"Special" can be assumed to refer the elite, especially members of the ruling families, amongst the native-born UAE Nationals.

Usually the Gulf Arabs remained aloof, a privileged minority in their own country, keeping us guessing as to their private lives inside those lavish villas and tinted limousine windows. Their real diversions were visible only from rare glimpses or sometimes from the accounts of western-born wives, forbidden most outings, rarely allowed to seek work, their passports withheld. Some adapted slowly to their new life, some were desperate to leave.

When Prince Hamad, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, was to be married the public festivities continued for weeks, including massed displays of rainbow-striped parachutists, Mercedes stunt driving and gifts of gold-plated Uzi machine guns. But never once was the bride identified, sighted or her existence even mentioned.