Does Islamic Law apply to foreigners in Dubai (UAE)?

I have a friend who was born in Europe (Austria) who recently accepted a job in Dubai. All contract negotiations were made whilst he was still residing in Austria (interviews were done over the phone). He signed the contract and mailed it to the company which promptly responded with a one-way plane ticket. The company is paying for accommodation and is also providing food vouchers. He receives a salary.
My friend was told that his girlfriend (also Austrian) would be able to visit whenever she liked. He was specifically told that she would be able to reside at the same place of residence.
Two months into the job he has just found out that in fact what was said to him over the phone (that his girlfriend can stay with him) is prohibited under local Muslim law and that if she wanted to come and stay he would have to pay for her Hotel accommodation.
Does Muslim law apply to foreigners? What will happen if she stays with him anyway..? Will they go to jail? What legal rights do they have..?
I have found the following link from the Dubai US Consulate website:

http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/dubai/The_UAE_Court_System.html

This page states: “Sharia or Islamic courts work alongside the civil and criminal courts in the UAE. The Sharia court is the Islamic court in the UAE and is primarily responsible for civil matters between Muslims. Non-Muslims will not appear before a Sharia court in any matter.”

Does that not clearly state that the laws upheld in Sharia (Islamic Courts) does not apply to foreigners? “Non-Muslims will not appear before a Sharia court in any matter” – that’s pretty clear is it not?

So if the Sharia court does not apply, would the matter be brought in front of the Civil Court or even the Criminal Court…? Or what?

Would be interested to hear from any laywers qualified to voice their “best after-hours opinion” in this matter. Would very much appreciate it as the US Consulate page seems to be very clear, yet others here are disagreeing…?

I would like to ask why this regina royal hotel , they are a lot of hiring job in canada ? its true?

i have a friend told me he is selected as store keeper , Ms.micheline White she send offer letter to my friend indicated the salary , hour of work and benefit.. he waiting the invitation coming from regina royal hotel and the agency coming from dubai…i search all this things from google and i find scam.. my friend he not believe me… what will i do?? please advice me..thanks

Visiting the Middle East, Northern Africa? Tips, does and don’ts, economy, places to visit?

I have for a very long time always been interested in visiting the Middle East and/or Northern Africa. I love certain things about the culture (not all), the architecture that characterizes arab countries, art, designs, landscape of those areas. I exclude completely from my list visiting countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran because of the obvious dangers and warfare involved. However, I really want to go to places like Israel, Saudi Arabia and Dubai which are in the top of my list. Saudi Arabia seems very interesting -however- I don’t get my hopes up because I know getting a visa is almost impossible. Dubai just seems like paradise, however I am a University student with a very low paying side part time job, and because it is such a rich country I’m sure I would need to go with LOADS of cash to survive even a week. Israel seems more viable, I would LOVE to go to the Biblical sites and other places.

Countries like Tunisia, Libya and Egypt also grab my attention but not as much.

What would be some tips regarding visiting the Middle East? What I mean by tips is what are cultural differences of things I CANNOT DO over there that might be regarded as normal in Western Countries? Or if public transportation is safe? Of what sites are good to visit? The dangers of the countries? Priceings on hotels. Etc.

Because I live in Latin America, salaries aren’t really good. So since I’m a university student I am working a side part time job which doesn’t make me much cash. I could although save up $1,500 in one year if I REALLY try and have as a goal planning a trip.

Realistically speaking, how many days can $1500 hold me for? If I try to use affordable transportation, affordable hotels, tourist sites, etc. I realize that is not a lot of money but please just understand my situation. Honestly, I think even if I could go for 3 days I’d be so amazed.

Btw, the $1500 DOESN’T include the ticket, the ticket I don’t have to worry about since my father is an airline pilot and gets discounts and he would pay for it.

THANKS
Thank you all for your great answers!

As for nationalities for the visas. Because of my diverse ethnic background I have 3 nationalities/passports. Costa Rica, USA, Switzerland,

I’m thinking Costa Rica would be the best one as it is a neutral country with no millitary and I’m guessing that is a possitive thing in the middle east.