Dubai: The story of the world’s fastest city.

In organizing the study tour to Dubai, a student finds this book for me.

In the West, establishing one’s identity may wear a T-shirt with a slogan, wear long hair and tattoo. Or you may simply not do any of it.

However, Arab men all wear plain all-enveloping whit robes, plain white headdresses and a black band. There are neither brand names nor fancy pattern. They make personality statement by using some trivial hints like sandals or shoes, pens and watches.

For women, they have a bit more room. Some of their black abaya bear patterns in sequins or crystal and can be sheer, even see-through (with clothes worn underneath). Their headscarves are not always black. They might be turquoise or saffron.

Then in what way can an Arab man establish his identity?

Bingo! Car is the answer.

A white Range Rover Sport ----à  a signal of understated wealth

A red Ferrari or Maserati ----à an attention-craving rebel with cash to burn

A Bentley                  ----à an old money identity

A boxy Mercedes G-series 4 ´ 4 ---à an admirer of Sheikh Mohammed

A Mercedes or BMX sedan ---à for the gray man who disdains attention

A Toyota or Nissan sedan ---à a synonym of “I am poor” (p.242 – 243)

Krane, J. (2009). Dubai: The story of the world’s fastest city. London: Atlantic Books.