Prostitution in the United Arab Emirates is illegal. UAE nationals are permitted a number of residence visas. These are mainly used for domestic staff, but any surplus are often sold through middlemen to prostitutes to enter and remain in the country for two years. Although there is street prostitution , notably Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, [ 7 ] most prostitution takes place in the bars and nightclubs of hotels. Sex trade in Dubai has been prevalent for many years.
In , Sheikh Saeed 's wali forced the prostitutes to get married or to leave. This caused a run on the local British bank when the women tried to draw out all their savings.
Prostitution, although prohibited, is prevalent and easily accessible in Dubai. Women engaged in this business operate in brothels or massage establishments situated in the city's red-light areas. However, it is not only women, but also men who offer their services in the city. Typically, red-light districts are located in the city's more established areas, such as Deira and Bur Dubai.
There are also brothels in Dubai. Human trafficking is a problem in Dubai, [ 5 ] [ 6 ] often Chinese or other Asian criminal groups force women from India or Nepal into prostitution in UAE.
However, on the dark side of influencer marketing culture in Dubai were several influencers who had been funding their lifestyle by selling sex for thousands of pounds. Influencers get direct messages from men on Instagram , respond to them and agree to meet. Men pay them with flights, jewellery, bags and cash.
