UAE | Government
Candidate vows to boost Emirati-expat interaction
An academic and female candidate in the upcoming Federal National Council elections said she would encourage an exchange of ideas and cultures between Emirati and expatriate families in the UAE if elected.
- By Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:35 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
- "Our children [interact] with so many different nationalities. This gives rise to the need for a better understanding between the cultures."Dr Meshgan Al Awar Director, Research and Studies Centre at Dubai Police Academy and candidate for FNC elections
Dubai: An academic and female candidate in the upcoming Federal National Council elections said she would encourage an exchange of ideas and cultures between Emirati and expatriate families in the UAE if elected.
Dr Meshgan Al Awar, the director of the Research and Studies Centre at Dubai Police Academy, is focusing on social values through her role as a mother and working woman during her election campaign. At a press conference held yesterday, she said there was a need to enhance the cultural understanding between Emiratis and expatriate communities in the UAE.
Suggesting an "open hearts and open minds" policy, Dr Meshgan said that she would propose legislation that would encourage a cultural exchange between the communities. According to her, such a policy would also help maintain the Emirati identity.
"Our children [interact] with so many different nationalities. This gives rise to the need for a better understanding between cultures," she said.
Dr Meshgan also highlighted the role of the Arabic language in shaping the Emirati identity at a time when English grows in prominence in academic and social circles, citing her own children as an example of those 'who are able to speak English but have not forgotten their language'.
Dr Meshgan's poll platform is built on a three-point plan of making the Emirati family, Emirati leaders and the FNC effective. According to her, the FNC could be empowered through constitutional reforms.
"There is a widespread perception that our legislative process requires reform to give it inner strength," reads her press release.
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
