47% of readers do not want Jackson in UAE

You could never accuse Michael Jackson of being dull.

From his Neverland ranch to his child abuse trial, from his spending habits to recent reports that he has been spotted in Dubai wearing women's clothes, everything about him is larger-than-life.

Indeed, "Wacko Jacko" is now better known for his bizarre habits than he is for his musical talents, which seem to have waned over the years.

Jackson's offbeat personality seems to be a turn-off for many UAE residents since in a Gulf News online poll yesterday 47.4 per cent said they didn't want him moving to the country.

A mere 34.3 per cent would like him to set up home here while 18.3 per cent did not care either way.

Briton Ruth Burrows, who runs an art and design gallery, spoke for many when she said simply: "He's a weirdo. I don't like him."

Jackson was first seen in Dubai at the end of August when he enjoyed a meal at the Hard Rock Café and visited the offices of developer Nakheel. He went for a trip to see The World and The Palm projects and this sparked speculation he was looking to buy a place here.

More recently, Jackson was reportedly in Ibn Battuta shopping mall - wearing an abaya and a traditional woman's headscarf.

If these visits signal that Jackson is thinking of moving to Dubai - or has moved here already - there are some who would welcome him, despite the poll findings.

Monika Cabaj, 21, from Germany, said: "He's a star and I don't believe the accusations against him."