Dubai and its two faces

Inconsistent would be the best way to describe Dubai. Everything has gone smoothly for us and being here is like being in the US...there's really nothing to overcome except for trying to understand where the Emirates truly stand. First, you read that you need to be mindful of the religious beliefs and customs of the land in how you act and dress, etc. Then you arrive here and all they cater to is the opposite of the beliefs. The city revolves around tourism and the consumerist nature of those visiting. The places to visit are either over-the-top resorts or malls that have ever brand name you little hear could ever desire. Of course these places are selling the same merchandise that you would see in America or Europe. So what gives? How can you encourage visitors by building this city yet judge them for their style or habits? The real kicker is that we went out today to walk to Jumeirah where there was supposed to be a good cafe and a trendy area right on the coast. So we are walking in the most intense heat we've ever experienced. It's definitely over 100 deg F and humid to boot. We were both wearing our white travel shirts which are long sleeved, pants that are rolled up and buttoned in a capri length, and Teva sandals. I'm only mentioning this because it wasn't the coolest thing you could pick for this weather but it is respectful of the culture. Needless to say we were drenched by the time we reached Lime Tree Cafe, it was really good food though and had a refreshing Lime Mint drink which was like a Mojito without the rum. Their Carrot cake was phenomenal although still not as good as the one I make. :-) Anyhow, then we took a cab to the Emirate Towers where there was a bar on the 51st floor where you could look over the city and enjoy a cold drink. We made it all the way to the elevators before being turned away by our dress ie. our pants were rolled up and we had on sandals. Granted the guy said it was better when we rolled down our pants but our shoes weren't appropriate. Are you kidding me? We walked away without a fuss but I was not happy. Any girl dressed in a very skimpy outfit with open toe high heels would've been waltzed right to the top but we were discriminated against for being more modest but I suppose not classy enough because my shoes were Tevas (with toe covers). If you want to visit for the amazing shopping and don't mind the hypocrisy, I would say Dubai would be a fine place to visit (best in the Winter though) but I can't see that I would search it out again as a destination other than the curiosity of seeing the Burj (tallest building in the world when it is finished) and the man made Palm and World islands. We have enjoyed our taxi rides though as you learn more of whats going on in the working level of the city from the very talkative drivers. Best of all I enjoy that everyone has been friendly!