This document discusses cultural diversity in the UAE. It notes that the UAE population has grown 65% in recent years and is comprised of people from many different ethnic groups and nationalities. While college campuses reflect this diversity, people often associate most with others who are similar. The document encourages seeking out opportunities to meet people unlike yourself in order to gain a richer educational experience and benefit from positive relations with diverse students. Discrimination and prejudices are illegal and harmful, while respect, tolerance, and appreciation of diversity are encouraged.

1. Cultural Diversity
Ali Mohamed,Salman Al Suwaidi

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

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 U.A.E Population
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

5. A 60 years of population Change
Ethnic groups
Arabs 2,250 48.0%
Emiratis 1,050 22.0%
Bedouins 450 9.5%
Egyptians 260 5.5%
Omanis 200 4.1%
Saudis 190 4.0%
Iranians 540 11.5%
Balochis 310 6.5%
Indians 500 10.5%
Pakistanis 330 7.0%
Philippines 160 3.4%
Europeans 110 2.4%

6. What does the future hold for you, me, & us?
If the current rate of growth
continues, The UAE's
population strategy plans to
make Emiratis the majority in
the country, or up to 40 per
cent, by 2021
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 Emirates language, food,
fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich
and varied as they are!
Yet…
Even in college, people often tend to seek out
other people like themselves…
College 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.

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 on
Campus are among Emirate’s
College campuses 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.

11. 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!

12. Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice on
Campus
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 Students
Most colleges have students from a wide range of
countries.
They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be
different from those of Emirate’s students.
If you are an Emirates-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 Emirates may bring some confusion and problems;
for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

15. 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.

16. 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