Oprah apologises for remark on life in Dubai

Dubai: Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has apologised for providing incorrect information on life in Dubai.

The show caused a controversy after a segment on inspirational women from around the world included Dr Lamees Hamdan from Dubai who said: “Thanks to this country’s (UAE.’s) rich oil supplies, the government provides its citizens with free water, electricity and health care. The best part? No income tax!”

The details provided on Dubai turned to be incorrect. Although citizens in Dubai do not have to pay income tax, basic utilities do not come free.

Many people took to internet forums in the UAE to criticise Dr Lamees for her point of view, not only on utility bills but also the wearing of the shayla, which she described as ‘cultural’.

A representative for Oprah’s production company Harpo, has apologised for the mistake.

“It was never the intention of the Oprah show to misrepresent the people of Dubai,” the company said in a statement. It added: “Dr. Hamdan appeared live on our programme to speak about her personal life experience as a citizen of Dubai. We apologise if any of our viewers were offended.”