ABU DHABI // Marie Claire's three children sometimes come home from their multicultural private school in Abu Dhabi complaining that Emirati children do not interact with them.
The Dutch-British mother is trying to find an explanation. "Why are Emirati children not mixing?" she asks. "What kind of programmes or integration can we introduce to help schools bridge the gap?"
Shamsa Al Muhairi, an Emirati mother of four with two daughters who go to school with expatriates, says: "My children do not like mixing with non-Emirati children. I do not know the reason."
The self-segregation that begins in school extends into stereotypes and misunderstandings in adulthood. One Emirati woman finds that expatriates believe all UAE nationals have oil wells behind their homes, and some Emiratis believe expatriates are immodest people who want to invade their country.
Habib Khondker, professor of humanities and social sciences at Zayed University, says "the construction of other" - a belief that you know about another culture when in fact you do not - comes into play, creating a barrier to interaction between people from different upbringings.
"Stereotypes will not disappear in a day but they can be broken easily," Dr Khondker says. "Ignorance is the mother of stereotypes. One needs to prove oneself to overcome these misconceptions."
Fawzya Al Muhairi, Shamsa's sister, sends her children to private school specifically so they can interact with expatriate children, and because "private schools have better discipline than the public".
"As a mother, I taught my children right from wrong," she says. "I mix with westerners and my children like mixing with English children because I believe they are more transparent and disciplined compared with some Arab children who are raised by their maids."
At times, it seems as if there is a cultural impasse. Some expatriates have the misconception that Emiratis are self-important and prefer mixing only with their compatriots.
Zainab Al Junaibi, a Zayed University student, says some families do not like their daughters mixing with non-Emiratis because "our norms and tradition differ from theirs".
She, however, has no problem interacting with people from different cultures, and has many non-Emirati friends.
The workplace also makes it tricky for people to interact. Many Emiratis work in the public sector where expatriates are a minority, Dr Khondker says. Therefore, interaction must take place in public.
"If I was one of the policymakers, I would say to organise more public events such as festivals."
He said Emiratis should get more involved in the private sector so expatriates can get a better sense of the diversity of Emiratis.
Faizan Qureshi, from Pakistan, has lived in the UAE for two years and has never had an Emirati friend. "There is this feeling that Emiratis only befriend Emiratis or other Arabs. I would love to have Emirati friends," he says.
Mr Qureshi believes social media can bridge the gap, as he has got to know a few Emiratis via Twitter. He echoed the idea of organising public events.
"There is a need for more cultural events being conducted by the Government and expatriates being a part of it."
Arab media can be a helpful channel to create more cultural understanding. But unfortunately, says Saeed Al Mehairi, an Emirati who works at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority: "Arab media does not display our culture.
"People think it is a 40-year-old culture because of the union, but in reality it goes back 500 years. Many Emiratis do not know about their own culture and heritage. We should be representatives of our country so that there is mutual understanding between us and expatriates."
He likes mixing with expatriates and even practises English with an American colleague.
"It is not true Emiratis do not befriend non-Emiratis. I have friends from all nationalities, and we visit each other every now and then."
He suggested one of the ways to improve relations between the nationalities is through cultural festivals at which people can learn more about locals.
AbulRahman Arif, an Emirati who obtained his master's degree in London, had no trouble with different nationalities during his stay abroad.
"If I were to have gone to a place where I didn't speak their language or know their culture, it would probably have required a lot of adjustments," he says. "But we are familiar enough with the English world not to feel too much of a cultural shock."
He said London provided many opportunities to interact with strangers.
"Every Sunday at Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, people gather to talk about anything they wish and you can talk to anyone about anything."
aalhameli@thenational.ae
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Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
The line up
Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
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The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
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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
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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