This is the GCC method of reform: UAE by way of example

Saudi Arabia has started this trend and now the UAE follows suit. So Saudi Arabia gets criticized (albeit mildly in the West) for its promotion of hatred and bigotry and exclusivism so instead of doing something about it, they launch a multi-million dollar fancy center for dialogue among religions.  Everybody knows it is an empty gesture but the fact that Israelis are invited impresses the hell out of Westerners. Of course, things remain the same in the kingdom of horrors.  UAE gets criticized (very mildly) for its repression and oppression, so instead of doing something about it, they launch yet another center on "human right" to correct the "misperception" about the Middle East (i.e., a propaganda center to defend human rights violations of GCC countries).