Dubai: The Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) has played an integral role in reducing the gap between Emirati and foreign cultures since 1998.
Its role has been so influential in improving cross-cultural understanding that TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, ranked the centre number two of 82 attractions in Dubai.
Speaking to Gulf News, Nasif Kayed, general manager of the non-profit centre that operates under the banner of ‘Open Doors, Open Minds', explained how a few visitors and residents visit the Emirate with preconceived notions about Arab culture.
"The UAE is historically an Arab, Islamic society that is modest and conservative. Hence one must understand that he cannot conduct himself in the same way he does in his home country," said Kayed.
Some people resent Arab culture and this attitude spills over in the way they conduct themselves. The issue that needs to be examined is the perception of freedom, said Kayed: "People come from countries where different acts are tolerated, and when they move here, they think it's okay to behave similarly. You may come from a Western culture where it is okay to curse, but I come from an Asian culture where I don't like being cursed. In this country, you have to respect my right not to be offended either by the way you talk to me or through your body language."
Therefore he said it is important to rectify unfounded notions by learning about the Emirati culture.
"People shouldn't be unintelligent in the way they judge Emiratis. Take the abaya for example. Many are against the idea of such attire. However, once they understand the reason for such a garment, they are shocked and even accepting enough to say, ‘I want to try it'. I have seen a huge difference in mindset when people begin to understand the reasons behind many of our customs. There is beauty in our culture in the way we dress, live and conduct ourselves. They may be things you don't like or admire, but understand the culture before judging."
