The Emirates are less harsh than other Arab countries. They have a national lottery now and even sell alcohol in certain restaurants. Women have to dress modestly but dont have to wear head to toe arab slave garb. I wouldnt call them secular like iran was during the shahs years but they arent an isis caliphate either.

My younger brother first went to Abu Dhabi during the Gulf war and was there when the barracks were hit by a scud. Now he goes there every year or two because the middle east was part of his dealer chain when he did vehicle launches for Ford. Now he does parts distribution for the same chains of dealers. Hers had dinner with a few of these Princes a couple times. They own most of the car dealerships.