Ameera Al Hakawati is the pen-name employed by the young woman, who has written a novel on sex and the city of Dubai

When you think of Dubai, you most likely think of a hedonistic paradise thriving on consumerism with large shopping malls and a never-ending line of skyscrapers. But is that all to there is to Dubai? Ameera Al Hakawati (nom de plume), who formerly wrote a racy blog, lays bare the intricacies of relationships in the big city in her debut novel, Desperate in Dubai. Set against a backdrop of luxury hotels and manmade islands, Desperate in Dubai tells the tale of four desperate women as they struggle to find truth, love, and themselves. We caught up with the author to find out more about this book.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself. Why did you adopt a pseudonym to write the book?
When I first started writing my blog it made sense to write under a pseudonym. Without my name associated with my writing, I could write about whatever I pleased without feeling the need to tone it down or avoid certain topics for fear of causing offence. I didn’t want to have to change a plot or a character’s salacious nature, because it could be frowned upon by the Muslim/Arab community, or worse, my conservative family. My pseudonym gave me the freedom to write without inhibitions, to listen to feedback and criticism without people knowing that I was the writer behind the story, and the freedom to enjoy my story without the fear of any backlash.

You paint a pretty colorful and libidinous picture of the dating scene in Dubai. Is it really as mentioned in the book?
It really is! I was having a chat with a radio presenter just today about her own dating experiences, and she was saying that she could relate to so much in the book – the Arab guy, who swept her off her feet and ended up having a fiancée; the one who chased her relentlessly until she started reciprocating the interest… Of course, not everyone has the same experiences, and I’m sure there are loads of exceptions, but what I’ve revealed in Desperate in Dubai definitely isn’t far-fetched!

What is a quintessential Dubai woman like?
That’s the amazing thing about Dubai – there is no quintessential ‘Dubai Woman’. Around 75 percent of Dubai’s population consists of expatriates. There are so many different people from different countries, cultures, religions, beliefs, that it’s impossible to put the Dubai Woman into a box and label her as such. There are rich Emiratis and poor Emiratis, religious Arabs, irreligious Arabs. Likewise, there are Indians driving Bentleys and living in mansions, and Indians living in labour camps; there are British party animals who spend their days clubbing and brunching, and British housewives who spend their days baking cakes and doing school runs.

You openly talk about infidelity and divorce in your book; do you think it reflects the current scenario?
I think it reflects the reality in most parts of the world. Divorce rates are on the increase universally, and unfortunately Dubai is no exception.

Are the characters/stories based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
A lot of the characters are inspired by people I know, and a little of me, or my own experiences, are in each character’s story. Of course there’s a lot of fiction thrown in as well.

They say for an author to be able to truly write, one must have a lot of experiences – can you talk about some of your most memorable experiences, and have they made their way into your writing?
My most memorable experience has to be moving to Dubai from London, and this is what has inspired my entire novel, that’s how much of an impact it has had on my life.

Most authors are averse to calling their books chick-lit; do you think your book falls under that category?
I think it does and it doesn’t – and I don’t have any qualms in calling it that, if it helps people understand what sort of a story they can expect. It does because it explores themes common in chick-lit books – love, men, friendship – and it’s also told in a lighthearted tone. At the same time, it also explores social, cultural and religious issues – something that perhaps the average chick-lit tale doesn’t.

What do you like the most about living in Dubai?
I love living in Dubai, quirks and all! I love the fact that there are mosques on every street corner that all the food is halal, that a woman in abaya and sheila is respected, not looked down on or viewed as oppressed. I love the way that it is so safe that some people don’t even lock their front doors. I love the sun, the sea, the sand, the shopping…. I love the way Dubai is always so unpredictable and exciting. Oh, and the police are lovely as well. Where else in the world can you call 999 and ask for help because you’ve run out of petrol?

by Lavanya Srinivasan