The Real Housewives of Dubai Recap: Say Yes to the Dress

As a seasoned observer of reality television, I must say that this latest installment of the Housewives franchise has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride – albeit one with more ups than downs!


In my childhood, my mother taught me essential etiquettes which I still follow today. These include common courtesies such as bringing a small gift when visiting someone’s home, expressing gratitude after being hosted, and removing shoes before entering a house. However, there is one rule, although simple, that often faces opposition in social settings: treating others with kindness. I have witnessed numerous group outings disintegrate due to minor offenses being perceived as major disrespect, resulting in awkward returns and silent departures from the group or digital platforms that initially connected us.

As I tuned into this week’s episode of The Real Housewives of Dubai, I found myself reflecting on the scene where Stanbury, Brooks, and Taleen caused a stir over respecting Lesa Milan’s wish to wear traditional Balinese attire for dinner. On one hand, it’s clear that no one wants to feel uncomfortable or ill-fitted on camera. However, I believe that accommodating the host for a few hours is hardly an insurmountable task, especially considering the outfits they usually wear on the show aren’t exactly demure. Admittedly, the amount of illusion mesh and rayon might have been excessive for my personal taste, but I still would have put up with it and at least informed the group that I was opting out, so they wouldn’t be left waiting for me to arrive for dinner. Their behavior struck me as childish, and their explanations seemed odd. Brooks claimed it was sabotage because she received mustard yellow, but many of the women wear some shade of mustard in their gowns. Taleen complained about the lack of buttons? If Brooks had been present when Lesa placed the dress requests in the sprinter, why wouldn’t she have voiced her preference then? To me, all these actions appeared immature.

In a rather immature display of behavior, the trio’s decision to leave the dinner provided them an opportunity to reconcile – a bond forged in such trivial disagreements can be incredibly strong. Their playful interactions give us an understanding as to why these three women are at odds. Stanbury persists in asserting that Ayan is angry with her without cause, and seems reluctant to accept any blame. It’s understandable that Ayan feels mortified by how this situation spiraled out of control. Given the circumstances, she seems to be using Stanbury as an outlet for her embarrassment. However, it’s worth noting that Stanbury was the one attempting to stage a spectacle at that dinner, and it’s unreasonable for her to expect others not to be irritated by this. Even in the past, Ayan appeared reluctant to cause a scene. I believe the core problem isn’t so much about the voice note but rather Stanbury recognizing Lesa’s possessiveness towards her relationship with Ayan and using it to create tension for her own gain, which could ultimately lead to their downfall.

Brooks, on the one hand, piques my interest as intensely as she instills fear within me. In a relaxed setting, she casually calls those she disagrees with “opps,” reminiscent of a young rap artist or a teenager managing a stan account on the old Twitter platform. This is certainly not the way a mature adult would discuss disputes. Taleen further demonstrates her lack of loyalty. During their threesome, she spoke of a major game, but as soon as the ladies returned from dinner to confront them, she was quick to apologize for their inappropriate behavior. Her inconsistency is likely why she keeps getting caught up in arguments with this group; it would serve her better to establish her stance and stick to it, whether right or wrong.

On their last day, the group separates once more, as a bigger portion opts for ATV rides, while Stanbury and Ayan embark on a journey to experience the popular “Bali swing.” The girls on ATVs encounter some unexpected bovine pursuers, but Ayan and Stanbury endeavor to resolve their predicament. Ayan recalls Lesa’s repeated warnings against trusting Stanbury, who had spoken negatively of her throughout the initial season, and Caroline’s actions that evening not only confirmed Lesa’s suspicion but also jeopardized their relationship. This allowed Stanbury an opportunity for amusement at Lesa’s expense. Despite Stanbury’s continued denial, she aimed to humiliate Sara during dinner in a misguided attempt to end her friendship with Brooks – a notion of humor that we seem to find in different comedy genres. Their discussion ultimately becomes repetitive and unproductive, although she eventually offers an apology.

What’s intriguing to observe is how the group’s palm reading unfolds during their final night in the suite. The Housewives are known for their turbulent history with spiritual charlatans and trendy enlightenment scams – I might just have to initiate a change.org campaign against NBC Universal if we’re subjected to another sound bath! However, there have been exceptions. For instance, the Atlanta housewives’ journey to South Africa and Kyle Richard’s medium reading are still talked about as genuine spiritual experiences. It’s a bit early to say, but I’m hopeful that this event could join that list of authentic spiritual encounters.

As a longtime observer and follower of reality TV shows, I must say that I have my suspicions about what lies ahead for this season’s cast members. Based on my years of watching and analyzing the dynamics of these shows, I can make some educated guesses about each individual’s storyline.

In summary, our voyage turned out to be mostly fruitful, despite my confusion over the finale’s editing that suggests a series end. The journey was filled with excitement due to ample conflicts, and there were more positive moments than negative ones. There was glamour galore, a charming setting, and an abundance of content to set the stage for the rest of the season – from Lesa and Ayan’s falling out, Caroline Stanbury and Sergio’s baby tale, and Nina’s unexpected comeback with an astonishing story. Catch you all next time!

Golden Nuggets

Admittedly intrigued, it seems Akin is trying to manage Sara’s professional engagements, particularly her paid podcast appearances from Germany. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about the situation, but I find myself wondering: who among the athletic elite was so captivated as to offer her a whopping $45,000 USD for what appears to be little more than a dynamic PowerPoint presentation?

As a fervent admirer, it’s no shock that imported dildos and adult toys might not pass through Dubai customs without a hitch. Yet, my curiosity is piqued by a potential web series centered around the Emirati Transportation Security Administration and their daily encounters with items deemed ‘inappropriate,’ ultimately discarded in the name of morality. What fascinating tales those must be!

I must say, it was truly delightful to see Taleen and Brooks imitate Stanbury’s unique gestures, posh acting style, and all. Bravo!

Based on my years of observation and interaction with people, I must admit that the debate surrounding Ayan’s age doesn’t strike me as particularly captivating, but it does provide a fascinating glimpse into her background. However, from my perspective, she seems to be more in her early 40s than her mid-50s. Given my experience, an eight-year discrepancy between the age on her birth certificate and my estimation could easily be bridged by simply asking her about significant events that took place during specific years.

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2024-08-14 05:54