Unlike Dianavan, I have worked in Dubai, as jonm above indicates the United Arab Emirates is a loose confederation of very old Arab Emirates, prior to their creation as the UAE they were known as the Trucial States. They formed themselves into their present confederation when their treaties with the UK expired in 1972. Although loosely confederated they are highly individual.

For Dubai in particular, I would doubt very much the veracity of the situation as reported by Dianavan on the basis of experience and logic. The 'native' population is tiny, entry is tightly controlled, any foreigner is known about and a close account is kept. Much easier to play the games Dianavan describes in Europe or the US, much easier to hide.