From highly skilled economists to business tycoons, all use the word ‘globalisation’ in a range of different contexts. Yet, the cultural front of globalisation seems to be scarcely debated. However the role of globalisation in the preservation of culture is quite significant. For example, as a member of the Indian diaspora, I feel proud to see my country’s ethos being depicted flamboyantly in UAE.
Last week, my father’s office, celebrated the Day of Tolerance as ‘International Dress Day’. Each employee was to adorn his native attire and present himself/herself at the office.
In the same week, at our school, we celebrated Ethnic Day. Students were supposed to attend school in their respective native outfits. Students arrived with a sense of variety and uniqueness, yet, a sense of oneness and togetherness. If this is not globalisation, then I am in serious need of redefining my concepts. If the diaspora of all countries were enabled to exhibit their ethnicity and tradition in a united manner, then globalisation seems to provide a platform to preserve one’s ethnic culture.
I am not only talking about the dressing part of it. Many Indian and English films are being shot in the UAE these days. You can see Arabs thronging to watch Hindi films on the opening day itself. This is perhaps why Bollywood Parks was opened here. Music, language, art, tradition and style of living, all are important elements of the foreign cultures visible here in the UAE.
Dubai’s famous Global Village, is another suitable example. Globalisation has helped in the preservation of culture here in the UAE because we are being given sufficient freedom and support from the great Rulers of this country to preserve culture. The UAE has become a globalised country.
- The reader is a student based in Abu Dhabi
