Jews in the Gulf?

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine, herself Jewish, told me that she just attended a bar mitzvah celebration in Dubai. With an American or other non-Israeli passport, is not that difficult to enter the Kingdom and I've been more than once told about Jews visiting the Kingdom and about even more who would love to experience the shopping adventures in one of the many high-end malls.

Now, the Jews in the Gulf, discretely and taking into consideration security concerns, are going out in the media light. If the media portrayed them it means also that it is much safer than a couple of years ago to do so and that there is a certain gentlemen's agreement regarding their presence. After all, in comparison with many other monoteistic religions, Judaism doesn't practice and encourage prozelytism therefore, at least from the religious point of view. However, this does not affect the decades of brainwashing of the many generations of locals living here, as well as the people from all over the Arab countries and region living, working or studying here. (More about this in a coming book review)

Is it safe, recommended, good for Jews to live in Dubai, other than for financial reasons? To visit this place, enjoying the lavish high-tech life and architecture? Curiosity is always a good incentive to start something new or completely out of common. I personally have a lot of second/third/fifth thoughts about going to a place officially preaching against Jews and Israel. I'm pretty familiar with anti-Semitism and I don't need any more examples of how far you can go in shaping and spreading a political and social/educational discourse focused on the hate against people that you hardy know. 

Things are changing, especially politically - although from the religious point of view there will be never a sincere approach to Judaism - and countries like Oman, Bahrain are becoming more clear in their tolerance towards Jews and especially Israel. There are some circumstances dictating such an approach, mainly the need to counter the overwhelming influence Iran and its cronies are trying to spread in the region. Which also means that expecting wonders - although we are in the time of Hanukka - is unrealistic. But at least it can plant the seeds of a potential change for good. One day. Not today, tomorrow or in a year.