2. Cultural Diversity in the UAE
The UAE is a multicultural society, but are we aware of how
diverse is the UAE?
3. 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.
4. The Changing of UAE Population
• According to the CensusUAE, the UAE is the only nation in
the world where virtually every group represented has its
origin in another country with a population of 8.2 million at
the mid year of 2010.
5. A Century of Change
Total UAE. Population, 2010, by race
6. What does the future hold for you, me, & uae?
The UAE's population strategy
plans to make Emiratis the
majority in the country, or up to
40 per cent, by 2021, members of
the Federal National Council
(FNC) told Gulf News.
If you live in or near an
urban center, chances are
that your community is
already more diverse than
you may think. In small
communities it may be less
so.
7. Appreciating Diversity
Diversity is the reason that Arabic language, food,
fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich
and varied as they are!
Yet…
Even in cities, people often tend to seek out other
people like themselves…
Cities is a tremendous opportunity to meet people
unlike yourself!
Seek out people groups, volunteer opportunities,
and organizations that help meet new people.
Research shows that citizens benefit
from positive relations with other
community of different racial and
ethnic backgrounds.
8. Broaden Your Diversity Vista
• Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with
differences in age or ability.
9. 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
10. Diversity of UAE
• Diversity in the U.A.E are among Emirates
most diverse settings, including.
• 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.
11. Discrimination and Prejudice
of the UAE
In addition to being morally and
personally repugnant, discrimination is
also ILLEGAL.
Respect & tolerance, on the other
hand, are highly encouraged!
12. Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice of the
UAE
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.
13. 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”
14. International Citizen
• Most cities have citizens from a wide range of
countries.
• They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be
different from those of Emirati citizens.
• If you are an Emirati-born student, consider getting to
know one or more international students; it will
expand your education.
• If you are an international Citizen, adapting to Emirati
life style may bring some confusion and problems; for
help, read your text and ask your instructor.
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
