Changing identity for Turkish women in UAE

Abu Dhabi: A decade ago Turkish women used to accompany their husbands to the UAE to live as housewives, but now the trend is just opposite, said a Turkish resident in Abu Dhabi.

"Now, many Turkish men are accompanying their professional wives to the UAE. If the wife gets a job offer from here, husband accompanies her to find a job for himself later," said Yonca Tokbas, a sales executive in Dubai.

Tokbas and her compatriots spoke to Gulf News about their community in the UAE on the sidelines of a reception hosted by Turkish Embassy in Abu Dhabi as part of its national day celebrations.

Tokbas said mainly professional Turkish couples are migrating to the UAE so the number of 'so called' housewives in the community have come down.

It is not due to the changing profile of Turkish women but the changing profile of women in the UAE, she added. "The status and opportunities of women in the UAE have improved considerably and Turkish women are utilising that opportunity," said Tokbas.

National day party

Hundreds of Turkish expatriates gathered in Dubai this week to celebrate their country's national day.

The event, held at the city's Grand Hyatt hotel, marked the 85th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

Guests at the event included the UAE Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami.

With input from Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter