UAE | General
City of trust and tolerance
Dubai's first social survey finds city helps foster community well-being.
- By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:25 January 25, 2009
- Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
- Shoppers in a mall in Dubai. A survey has just revealed that the majority of Dubai residents feel they enjoy religious and cultural freedom.
Dubai: The majority of Dubai residents find the city a very tolerant and safe place, according to the first social survey conducted by the Dubai government, which was released on Sunday.
About 75 per cent of Dubai's residents, including Emiratis, have a high level of tolerance and trust towards various cultures and nationalities in the emirate, according to the findings of what is considered the largest social snapshot of the attitudes of various communities living in the city.
The Community Development Authority (CDA), which aims to introduce an approach to social development that encompasses socio-cultural and religious sensitivities and fosters national identity and community wellbeing, conducted the Dubai First Social Study to evaluate the social needs and lifestyle of Dubai's citizens as well as expatriate residents.
The study, which concluded in 2008, surveyed members of 2,561 households from different nationalities - Emiratis, Arabs, Asians and Westerners - on social attitudes and lifestyle.
More than 85 per cent of those surveyed said they experience a high level of freedom to practice their own religions and more than 90 per cent feel that Dubai is a safe place, according to the findings. The majority of those surveyed felt that Islamic and Arabic cultures are preserved and respected in the emirate.
There are 1.5 million residents in Dubai out of which 1.1 million are males, according to the 2007 Dubai government census.
The study will be the platform for the CDA's strategic plan 2009-11, according to Dr Mariam Mattar, Director General at CDA.
"This social study formed an integral part of our efforts to establish the extent of social needs in Dubai, in particular those related to enhancing the national identity, social coherence, protection, inclusion and empowerment.
The study also delivered a reference point for the current state of the social sector in Dubai which will enable us to evaluate the success of the future CDA programmes and projects," said Dr Mariam.
The authority has set up a separate department to encourage volunteerism in the community as the survey revealed a low level of participation across different nationalities in charitable activities.
Only 15 per cent of those surveyed took part in charity activities, according to the findings.
Do you agree with the survey results? What are your experiences in the UAE regarding social matters? What other surveys do you think should be conducted in the UAE?
Your comments
I am a Zimbabwen and have being to Dubai three times . I have stayed for a full month on every visit. On every visit I have enjoyed my stay;it felt liek home, and I even told my friends that UAE is the place to go.
Henry Nyakudya .
Harare,Zimbabwe
Posted: January 26, 2009, 12:56
I agree with Naina. UAE, especially Dubai is the best place where you can work for so many reasons , but the most important reason is that when you work here you will feel comfortable.
Maher
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 12:37
I came to the UAE three years ago. Initially, when I came I had doubts about being able to adjust to a new place. However, soon I felt welcomed and accepted by the people here. Each person has the freedom to follow his or her religion and culture. It feels good to see the Islamic and Arabic cultures so well preserved. Work atmosphere is also much better compared to other countries. There is a 'live and let live' attitude. No person is treated like a second citizen. This shows the patience and tolerance of the place. While certain places in the world are terror struck, we live here in peace. UAE is like a home away from home.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 10:23
This is very true, I think Dubai is a city that really cares and it is the city of trust and tolerance where women are really and truely respected. Women can live without fear.
Abdul
Mangalore,India
Posted: January 26, 2009, 10:03
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