Originally Posted by 2035
I am Jewish, and live in Israel. I have travelled on Emirates and visited both Dubai and Bahrain (on a UK passport) without any problem at all. If you're orthodox, expect a few customs questions about your phylacteries (tefillin) but nothing untoward. I experience only friendship and iterest there. I felt much more unsafe in Lyon and Cairo.
Regards
PS - If you keep kosher, don't expect a KSML on Emirates - take some sandwiches!
I'm Jewish and live in the USA and travel regularly to the Gulf area. I agree with this assessment. The Gulf countries (I think except Saudia Arabia) generally protect the private right to religious worship (to various degrees). They generally prohibit attempts to convert Muslims to other faiths, but I see no issue with bringing even tefillin or other Jewish items that are intended for your personal use. The customs searches are done by X-raying your bags and are primarily concerned with preventing you from bringing liquor into the countries. I've never seen them even look for anything else.
And I agree that these are safe places by the standards of world cities.
Charles