ABU DHABI // By far most expatriates feel they have made efforts to integrate into UAE society.
When polled, nine in 10 expatriates say they have made efforts to learn more about the country’s culture and traditions.
Integration is something that has to be worked on, says Abu Dhabi resident Dyala Raoufi.
“You can’t wake up one morning and immediately fit in. But it is not that difficult either,” Ms Raoufi says. “The country provides a platform for every culture to survive in harmony and respect is given to every individual no matter what their background is.”
Forty per cent of Emiratis and 49 per cent of expatriates mainly agree that social integration in the UAE equally relies on efforts made by both groups. Indians Sanooj Assad, 27, Ramnath Krishna Swamy, 26, and Ashir P P, moved to Abu Dhabi to search for work.
They knew little about UAE culture and heritage before they moved three months ago, but Mr Swamy found visiting the Qasr Al Hosn Festival in February a chance to gain insight into the growth of the emirate and history of the UAE.
“We did not know much. But we went to the Qasr Al Hosn and it did help a lot to know about the culture, and the lifestyles and the way they are living here and the traditions of Abu Dhabi,” he says.
Anthropology professor Dr Jane Bristol-Rhys says social integration is easier for some. “Some people are more adventurous and interested in the world. When people come here, unless they already know people it is quite a daunting task to make new friends.
“You are always more comfortable with someone who is from your part of your country as there are common cultural references and you don’t have to worry about language. Other people want to meet people who are nothing like themselves and gain as much as they can culturally.”
Residents should also take advantage of a culturally diverse workforce, says Abu Dhabi resident Sally Mohsen Antoun.
“At work we can try to talk to people we never imagine we can be friends with,” she says. “Just don’t be afraid or intimidated by different people or cultures and don’t feel they’ll judge you because your language is not good enough.”
Alaeddine Ghazouani, of YouGov, says many expatriates regard the UAE as a second home.
“For this reason, learning about the UAE’s history, language, religion and other cultural traits is important to them and something many have placed a great deal of emphasis on as it enforces their feeling of belonging,” he says.
jbell@thenational.ae
arizvi2@thenational.ae
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A survey, commissioned by The National and carried out by YouGov, polled 1,056 Emiratis and expatriates on social integration in the UAE. Results showed that respondents believed expatriates had an obligation to gain a basic knowledge of Arabic culture and Islamic influence before relocating to the UAE. The survey showed that UAE residents are willing to mix with different nationalities however differences become apparent at the workplace where salary disparities exist depending on an employees nationality.
Read more on our social integration survery here:
■ Expats should be more aware of UAE culture, survey respondents say
■ UAE residents stress importance of preserving Arabic language
■ UAE residents happy to mix with different nationalities, survey shows
■ 'Western workers favoured in UAE', survey respondents say
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Jawan
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The chef's advice
Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.
“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”
Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.
The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
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THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.6 V6
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Power: 295bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: Dh155,000
On sale: now
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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