Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has apologised to viewers.Inadequate research led the show to wrongfully claim that citizens of Dubai were provided free amenities without having to pay any taxes, reported Contactmusic.
The show featured a segment on inspirational women from across the globe, including an interview with Dr Lamees Hamdan from Dubai, who has launched her own successful range of cosmetics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the interview, the audience was told, "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 statement turned out to be false. Although Dubai citizens don't pay income tax, they receive no state help with utilities.
A spokesperson for Harpo, Winfrey's production company, has admitted that they got their facts wrong.
"It was never the intention of the Oprah show to misrepresent the people of Dubai. 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," a statement read.
