The UAE today faces challenging questions when it comes to where its national identity stands. It is not an exaggeration to state that the concerns are of grave significance and that the UAE as a society stands at the crossroads as far as its future demographic makeup is concerned. The question of the hour for every Emirati is not only limited to the characteristics of national identity, but more so of the extent of its possible dilution in the future.
For many years, Emirati society has been discussing the threats facing the national identity. This is a debate that stretches back to the time when the national population started witnessing a decrease in ratio as a result of the influx of an expatriate population. But it has never been covered taking into context all the various opinions until this year. The two-day conference on National Identity in Abu Dhabi is the first platform where Emiratis debate the issue openly, transparently and directly. This was evident with the wide range of views aired at the gathering.
But in order to understand the apprehensions of Emiratis, the issue should be looked at within the right context. The ground reality in the country is a reflection of why Emiratis are very much concerned with discussing the dangers facing their national identity. For one thing, an expatriate community massively outnumbers the national population since Emirates constitute a mere 15-20 per cent of the population.
In addition, one of the cornerstones for the formation of the national identity - that is the Arabic language - has been witnessing erosion that has harshly reduced its use in the face of other foreign languages. The status quo in the country is truly unprecedented. Shouldn't Emiratis therefore be alarmed about the fate of their national identity and that of the country's future generations?
The current debate is a positive inward examination as it engages for the first time, government and senior public officials, intellectuals, and other voices. It is also an opportunity to revisit the development process in the country.
But in discussing the crisis facing the national identity, the debate should not drift into the trap of isolationist, racist or chauvinistic enclaves. The true challenge is how to take this debate forward, keeping in mind that the UAE should continue to be open to the world, yet at the same time reserves its right to protecting its national identity.
