The show questions American and European representations of Arab women, though some Emiratis point out that the characters on screen do not reflect real housewives
,” warns the trailer for “The Real Housewives of Dubai”. For nearly 20 years the “Real Housewives” franchise has followed the friendships and feuds of mostly rich, middle-aged women living in cities including Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Lagos and Melbourne. Now the format has come to the Middle East.
At times the flashy, international veneer is pierced, reminding viewers that they are in the Gulf. South-East Asian nannies and maids appear to hand “madame” her designer sunglasses. Arabic is occasionally shoehorned in. On the whole, the superficial world the women inhabit is both repugnant and riveting, and reinforces stereotypes of Dubai.
The storylines are shaped by the women’s backgrounds. Chanel Ayan, the model, recounts how her father tried to marry her off at the age of 14 in Kenya. She gives a goat to Lesa Milan, a fashion entrepreneur, for being a good friend. But though the women squabble, they are united in their defence of the emirate. Ms Milan, who is Jamaican-American, jabs at America when explaining why she raises her sons where she does: “Dubai is safe, especially for little black boys.” By presenting Dubai as secure, fun and permissive, the series plays by the emirate’s rules.
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