Censorship, segregation and paranoia – an Irish woman’s experience of life in Dubai

Wicklow native was excited about starting a new life and hopefully a family in the UAE – until she went to live there

‘If you say anything bad about Dubai, you could be arrested,’ said Ms O’Connell, who doesn’t want her first name published, pictured in the UAE city. She cancelled her visa after six weeks

Cian Ó Broin

An Irish woman who moved to Dubai to settle and start a family has spoken of her “horrific” experience, including claims of government propaganda, censored internet and segregation for women.

Ms O’Connell (30), who doesn’t wish for her first name to be published, grew up in Wicklow, where she went to primary and secondary school before undertaking a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Maynooth University and later a PhD in Durham in the UK.

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