As a collective of small states, the UAE are certainly the most progressive and Western-friendly of the Arab states. Their government is much more politically aware and much less driven by the tenets of the Muslim faith.

The majority of their political stances have been pro-peace and pro-democracy, within cultural boundaries. It's worth noting that there is a difference between supporting al-Qaeda and not denouncing al-Qaeda, and as a result of that stance, it is still safe for Westerners to holiday in Dubai.

The culture of all Arab countries is far more extreme in the way women are treated than the Muslim faith would suggest, although they use religion as their justification. This is less of an issue with the UAE.

All Arab nations have what we would call corruption problems - they regard this as simply buying a service, again it's a cultural difference. Their whole approach to business (and education, punctuality etc.) is wholly different from our own and has to be taken account of in dealings with Arab countries.

All nations have problems with human trafficking and corruption at the highest level and I know that many Westernised Arabs find the machinations of UK and US government incomprehensibly devious and contrived.

I work extensively with the UAE government and military, by the way.