Dubai - Article on lack of integration between differing nationalities

[N.O.R.F]

Stirring the melting pot

By Manal Alafrangi, Staff Writer

 

It has often been pointed out that Dubai is a melting pot of creeds and nationalities with residents here coming from nearly 200 countries.

 

Property developer Nakheel, Dubai Internet City, the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing are only a few places that have popularised the term.

 

Dubai is being perceived as a fusion city, where Middle Eastern values mix with those of the rest of the world. There exists a balance between liberal freedoms and conservative restraints and the place is considered to be uniquely open-minded.

 

Thus Dubai is a global city. But is it a melting-pot in the sense that people belonging to different backgrounds integrate not just in the workplace but also outside it? Is the culture here a magnet that pulls different nationalities towards a common ground — an Emarati culture?

 

Most people come here for work or money (few cite the cultural experience as their main reason). Because of this, many feel that beyond working hours there is little need to interact with those of different backgrounds.

 

It's up to them to choose who to befriend and hang out with. For them there is no incentive to socially integrate.

 

Others have pointed at UAE nationals and said that it is difficult to integrate with them because of cultural barriers.

 

Some say that they stick to themselves and are not interested in integrating in the first place.

 

But UAE nationals are puzzled by these accusations and feel many foreign workers do not make the effort to get to know them, namely by choosing not to speak Arabic and paying no heed to their culture, traditions and values.

 

It is no exaggeration to say that globalisation has penetrated every society in the world, including that of Dubai.

 

As a result, people from overseas have found it very easy to slide in and adopt a lifestyle that is familiar and comfortable to them.

 

What happens next is that many expatriates build smaller versions of their own culture in which to live. This automatically rules out chances of mingling with the indigenous population or even with other groups.

 

Of course, the 'money-transfer' phenomenon also exists; that is, people are increasingly connected to their original homelands and as a result of technology, workers do not assimilate into the local culture as quickly as they would have been able to in the past.

 

They always travel back and forth, maintain contact with their families via the internet and telephone, and have a tendency to transfer their money back 'home'.

 

There is a question that needs to be asked though: Is Dubai trying to cater to everyone's cultural background?

 

American cars and fast-food, British universities, European stores, the fact that it's not compulsory to learn Arabic in many private schools, and some expatriates are encouraged to live in certain areas. If this is the case, then inevitably, elements of the Dubai's Arab culture and traditions will be lost.

 

It is also common knowledge that one's nationality impacts the salary package when applying for work.

 

There is a pay scale, whereby people are given offers based on their country of origin. This difference in treatment arguably encourages different nationalities to separate into their sub-cultures since they are recipients of a different treatment.

 

Living here, people are definitely conscious of their nationality. One only has to look at daily newspaper articles that always specify the nationality of their subjects to realise this. (e.g., A Bangladeshi man was found dead ... )

 

Also, workers coming to Dubai are aware that they cannot become citizens of this country no matter how many years they live here.

 

This might contribute to the mentality that Dubai is merely a transition point and after spending a few years making money, a return to the homeland is inevitable.

 

But Dubai is culturally integrated in the sense that people of many nationalities and backgrounds interact freely and comfortably without barriers or restrictions.

 

The city provides a safe and secure atmosphere. Barriers like language, contrasts in wealth or lack of common interests do not get in the way of work integration as most people realise that for the sake of job security, a healthy and professional relationship with co-workers is necessary.

 

In order to get closer to the crux of the matter, I spoke to various members of this society including UAE nationals and Arab, Asian and Western expatriates.

 

I asked them about their experience of living here and their own interpretation of culture and integration.

 

In talking to these people, I found that while they had different lines of thought and different cultural interpretations, their arguments were remarkably similar.

 

People are different; yet they are so alike.

 

Excerpts:

 

Western expatriates

 

Syed Najam

American of Indian origin, 33, director of Intelution General Trading LLC, has lived in Dubai for five years.

 

We were created in different tribes and communities so that we get to know each other. This is the first step to integration.

 

There is a worldly aspect to why we should integrate: human nature, ethics, morality and it being the right thing to do. If I am being accepted as a human being then that is integration, regardless of the cultural aspect.

 

Does it exist in Dubai? In certain places yes but a majority of places, no.

 

Here, I see that people may not openly discriminate against a particular culture but segregation exists in their minds.

 

This is more dangerous and needs to be addressed. If segregation is addressed, cultural integration will comfortably take place.

 

In America, anywhere I go I stand in line like everyone else, yet here there is preferential treatment. The fact that it's a new environment might prevent people from

integrating.

 

Dubai has to make sacrifices. Look at America: there is no one culture that is prevalent there. Dubai might have to do the same if it wants to be a melting pot.

 

I know Britons/Americans who come here to make money. They don't want to integrate or get to know the culture because their society is elsewhere.

 

If Dubai is trying to cater to every culture that's out there then of course it will lose part of its own culture and traditions. A line must be defined. The Muslims will find it much easier to integrate here.

 

Every British and American Muslim I have sat with has gone to some work or some place where they have been taken advantage of. Back home, we wouldn't allow anyone to get away with this.

 

When I come here, I am attracted to the Islamic aspect, so I turn off a switch, same with women dressed in hijabs, call for prayer and having mosques everywhere. Language is a barrier. Not so much in Dubai perhaps when compared to Abu Dhabi.

 

When I went to the US, I was told that I had to pass a test in English to get citizenship.

 

Here, the set of requirements doesn't include Arabic studies. Certain things have to be driven top down and certain things bottom up. It's up to the government to set the standards.

 

Finally, every time I read the newspaper in the morning I am conscious of my nationality: British expatriate, American educated, western ...

 

Racism exists in Dubai. It exists everywhere. I felt it existed when I first moved to the US. But I integrated much faster over there than I did here. In five years I felt a part of them. After five years here, I feel like I just landed.

 

Annalisa Cummings

British, 26, associate manager of marketing operations, has lived in Dubai for four years.

 

Cultural integration means different things to different people. Does it exist in Dubai? Of course it does.

 

Just because there are examples of not having cultural integration here you can't have a holistic society without some form. Whether it's in the work place only or it extends to your social life is a personal choice. At my workplace, I work with every nationality I can think of under the sun.

 

Recently, there was news of certain clubs not allowing certain races to enter. But in England for instance, when you go to a club, they might not let you in because of the type of shoes you might be wearing.

 

This might be an extension of that in an extreme sense. I assume it happens here because of the large population of labourers that are here and because of the perception that they're not worth it.

 

There is an emphasis on people's nationality here. People get jobs based on their nationality. It's blatant in the sense that the job advertisements state ethnic preferences. Even the salary that you get for the same job differs for different nationalities.

 

Everyone here is conscious of their little nationality boxes.

 

It interests me why people always say: hi where are you from, what do you do, which company do you work for and what car do you drive? This is a typical Dubai conversation opener.

 

Dubai has a long way to go. In my personal experience, yes Dubai is a melting pot. But outside of my immediate sphere, I wouldn't say it has reached the melting pot stage.

 

People here disappear for the summer so this place is looked upon as a temporary place from September to May.

 

The problem of breaking down barriers will only get worse as the city expands because if you don't develop the infrastructure in the beginning so that everyone does mix together what will happen is that bigger enclaves of nationalities will come about — Jumeirah: the western expat place, and Sharjah: where everyone who can't afford to live in Dubai lives.

 

The problems exist everywhere: London, Sydney, Singapore. But they obviously have the maturity to know how to deal with those issues.

 

Anonymous

British, 28, media professional, has lived in Dubai for a year.

 

Cultural integration as a concept means people from different cultures and races mixing socially. I think of London when I hear the term.

 

It does not exist in Dubai. If you go out, you see Filipinos hanging around with Filipinos, Indians around Indians, Westerners around Westerners and Lebanese around Lebanese.

 

Racism exists here. That's why people from different races and areas get paid differently.

 

In Dubai I don't have too many friends who aren't British. I can think of just one.

 

It's really hard to meet people socially [unless you work with them]. I am not intimidated by people who come from different backgrounds. As for UAE nationals, I never see them in the first place. I don't interact with them.

 

The question must be asked: how prevalent is the Emarati culture here in Dubai? Where is Emarati culture? Before coming here, I thought there would be a lot more overt signs that this is an Arab country with Arabic being spoken everywhere.

 

The only sign you have is the mosques and calls to prayer but even those you hardly hear. Other than during Ramadan, you could really be anywhere.

 

To say that people don't make the effort to understand and learn the culture is wrong. People would have to dig hard to find it.

 

I don't believe this place has a culture. It's too young and doesn't have a specific identity. Perhaps an Islamic cloak but that's it.

 

People don't come here to live forever, they come to invest and leave. This is definitely a barrier to cultural integration.

 

In Dubai, there's definitely an emphasis on people's nationalities.

 

It's easier to get work permits as a South African or British. Even amongst Arabs, Gulf Arabs get treated differently from North African Arabs.

 

Dubai is different from London. The social scene is different.

 

There is a lack of choice when it comes to deciding where to go out. This is obviously a much smaller place. Culturally, there is little to do here.

 

Is Dubai a melting pot? No. Racism here is very strong. The lack of integration bothered me when I first got here because I didn't think it would be split up into cliques based on where you come from. But then you do get into the mentality that I am not going to live here forever.

 

William Rasmussen

American, 25, Gulf Financial correspondent, has lived in Dubai for a year.

 

Cultural integration to me is a wide range of traditions, religious beliefs and ethnic roots mixing together, adding to each other and fighting with each other.

 

In the US we certainly have that. Growing up in Washington DC, I had Palestinian, Egyptian and French neighbours.

 

Does it exist in Dubai? To an extent — on a superficial level — it does, I've met people from different nationalities but I think it's self-selection. People are not interested in living a cultural life.

 

It's selfish in a sense to come here wanting to make money. But there is no common core for people to deal with when coming here. There is no central gravity to respond to.

 

I came here for work and that's my goal. I didn't come here for a cultural experience. I don't feel guilty about it. I would like to integrate. But practically speaking, there are very few Emaratis here. I've had more cultural interaction with Indians and I am trying to learn Urdu. I don't work with any UAE national.

 

I have one UAE national friend who attended university with me. Having said that, all my friends except one are non-American. They are mostly Arabs.

 

Emiratisation is a good concept; it's good to try to bring more people and allow them to reap the benefits.

 

Dubai is a melting pot not of culture but of nationalities. People take out of the city rather than contribute to it.

 

Their goals for being here are very practical. Maybe that's a bad thing. Does cultural integration exist? Not much as there is no common ground.

 

 

UAE nationals

 

Humaid Al Bloushi

34, radio presenter.

 

Different cultures in the UAE have existed for many years. There were Iranian/Indian/European and American cultures.

 

The UAE has given a lot to the world and provided an opportunity to people to come here, enjoy and learn.

Does cultural integration exist?

 

Yes and no. Some communities do stick together. There are people who are actually affected by different cultures and a group of people who like to preserve their culture and remain in its cycle.

 

Some people come here to earn money and leave. They have time-limits. A lot of people have plans for 5 or 10 years and they know where they will go next. I've known a few people who would like to know about the UAE culture but they have difficulty finding it.

 

A lot say that they can't find locals on the streets. Not all locals dress as locals.

 

I have a lot of friends from Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the US who I mingle and share ideas with. Years ago, this wasn't so much the case because Dubai wasn't that well known.

 

I think cultural integration does exist in Dubai. We in the UAE give people the feeling that they're at home. This is not something I object to. UAE nationals will always be what they are. Nothing will change that.

 

Shaikh Zayed once said: "A People that does not know its past cannot deal with the present and face the challenges of the future."

 

Shaikh Zayed always taught us that no matter what we do or who we meet, we have to preserve our own identity.

 

There are issues: not many nationals are found in the private sector because they 'do not possess the necessary experience'. Well they haven't been given a chance. For the most part, there are non-Emaratis who haven't made the effort to get to know Emaratis.

 

The culture here is at risk to a point. This is because I've seen many youngsters who do not speak very good Arabic.

 

Jad Alqabati

28, media consultant.

 

I don't think cultural integration exists in Dubai.

 

For example many westerners, in particular, do not make the effort to get to know UAE nationals. They look down on us. Certain communities in Dubai close themselves and take us for granted.

 

I am not interested in integrating and getting to know others. I've been travelling a lot therefore I am approachable and social.

 

In Dubai, I won't be as social because westerners jump and put on an act as soon as they see locals.

 

They won't act natural and they usually start acting differently. I've lived with them [in England] and learned about their community and know how they act.

 

In Dubai, Canadians and Americans are friendlier than Europeans. They are more honest. This is based on my personal experience.

 

I've noticed that Europeans criticise the thinking ability of UAE nationals saying that we can't think for ourselves.

 

This is embedded in history. It's all about mind-invasion — something above me or anyone else.

 

Most westerners here have their social life revolving around partying and clubs. For Muslims, this is not the case. So the point of contact is either at work or through meeting neighbours.

 

When westerners come here they are friendly and easy going. They realise that they get all the attention because they're white and make use of it.

 

The problem is not with them, it's with us. We should create awareness so that UAE nationals can see the real world.

 

If you're local: you're untouchable. Just sit down and look pretty.

 

If you're Indian: you do your work and shut up. They have their own mafias.

 

If you're white: you're it! You know it all.

 

If you're Arab: you network.

 

The authorities are trying their best to establish a smoothly integrated society. I think a lot of things must be changed: we need cultural bodies. Also, it shouldn't be forgotten that at the end of the day this is a Muslim country.

 

We should get rid of the bars and clubs and people will have more time to socialise. There are alternative venues like beaches and malls and this will encourage social integration.

 

So far, I don't think the effort is being made to integrate.

 

Dr Nadia Buhannad

40, founder and managing director of Sikologia Consultancy.

 

We as Arabs have an inferiority complex. Asians also have a major inferiority complex. They view Europeans as gods. Some of the Arabs too; Americans and Europeans know better. This has been especially the case lately.

 

When I go out, I don't see any locals. During weekends I see Europeans and South Africans everywhere.

 

Europeans tend to choose a place and make it their own [Jumeirah is all British].

 

One thing I observed about the British is that they tend to be snobbish and conservative. Very few change that when they come here. Americans on the other hand are friendly and more down to earth.

 

For many westerners, there is a purpose for being here. "Dubai is the land of opportunity". "As long as we know we're the preferred race here it's fine".

 

From my point of view if you are good and qualified enough, you will be staying in your country. People who come to Dubai claiming to be qualified might be sweeping the roads back in their countries. They come here with big names or sometimes even fraudulent certificates. They move here with the purpose of making money.

 

Not all of them provide service. A lot of them don't understand the culture, so how can they contribute? Many UAE nationals believe blindly that westerners know better. So the more they hire them, the more prestige for their company.

 

We have one problem in our country: we don't trust each other's capabilities.

 

People come here and form their own small communities. Two years ago, we didn't see the attacks from both sides. Today, Indians complain and so do Arabs. We have a newspaper that is run by Britons which attacks our culture and traditions.

 

Dubai is a melting pot from the outside but inside there are separate, small communities. I haven't seen an Indian family close to a British or UAE family. Unless the UAE national is married to a British etc ... Having said that, the younger generation is a different story.

 

I think some people are intimidated by UAE nationals. Abaya scares westerners. One Frenchman told me that his embassy instructed him not to approach local women. This is the mentality. And they are right. In many instances women will get angry and call the police.

 

UAE nationals are a little more accepting of other cultures. But they still have limits. I don't have a problem integrating but I do have a problem with people cursing our traditions when they don't know us well.

 

People have to commit to civilised mannerism. If you go to Bahrain or Kuwait, you'll see foreigners making more of an effort to speak the native language.

 

The lifestyle in Dubai is becoming too exhausting, hectic and stressful. People work very hard here. So there is little room for a social life.

 

Notice how every advertisement has a human, emotional and social touch.

 

There should be respect for the small details of our culture. I am not asking outsiders to be like us. But they shouldn't take us for granted.

 

 

Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah

Professor of political science, Emirates University.

 

Cultural integration means, in many ways, bringing in people from different backgrounds and nationalities as well as various segments of society — in a peaceful manner.

 

Dubai is a unique experience in that different nationalities and ethnicities come together in one place and so far have produced something to be proud of in terms of coexistence and forming a model to follow.

 

Yet despite this peaceful co-existence there is littler interaction between the different communities.

 

Hardly any bridges exist between them. The majority is here to make a better living. Most of them are residents in transit. Very few are here to stay permanently.

 

This could be because no one has promised them citizenship. But this is not the place to give them the nationality. No one forced anyone to come here. You like it, stay, but it's not nice to expect free citizenship.

 

UAE nationals like to preserve their identity. They are a distinct minority. It will be suicidal and impractical to give 80 per cent of the population the nationality.

 

The city has given people the chance to mingle freely with everyone. There are places and ways to meet. I personally have friends from all over: westerners, Arabs, Asians and UAE nationals.

 

Dubai has never been a melting pot and will never be one. This is because that is a frame made for America [due to its history]. The concept of a melting pot does not exist in Europe either. Even America is no longer a melting pot. It's now a salad platter where mixing can never occur.

People are living with fear in their hearts.

 

In Dubai, there is a need to build bridges between the different nationalities.

 

Asian expatriates

 

Faisal Durrani

Student, 24, third generation Dubai resident of Asian origin.

 

They say America is a melting pot and I agree because over there you have to assimilate.

 

Dubai is definitely not a success in terms of cultural integration. Maybe it is by the standards of work statistics, but at the social level I don't think so.

 

I enjoy being surrounded by UAE nationals. I feel I am in Dubai and I don't get intimidated at all.

 

It's wrong to say, but I don't see an incentive to speak Arabic because everyone speaks English. It's extremely arrogant for people to come here and say they are not interested in getting to know the Emarati culture.

 

The Arabic language needs to be made compulsory regardless of one's nationality. After all, this is useful for the entire Middle East.

 

Various factors prevent people from integrating, one being the job compartmentalisation: a misconceived idea that people from different nationalities deserve different salaries.

 

If an Indian applies for a job or a western expatriate, they're automatically assumed to have degrees that are worth different things in terms of the stuff that they know.

 

It dismisses how hard these people have worked. I don't understand why degrees from Asia and the subcontinent are devalued to the extent that they are.

 

I would argue that there was more integration in the 1990s than there is today. Things were a lot calmer and there were fewer foreigners.

 

All that changed when globalisation made its presence.

Born and raised in Dubai, I've never faced discrimination. I have seen it happening with Asians unfortunately.

 

If Dubai wants to be a cosmopolitan city, the discrimination at bars, clubs and restaurants has to stop.

 

Moushumi Bhuyan

Student, 24, third generation Dubai resident of Asian origin.

 

Cultural integration in Dubai? Yes and no. Different nationalities exist but whether they mix is another question.

 

People here can be artificial and superficial, wanting to mingle with a certain segment of society.

 

This is across all nationalities. So an Asian would like to mingle with another Asian but then there are sub-categories to which people belong [the elite, middle class, lower class].

 

Where is cultural integration? That is another question. There are huge gaps.

 

I do get a bit intimidated by UAE nationals because I am not sure how open they would be to friendship. I have one friend who is a UAE national.

 

I came to Dubai to get to know people from other parts of the world. I heard that Dubai is a melting pot. I wanted to see it and experience it.

 

I think people come here not knowing anybody and either they look for like-minded people or people from their country. Then they get very comfortable.

 

It would be nicer if there is a platform where I know I am going to meet people from different backgrounds.

 

Another important issue is employment. Employers shouldn't hire people based on their nationalities. The very fact that they allow newspapers to publish US- or UK-educated in job advertisements reinforces this.

 

Religion and language don't really get in the way of integrating. But it's important to drive the right car, wear the right branded-watch, right bag, sunglasses.

 

It's disgusting but you fall into the trap. People in Dubai are focused on money and social status. This prevents integration.

 

For the Asian community, I feel there's still a lot of clustering going on. This shouldn't be. Otherwise, one might as well stay in India.

 

Dubai is not yet a melting pot. But I think it will happen soon.

 

Arab expatriates

 

Eil Andary

Lebanese, 29, producer for Al Arabiya TV, has lived in Dubai for one and a half years.

 

There is no cultural integration in Dubai. There are social ghettos here; Lebanese, Britons and other nationalities all living apart — except for a small minority who are most capable of breaking the cultural and religious boundaries.

 

The atmosphere in Dubai doesn't help. People here have very high rhythms and they can hardly catch their breath. Nevertheless, when someone moves to a new country, the effort to integrate into the new society should be made.

 

The question that must be asked is: Are UAE nationals interested in integrating? As an Arab, I am familiar with Dubai and the Arab tradition. Some Europeans who come here make an effort to get to know the culture here.

 

The majority though are simply not interested. I have friends from different nationalities: English, Australian, Indian, and Arab [including UAE nationals].

 

A big part of the culture in Dubai is shopping, public relations and general consumption.

 

The cultural structure is very business oriented. As a result, people come here with the purpose of making money. This prevents integration.

 

Dubai is not a melting pot. We have a global mass and mess. Even in America, this concept doesn't exist.

 

Anonymous

Iraqi, 24, banker, has lived in Dubai for three years.

 

People in Dubai are inclined to mingle with friends who come from their own culture.

 

Expatriates who come to work or live here usually try to find people who remind them of their original homes or people with similar ideals, perhaps based on religion or hobbies.

 

If integration is based on ideas or infrastructure then perhaps Dubai is well integrated. You can easily find cuisines from all parts of the world.

 

Buildings and roads are not necessarily western or Arab, but mixed.

 

The government here does not necessarily abide by an Arab or a Bedouin style. It mixes various things.

 

I think it is difficult for people to integrate in Dubai because they are so set in their ways.

 

Small communities have been up and it's very difficult to integrate into or out of them. It could be because of stereotypes or fear of losing one's identity.

 

At work, people are pushed to communicate and work alongside those from different backgrounds.

 

Socially, it becomes a matter of choice and people choose to integrate with whom they want.

 

Unfortunately, people in Dubai definitely believe in stereotypes of other races and, therefore, always have expectations.

 

Until I moved to Dubai, I was never asked where I was from so frequently; one's nationality seems to define the identity of individuals here.

 

 

From the world of blogs

 

Sam (http://onebigconstructionsite.blogspot.com/)

Australian, 18, student, has lived in Dubai for 15 years.

 

I consider cultural integration to be when new/different cultures can properly adapt into a different lifestyle; much the same as immigrants in America in the early 20th century.

 

Barriers to integration in Dubai are language, different interests and the unwillingness to integrate, which definitely creates a conflict.

 

The UAE's legal system is based on Sharia law, and as such I don't think it's possible for non-Muslims to properly and permanently integrate.

 

I've noticed in Dubai that people seem to emphasise their patriotism and also try to hide behind their nationalities; there is a common attitude that people with First World passports will in essence "get away" with more than someone with any other passport; there is also the fact that many people seem to prefer remaining in mini-communities based usually upon nationalities.

 

I would definitely argue that UAE nationals feel alienated in Dubai.

 

I can't imagine how it feels to go from a little fishing/pearl diving village to become a bumbling metropolis attempting to excel in every single aspect in a matter of a few years.

 

A lot of the people "imported" into the UAE don't know Arabic and have no intention of learning it and I would estimate quite a large percentage are non-Muslims.

 

Dubai's development has been very instantaneous, but deep down in society I don't think much has really changed; I believe that it conflicts on occasion with Dubai's development.

 

I think everyone is used to instantaneous change in Dubai, but in reality, some things are going to take a bit of time.

 

Here

[FatB]

^^^ that is the longest artical i have ever read here in SOL.......i need a brake