Earnest explanations from diplomats about how difficult it has been for society to adapt to the pace of change here. A defence of the status quo by businessmen on tax-free salaries.

But bring up the d-word in the presence of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and it willl be treated as if a someone has been sick on a palace carpet.

The response, given during a rare question and answer session with Sheikh Mohammed at his palace last week, was handled largely by Mohammed al-Shaibani, his senior adviser.