Emirati society has traditionally been open to other cultures. Even before the federation was founded in 1971 and before the discovery of oil in the 1960s, ports received sailors and traders from Iran, India and many parts of Africa and Asia.
At the same time, Emirati sailors and traders also travelled to distant parts of Asia and Africa seeking better opportunities.
Through these exchanges they brought with them many things that are considered today as traditional elements of Emirati culture.
Concerned
But today Emiratis are very concerned about their national identity, as the number of foreigners is rising rapidly and nationals are now a minority in their own country.
Khalfan Musabih, cultural adviser at the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation, said: "We are not afraid of others but we are concerned about losing our identity, heritage and language. National identity is to feel you belong to your homeland and to feel zeal toward everything related to it," he said.
Musabih is concerned about the new generation "who feel like they do not belong to this land".
He said Emiratis feel increasingly isolated "because they only make up about 15 per cent of the total population".
He said expatriates who come to the UAE for a short time to earn a living do not have a sense of belonging or necessarily feel loyalty to the country. Arab expatriates who have lived here for a long time, on the other hand, do have a sense of belonging since they share a common culture, he noted.
Musabih said he did not see why expatriates could not observe Emirati culture and adapt to it.
"If this situation were going on in France or elsewhere in Europe, it would be considered offensive," he said.
He continued: "I'm not asking to close the open doors because, personally, the multicultural society allows me to enrich my culture and experiences. I just think expatriates should understand our concerns."
Dr. Ameenah Al Daheri, Associate Professor of mass media at the UAE University, said: "Nationals are concerned about their identity because they are a minority in their homeland."
Although it is hard to find a definition for national identity, she said, "It includes culture, heritage, traditions and loyalty to the UAE."
Elements of Emirati identity that are most under threat are "social values, culture and traditions", she said, recalling the freej (traditional neighbourhood) she grew up in where "everyone knew one other and felt secure".
Today, demographics have changed as nationals have moved out of city centres and have been replaced by expatriates who have a different lifestyle, she added.
Property
"Property investments inside the city now target foreigners, while nationals are moving to the desert where they are offered houses by the government. That is why we don't see Emiratis in some cities".
Another issue Dr. Ameenah worries about is language, which according to her safeguards local culture.
She said economic dev-elopment does not necessarily mean depending less on the national language, citing the example of China as an economic powerhouse that has maintained its language.
Dr Ebrahim Al Marzouqi, a legal consultant and cultural figure in Abu Dhabi, said Emirati culture and the Arabic language will "vanish" as the number of expatriates grows.
The Gulf region, he said, has always been open to foreigners, "but that never threatened national identity".
"Now the number of foreigners is really high and they are the people on the street," he said.
Everyone in society is responsible for this, he said.
"Employers must ensure that employees learn Arabic, strict rules must limit the open immigration policy, and the percentage of foreigners in the country should be decreased to ensure an Arab majority," he suggested.
"This year was declared national identity year but so far nothing has changed in the media, education, and the language spoken on the streets," he said.
"It is our right to observe our culture, heritage and traditions as it's any society's right to hold on to its identity."
Growing population of the UAE
- 1972 - 332,000
- 1975 - 557,887
- 1980 - 1,042,099
- 1985 - 1,379,303
- 1990 - 1,773,000
- 1995 - 2,411,041
- 2000 - 3,247,000
- 2001 - 3,498,000
- 2002 - 3,754,000
- 2003 - 4,041,000
- 2005 - 4,104,695
- 2006 - 4,229,000
- 2007 - 5,122,000
Source: Gulf News archive
Have your say
Do you think that the UAE national identity is being threatened? How far is it being affected by different elements such as demographic imbalance, globalisation and the media? What is the best way to address concerns about national identity? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Your comments
I'm a UAE National and I'm concerned as to why we still don't have a National line of restaurants. We have resto's from all over the globe in the UAE but we don't have one decent resto which serves local food. I believe this is part of the UAE identify and must be implemented soon.
Hana Shamlan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 13:59
As a French citizen I completely agree with the comment that if the same would happen in France, it would be considered as a great offense. I think the government should enforce Arabic, in the school and for newcomers. In Germany all foreigners have to learn German within 2 years, otherwise they are not granted any residence VISA for longer period. It would be a first step into integration. Another step would be to be more careful with residence VISA and give it only to people who "fit" the country.
Eric
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 13:53
The whole world is changing - not just UAE. Consider London or any other sizeable British city - where are the local communities now? It's not all Easterners. Most of UK is now cosmopolitan, and that is where the world is going, and UAE like the rest should adapt gracefully, however painful it may be for a while.
That means allowing long stay expats to become local citizens; not forcing retirement at 60; equal treatment in everything from job opportunities to medical care, and so on. If any GCC citizens have lived in UK for over 30 years (as I have here) and were still unequally treated, he or she would take someone to court and would probably be awarded huge damages.
Respect generates respect.
gidat
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 13:23
That is not wrong on part of the Expatriates who pose threat to UAE Identity. Dubai is as now because of the contribution given by all the expatriates. They are not just earning. They shed their tears and blood for the development of this nation. First you should advice your own national to keep Arab identity on safe mode, because most of the Arabs will answer in Hindi or English if you ask them question in arabic. I experienced it.
Mohamed
kayalpatnam,india
Posted: May 27, 2008, 13:20
The comments from all the readers should be taken as an indication for the government to look into one of the very important means by which it can DEFINATELY preserve the culture - which is of offering citizenship to expats and giving them benefits after they have spent a period of time in the country; given the situation of having a minimal population of 15% of emaratis, who alone cannot change the face of this place. This country needs expats to further strengthen its economy. So give them the benefits and they will surely stay back. And you have the advantage of preserving the culture, heritage, values by adding more members to the group. Its definitely a win situation for the nation!
S.Ashok
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 12:26
I'm a Western woman who happens to be a Muslim and I am appauled by the lack of interest by many people (expats) here (including senior positions in Emirati institutions) towards Arabic language and basic Islamic values. If Westerners or other expats do not wish to learn Arabic or respect the traditions of this land, then go home!
anonymous
Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.
Posted: May 27, 2008, 11:19
If one looks at the various opinions, they all agree to the fact that identity is at risk and it is due to expats not embracing the culture to increase its popularity. The solution is to allow expats to have an identity within the system and be part of the Arab culture thereby increasing its prominence. Alienating foreigners as people, who have come here only to serve, can lead to them preserving their own culture. So accepting them on equal terms as part of the Arab population will encourage them to learn, adapt and accept the identity. An example is a friend of mine who migrated to Australia and now is part of the system he is more Australian than the one born there. It shows how the national identity is preserved by migrants.
AshoK
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 11:17
Loyalty and embracing the culture, tradition and history in UAE is another thing, I do respect them all especially I had so many friends that are locals but to think that you can't become a citizen after serving UAE for so long then you'll be forced to go back to your country of origin and you can't get the Emirati Citizenship, how can you do it? But I really do love UAE but now I'm back in my home town. I salute their leaders.
Brian
Cebu,Philippines
Posted: May 27, 2008, 09:48
Having spent fifteen years away from Dubai, only to return recently, has given me a slightly different perspective probably to those who have lived here continuously. To me Dubai may have gained in many ways, even socialy, but it seems to have lost some of the real interaction that existed previously, both within the expat comunity (which was very much more tightly knit), and with the local comunity. Would you allow me to largely blame American influence for that, or would it be more easily attributed to a different class of foreign residents?
BH
Malaga,Spain
Posted: May 27, 2008, 01:47
Me, my brother and sister have born and brought up in AbuDhabi, I am 30 years old and have seen my dad retiring and finding no job. I am now working and supporting my family. I am an expat but lived all my age in UAE therefore; I love this country as if I am part of it. But now as when time passing I start beleiving that when I will reach age 60 probably I will have to go back to my country, which will be very hard for me to adapt. I think I m good example of the case.
AM
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 00:25
UAE should open citizenship to those who have lived here for certain period and have contributed in building this country. Countries in Europe, USA, and even Singapore have been doing that for years and that?s why they have advanced in all facets of life. How can one who lives in system that treats him or her as a second class individual and forces him or her to renew his or her residense visa every 3 years become loyal to that very system?
Abdulrahman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 27, 2008, 00:06
Dubai is an Islamic country; people from the entire world live here free without any bounds on them. But when there is a question of getting concerned about national identity, I would like to suggest that government should force companies to let their employees to learn Arabic so that Arabic becomes a common speaken language and everyone speaks as Arabs speaks it.
People, who are staying here for a longer time (whatever UAE government decides) should be able to become citizen of UAE.there should be some cultural activities conducted every month or in a period to encourage UAE heritage and culture.i hope this will make people loves UAE culture and they will become loyal to this country.
Naresh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 15:30
Musabih said "If this situation were going on in France or elsewhere in Europe, it would be considered offensive," with all due respect, talking about Europe and other western countries an Expat will be a citizen of that country within 5 years of living and working in that country, however in UAE you live as an expat, you die as expat no matter if you lived 30 years, an expat never feels at home, he know he is a guest no matter how loyal/honest hard working law abiding resident he maybe he is still an expat with no/very little rights as compare to Emarati.
Anonymous
asdasd,asdasda
Posted: May 26, 2008, 15:19
The Article skipped one important issue. Why the expatriates adapt the UAE culture when they are not given any oppotunity to do so. Does the UAE open doors for citizenship NO. Does the UAE provide permanent residence NO. The expat community is as isolated as the Emiratis. We can not even wear the UAE dress. Emiratis see other cultures as more colourful than their own.
Aamir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 15:18
All of the concerns are warranted. Emiratis as Muslims and as Arabs should be the majority in their own country. To see the consequences of letting foreign morals and way of thought dominate is a clear disrepect to the culture and way of life of this region. A good start would make Arabic standard throughout in all arenas. Hopefully the current imbalance will be rectified, but then again, there are some elements who very dearly wish to do away with Emirati Islamic Arab heritage. This is indeed unfortunate.
shairoz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 15:03
i think UAE should offer CITIZENSHIP atleast to people who are living in UAE for more than 25 years and are living as per UAE tradition
Huda
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 14:57
I'm a Palestinian expat, born in the UAE, educated in its public schools, treated in its public hospitals, speak the Emarati dialect and would give my life to defend this country. So why not give the thousands of Arabs who have lived her more than 20 years the UAE citizenship and restore the balance. Of course we would have to prove out loyalty to UAE by serving in the Army and living the Arab/Islamic culture of the UAE and more.
Mohamed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 14:46
I think emirates should implement a rule that all schools should have Arabic language and traditional classes for all the students whether the pupil is a foreigner or an local, this will hold the tradition, at least the coming generation who will raise will know the traditional values
mohammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 14:03
Comparing with France or other EU it is absolutely meaningless. Someone who is born or brought up in these countries gets the nationality and try to adopt to the culture (EU). In UAE (including Middle East) once you attain the age of 60/65, you have to go back irrespective of number of years you served. My father lived here for 30 years and he had to go back. How one can develop emotional feelings with this substance in mind? Therefore, everyone treats Middle East as a place to earn and move forward and why not it's all about give and take. People earn because they work and they have skills which the country needs.
Omer
London,UK
Posted: May 26, 2008, 13:41
I think the UAE national identity is not being threatened by the growing number of expatriates. I also disagree with the comments of the Honorable Mr. Khalfan Musabih that "expatriates who come to the UAE for a short time to earn a living do not have a sense of belonging or necessarily feel loyalty to the country". I think being a non-Arab expat, I love the UAE as much as my own country; its unique culture, its amazingly kind-hearted, gentle, local people who can be distinguished from their soft and polite nature, and by their good mannerisms, which they show to expats, which is a unique feature I observe in the UAE only. I think nobody can take the UAE identity as there is not a single flaw in their culture or gap which may be filled by any other expat's tradition.
Farhan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 13:01
Nicely written article, and one with which I sympathise with all the Emiratis. However, why should expatriates embrace "Emirati culture and adapt to it" when, no matter how long you live here, contributing to the UAE's growth, you do not become recognised as an Emirati? Most, if not all, countries in the world, after living there for a defined period of time, you become nationalised and therefore feel a part of it. Something to think about.
SC
AUH,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:56
The Emiratis have every right to voice their concerns! The way this city is developed and 'sold-out' to foreigners, very soon the local population will become powerless.
Hanif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:48
Yes, I do believe that national identity is threatened in the UAE. One profound way can be seen in the legal system. If the UAE utilizes a jury pool system, who would make up the jury in this system? Would it be newly naturalised citizens, along with native-born Emirates? This would obviously create cultural/religious issues. For example, in Malaysia, which is predominantly a Muslim nation, Muslims in the legal system can request to be judged under Muslim law.
David
Los Angeles,USA
Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:43
It is essential to maintain and uphold national identity. Expatriates must learn the language and observe the local culture. This is what we all follow when we go to other countries, so why not in the UAE. People should be encouraged to speak Arabic and wear local dress in offices.
Shan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:35
It's great to see a local voice expressing the importance of heritage and traditions. It is said that the suicide of the West came about because these important habits were lost in the greed of the consumer. If the UAE can maintain its roots in a country that is asking for global consultancy, the wealth of it as a country will speak for itself. As we know wealth is wisdom and wisdom is history! I am a working expat here in Dubai and know for sure that I am a visitor who will therefore respect the country and its locals.
Mary
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:13
Indeed, Emiratis are losing their identity. The government and all responsible entities should look deeply into this issue. I think businessmen have a great role in causing this; they are the ones who are building projects to attract and bring in more expatriates. I'm an Emirati but I don't feel that I belong here when I'm out on the streets or shopping because all the people who surround me are foreigners.
Munira
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 11:52
The difference between other countries and the Arab countries, with regards to expats, is that with anywhere else in the world, if you spend a decent time there, you stand a chance of becoming a citizen of that country. Since we do not have that option here, every expat comes here to earn a few bucks and leave asap. They have little time to adapt to the local culture.
Fazly
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 11:51
Loyalty goes both ways, one of the main reasons why expats will not adopt the local culture and show loyalty is because, irrespective of how many decades they have lived here, they are constantly reminded that they are only here temporarily. When the country shows loyalty to these people, they will surely have more incentive to show loyalty to the country and culture. The example of France is a perfect one in this case as well.
s
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 26, 2008, 11:51
