitude of a large majority of the “Business Ladies” in Dubai. A view many will find disturbing.
Willing Prostitutes
As with so much in Dubai, the world’s oldest profession has taken a turn divergent from the rest of the planet. Renowned photo-journalist Mimi Chakarova has examined the world of sex slaves, forced prostitutes and captive women for the last 4 years. She was shocked to discover what so many already knew: most prostitutes in Dubai voluntarily perform their trade.
“When I arrived to report…I was prepared to confront…human degradation…but I was surprised to find something else. I met women working as prostitutes who told me that they were doing so because they had chosen to…. She [a prostitute] said she could earn more in one night as a prostitute than working a whole month in sales….[and] the money she sends home to Siberia has allowed her family to build a house.”
Christmas Season
The holidays are especially ripe for the business ladies in a nation that is built upon the very dichotomy that is prostitution: necessary but unwanted; illegal but desired! The “Dubai Model” brings success to an “Arab city by shearing away the qualities that have long defined it as Arab.” Legally sanctioned, illegal prostitution; morally reprehensible yet socially acceptable; completely taboo but an openly practiced profession; prostitution is the essence of the “Dubai Model.”
The wealth of Dubai seems to explode during the holidays as it does in so many other wealthy cities this time of the year. Just as merchants at Filene’s Basement and Macy’s department stores rush to sell their wares to jovial and willing customers, so too do the Business Ladies of Dubai. With 80% of the residents coming from other nations, the Ladies have a glut of celebrating customers waiting to purchase their commodities. And as with any shrewd business person, the supply demand curve is strictly adhered to.
Holiday Inflation
A survey by a local expatriate underground newspaper has determined that prices have “risen by 20-50%” the last few weeks. Research conducted by the American Center for International Policy Studies (AMCIPS) found that Eastern European (Russian) and Ethiopian women are the most common “free agent” prostitutes. Ethiopians, who in the past received 300 AED, now garner 400 for an hour’s work; a Russian’s 500 AED per hour fees a month ago now garner 700+ dirham per hour.
However individuals feel about the holidays, whether Arabic Eid or Western Christmas; Dubai is an avenue for most to increase earnings. As the Minister of Finance said in a resent interview: “You gave us capitalism: we are new to it; but we will not do anything that will jeopardize that which we have attained!” Prostitution has been an integral part of that expansion and in the view of one local Emiratee: “when the prostitutes profit, Dubai profits:” but at whose expense?
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