EVA  MENDES spent the weekend in Abu Dhabi after flying in to attend the closing ceremony of the Middle Eastern Film Festival.

It was the first time in the region for the actress and she admitted her misconceptions about the UAE, almost saw her suffering from a wardrobe malfunction.

She told The Naitonal: ""I admit, I didn't know if I could dress normally here or how strict it would be."

But the actress said, upon arriving in the country all her pre-conceptions disappeared.

She said: "I've been very curious about this part of the world for a long time now. I've just been in New York so it seemed like a good time to come and see this part of the world and support cinema."

"A lot of Americans think it's not safe for some reason. I have felt so welcomed and nothing but warmth since I landed.

"I will let people know these are beautiful people and it is completely safe. These people want us to come."