Fan wishes Elton married Ricky Martin

Dubai: For the rest of Dubai Elton John's wedding is a minor event. But for one shadowy and little-understood minority of Dubaians, it is a very special day.

That said, Elton John fans are far from united about the marriage. "I think he should have married Ricky Martin," said Mike, a fitness professional. On the other hand, Steve, an accountant, says that Elton John is "an old minger" and has done quite well.

Among the glitterati attendees was the singer George Michael, who plans to civil partnership with his own long-term partner, Kenny Goss, in June.

"I'd think for sheer kitsch, Elton John's wedding will beat George Michael's," said Tania, a PR executive.

"I would expect this to be Liza Minelli-standard. Elton could have a white wedding, because this is the first time he's married a man, but I don't think he should feel constrained in his dress."

Tania also expects Elton John's many fans to accept the unconventional sex of the happy couple. "I can't imagine if you are an Elton John fan, you'd be unaware of his idiosyncracies," she says.

"I have no problem with anyone marrying anyone," says Dave, a Dubai-based life coach.

"I think he's a great performer and there are a lot of people who are more open because of him not that he could have dressed up the way he did and kept his sexuality secret. The quicker people come to terms with who they are, the quicker they can be happier in their lives."

"The expat community tends to be a bit more reactionary than the UK," said British expat Alistair. "But I think, like me, no one really gives a stuff about the wedding or his music, for that matter."

Even among those who disapprove of Elton John's lifestyle, he has well-wishers.

"In our culture this is totally, totally, over 100 per cent forbidden," said UAE national Ali. "But I have no problem at all with what anyone does in their own country. It's up to him. It's his life."

Still, some see the gay couple's prospects as bleak. Adrian, a petroleum executive, said, "They look happy now but a few years down the line the problems will start," he said. "Why should marriage be different just because they are both blokes?"