Speaker's Corner: February 17, 2008

From us to you: Beyond the 'S' factor

Dubai is mostly advertised as the city where you can enjoy the sun, sea, sand, security, sports and shopping. Those who seek any of the five or so conditions will find their heaven in Dubai. But this often mistaken perception is not all there is to this city. This description might pertain to a number of people, but certainly not to all residents.

When I first came to Dubai, on an invitation to attend a conference on education, the city struck me as "too shiny to be true," but nonetheless a good place to learn something new, make friends and have a good time. Months later I revisited the city and the extravagant charm gradually started to dissolve. Underneath the sky-high buildings, mighty malls, striking superstructures and flawless palms and 'cities', over a million expatriates strive to make something out of their lives everyday.

Whether it is to find a job, to escape backbreaking taxes, poverty or political unrest in our countries, we all somehow end up in Dubai. It is a choice that we make. We go through the same chronology in the process of moving into the city: securing a job, finding a house and figuring out the means of transportation and living. Before the week is over, we plan to go out to the best places for relaxing and entertainment.

Throughout our stay, we interact with individuals from all over the world. Whether at the workplace, hangouts or in public areas, we often meet people from different cultures, backgrounds and mentality. What is more important here than simply connecting with others is acceptance and understanding of diversity. We repeatedly dismiss this opportunity to learn from others' experiences, knowledge and suffering. By doing this, we turn a deaf ear to many agonised voices that are left unheard amidst the clamour and haste of the bustling city. At the same time, we might be depriving ourselves from a potentially enriching experience. Instead, we should try to embrace differences and benefit from our stay here, among various cultures, religions and nationalities.

Indeed, in many ways Dubai is truly unique and impressive. The city might have all the "S" factors combined, added to stability, sheehah and souqs for people to roam around and enjoy. But the kind of human experience it provides its residents with, all its residents with no exception, is equally important, and definitely not a factor to miss.
Maysam Ali
Notes Reporter
education@gulfnews.com

Matter of fact

Notes erroneously published the following:

The picture caption identifying the subject as "Abdullah Ebrahim Al Daboos, President of Emirates Post" in the Page 5 report, "Delivering dreams", Notes, February 10. It should have read: "Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Emirates Nationals Development Programme, Chairman of Emirates-NBD, Chairman of Commercial Bank of Dubai and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Aluminum."

We apologise for the error and any inconvenience it might have caused.

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