麻豆社

A special essay from Matthew Teller explores the status of non-Muslim faiths in the UAE. Many of the Gulf states are known for hard-line prohibition of the symbols and rites of religions other than Islam. But in Dubai, with its huge and globalised population of migrant workers from around the world, things are rather different. While proselytising and public displays of Christianity are banned, the city is home to many churches and temples - from Sikh gurdwaras to Catholic, Protestant and Coptic cathedrals. And some of the congregants there believe there's more religious freedom in the UAE than they enjoy in their home countries.

Photo: Exterior of a Greek Orthodox church in Dubai.