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UAE Bans Bad Economic Reporting

this is really getting cute. instead of opening up their press as the country progresses, they decided to ban all negative press reporting that might destroy their market:

Instead of moving toward greater transparency, the emirates seem to be moving in the other direction. A new draft media law would make it a crime to damage the countrys reputation or economy, punishable by fines of up to 1 million dirhams (about $272,000). Some say it is already having a chilling effect on reporting about the crisis.Last month, local newspapers reported that Dubai was canceling 1,500 work visas every day, citing unnamed government officials. Asked about the number, Humaid bin Dimas, a spokesman for Dubais Labor Ministry, said he would not confirm or deny it and refused to comment further. Some say the true figure is much higher.

At the moment there is a readiness to believe the worst, said Simon Williams, HSBC banks chief economist in Dubai. And the limits on data make it difficult to counter the rumors.

Kyith

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