Hey, a place where women are dressed in burqas, have to be escorted, have a separate section in the bus and the metro is not considered liberal. Free trade != liberalism
A few women wear the niqab, and quite a few more dress in low-cut tops without drawing a second glance.
There is a women-only 1/2 car on a long metro, ie men are prohibited, but women can use any car they want.
Women don't have to be escorted and can drive alone without a second glance.
Alcohol is widely available in hotel bars and liquor stores, although you have to show a liquor license indicating you're not Muslim in the liquor stores.
So yes, for whatever faults, it is the most socially liberal place in the region.
