Dubai, el emirato más abierto

Un artículo en el International Herald Tribune da cuenta de las peculiaridades (y las contradicciones) de este emirato a través de las vivencias de dos jóvenes egipcios:

"Here, I can practice my religion in a natural and free way because it is a Muslim country and I can also achieve my ambition at work," said Ahmed Kassab, 30, an electrical engineer from Zagazig in Egypt who wears a long dark beard and has a prayer mark on his forehead. "People here judge the person based on productivity more than what he looks like. It's different in Egypt, of course."

No one can say for sure why Dubai has been spared the kind of religion-fueled extremism that has plagued other countries in the region. There are not even metal detectors at hotel and mall entrances, standard fare from Morocco to Saudi Arabia. Some speculate that Dubai is like Vienna in the Cold War - a playground for all sides.

There is a robust state security system. But there is also a feeling that diversity, tolerance and opportunity help breed moderation.

(Foto: Markz)