UAE | General
UAE society needs to stand as a central culture
State doesn't need to merge expats' cultures into its own - sociologist.
- Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:02 May 26, 2008
-
The debate on national identity
The debate on UAE national identity
-
Key elements: The challenge and the solutions
Key elements: The challenge and the solutions
-
Is national identity being threatened?
UAE society is facing a challenging situation with regard to national identity
Gulf News reporter Fatma Salem spoke to sociologist and president of Ousha Bint Hussain Cultural Centre Dr Moza Gobash, about the definition of identity and the importance of defining the Emirati national identity in the UAE today.
Why is there a need to define national identity?
The issue of the Emirati identity needs to be addressed within a broad framework. Rethinking the question 'who are we?' can save us from falling into racism, fanaticism or self - praise. The challenges facing the UAE, as a country and culture demand a clear definition for its identity. Defining the UAE identity as a set of values related to aspects of development, social welfare and economic prosperity is no longer acceptable, as these values as a whole are global in their nature and exist in different countries.
What are some of the characteristics of the UAE identity?
The UAE identity is deeply rooted and is as old as the Islamic civilisation. Some of its components are truth, sincerity, and ethics, all of which are strongly present in Emirati children. Our identity rests on basic feelings such as love of the UAE as a country, its way of life and its establishments. We are also proud of our country, and feel responsible for its well-being and safety.
How should we go about defining the UAE's national identity?
The identity we need must be open minded, dynamic and one that accepts and accommodates the other. Therefore, it is essential that we give a definition to the concept of identity with that broader perspective in mind.
Psychological characteristics that distinguish an Emirati's personality is one of the elements of identity that help those residing in the country understand the political, cultural, historic, social and religious characteristics of the UAE and help them interact with them appropriately. The Emirati identity should not be seen as a licence by its holders to take advantage of opportunities and resources, without giving something in return.
What role does national identity play in the context of the UAE's unique demography?
The UAE's identity is subject to the danger of extermination by other identities because of the diversity of nationalities in the country. This drives us to stand together to face this challenge, as the Emirati identity has to be dominantly present through laws and regulations so that others accommodate living in its presence. The UAE does not need to merge expatriates' cultures into its own, as cultural dominance is negative. Instead, the UAE society needs to stand as a central or dominant culture.
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
Share this article
Related Articles
More from UAE General
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Kuwaiti Emir invites Khalifa to Arab summit
- UAE Haj pilgrims safe and well: official
- Briton loses libel case against newspaper
- Activities lined up for Eid holidays in Dubai parks
- Malaysian woman jailed for forging cards
- Schools mark National Day with shows
- Munching on a health hazard
- Wag a tail
- SAT wiz: Top of the class
- Sharjah housemaid packed off
- Managing diabetes: Reason to smile
- Tenants in trouble: 'Mercy please'
- The Metro just got longer
- New video game: Apocalypse now
- Big 5 picks: Worth your money
Community Reports
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
