This document discusses cultural diversity in the UAE. It notes that the UAE population has become more diverse over time, with Emiratis now only accounting for 11.5% of the population, and Asians and Arabs together making up over 80% by 2030 if current growth trends continue. While the UAE has a diverse population, people often associate most with others who are similar. The document encourages seeking out diverse groups, being respectful of different cultures, and avoiding discrimination.

1. Cultural Diversity
Today’s college campuses reflect the
diversity of the UAE population, but are
you aware how diverse the UAE is?
And why that’s a reason to celebrate?

2. Race, Ethnic Groups and Culture
Race: generally refers to a group with similar
inherited features.
Ethnic group: refers to a group that shares
language, national origin or religious tradition.
Culture: refers to the behaviors and beliefs
characteristic shared by a group of people. The
ideas and behaviors of an ethnic group, for
example, are part of their culture.

3. The Changing UAE Population
Figures published this month by National Bureau
of Statistics indicated that 8.3 million were living
in the country by mid-2010, up 65 per cent
compared to mid-2006.The UAE population has
dropped from 16.5 to 11.3 in 2006.

4. A Century of Change
Ethic UAE group figures in 1000
Emiratis 22.00%
Arab 12.50%
Asian 32.40%
Europeans 2.40%
American 0.10%
Other 17.00%
In 2013 the Emiratis are 11.5 %

5. What does the future hold for you, me, & us?
If the current rate of growth
continues, the groups that make
up a minority of the Emiratis
account for up to 80 per cent of
the population by 2030.
If you live in or near an urban
center, chances are that your
community is already more Other 60%
diverse than you may think. In Arabs
Asians
small communities it may be less
European
American
Other
so.

6. Appreciating Diversity
Diversity is the reason that UAE language, food, fashion,
music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and
varied as they are!
Yet…
Even in living in the UAE, people often tend to
seek out other people like themselves…
Living in the UAE is a tremendous opportunity to
meet people unlike yourself!
Seek out student groups, volunteer opportunities,
and organizations that help meet new people.
Research shows that students benefit
from positive relations with other
students of different racial and
ethnic backgrounds.

7. Broaden Your Diversity Vista
Make all people and groups feel welcome,
including those with differences in age or
ability.

8. Being Mindful of Others
Respect culture and diversity
Understand gender issues
Improve your relationships with diverse others
Different isn’t bad, it’s just different

9. Diversity in UAE
UAE’s most diverse settings, including both
students and faculty.
Despite opportunities to mix, people often
associate with their “own kind.”
Our fear of the unknown may keep us close to
those whose background we share.
This prevents us from taking advantage of the rich
opportunities on campus to meet and learn about
people who are different from us.

10. Discrimination and Prejudice on
College Campuses
In addition to being morally and
personally repugnant, discrimination is
also ILLEGAL.
Respect & tolerance, on the other
hand, are highly encouraged!

11. Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice in
Emarati social life
Many of us sincerely think that we are not prejudiced, but
experts believe that every person harbors some prejudices.
Stereotypes lead us to view others in limited and limiting
ways. There is so more to people than the social roles they
play, or the groups to which they belong.
We tend to identify with others who are like us, and fear
people who are different from us.
We tend to be ethnocentric—favoring groups we belong to
and tending to think of them as superior.
Some of us are also egocentric – thinking we are superior
to everyone else.

12. Diversity Attitude Scale:
Where are you?
Celebration
“We need each other.”
Affirmation
“I’ve got something to learn from
you.”
Civility
“I respect your rights.”
Tolerance
“You have a right to be here.”
Intolerance
“I’ll work to keep you out”

13. International Students
Most colleges have students from a wide range of
countries.
They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be
different from those of Emarati students.
If you are a UAE-born student, consider getting to
know one or more international students; it will
expand your education.
If you are an international student, adapting to college
in UAE may bring some confusion and problems; for
help, read your text and ask your instructor.

14. Don’t Put Up with Sexual Harassment
It is estimated that two million women currently
enrolled in college will experience some form of sexual
harassment in their student lives.
Sexual harassment includes several behaviors.
Gender harassment - sexist remarks and behavior
that insult and degrade women, a problem apart
from harassment for sex.
Seductive behavior - unwanted, inappropriate, and
offensive advances.
Sexual bribery - harassment for sex, with the threat
of punishment for refusal.
Every college is required by law to take action against
sexual harassment.

15. Improve Your Relationships with
Different Kinds of People
Honestly assess your attitudes
Put yourself in perspective with others
Seek personal contact
Respect differences but don’t overlook
similarities
Search for more knowledge
Treat people as individuals
rather than stereotyping them
Include, don’t exclude