20 October 2006

Debating Dubai's Distinctiveness

John B. Chilton, who's writes the Emirates Economist blog, has posted a NYT article on Dubai on UAE Community Blog, which, sort of validates my oft-voiced contention that in its mind-blowing -speed growth initiatives, Dubai - and to some extent UAE as a whole - is fearing the loss of its grip on its Arab identity.

Some quotes from the article:
  • “We fear that the expatriate is going to impose his culture on us,” said Maya Rashid Ghadeer, a columnist with the daily Al Bayan in Dubai who writes about the local community. “Most locals are afraid that they are losing their basic identity forever.”
  • "Usually minorities assimilate into the majority,” Mr. Abdulkhaliq Abdallah (a professor of political science at UAE University) said. “But we don’t want to assimilate into the majority. We want to preserve the localness, the Emiratiness of this city.”
  • “There is this pressure to stake out your claims, especially with the locals,” Mr. James Piecowye - a radio talk show host said. “There is more and more pressure to say, ‘This is how things should be.’ ”
The article raises a few very interesting and thought provoking questions that I would like to pose to the readers:

1) How much permissive Dubai should be? - I guess in it's strategic efforts to draw attention and business, it has stopped considering that it's a Muslim state governed by Sharia laws.
2) Does Dubai really have any deep-rooted culture that can be sustained? - As a city-state, it has all signs of a flourishing metro culture, but sadly, no "Arabic culture", that Sharjah / Abu Dhabi enjoy.
3) Does Dubai at all wants to be recognised as an epitome of Arab culture and values? - I guess not! Showcase to some extent, yes, but not a live example of GCC Arab culture which can be practiced / assimilated. Much of its showcased culture is often meant for sale to Western world - not for adoption.
4) How much Dubai closer to UAE? - Yes, it enjoys the position of a commercial capital of UAE, a conduit for Western entry to UAE; But it is more recognised as a wealthy priveledged brother of UAE.

I feel therefore, that no matter how the professors / intelligentsia / social thinkers would like to talk or debate about it, Dubai has come too far to sustain the deep Arabian flavour in it's identity. Any move to enforce the strict rules of Sharia law, a-la-Saudia, runs the risk of violent opposition, thus severely affecting its marketability to the Western World, plus negatively affecting the overall economy of the region.

Any other opinions?

2 comments:

shansenta said...

OPINIONS POSTED IN UAE COMMUNITY BLOG

Anonymous
said...

best run indian city.... hmmmmm thats new . it is a suburb of Mumbai ... but that certainly does not make it the best run city.
he he

20 October, 2006 19:44

blogrosh said...

"Any move to enforce the strict rules of Sharia law, a-la-Saudia, runs the risk of violent opposition, severely affecting its marketability to the Western World, plus negatively affecting the overall economy of the region."


Very true Shansenta - Dubai sadly may stand the risk of losing it all.

What makes this place so wonderful & unique is it's western liberal atmosphere, with the proper dose of checks & balances as per Islamic and Arab traditions - something very unique.

Having said that, I sincerely hope, some of the newer foreigners do tone down on their clothing a bit - I mean what's the harm in throwing around a sarong or not wearing a skirt that doesn't end right after the belt buckle?

UAE maybe all glamour & grandeur, however it is still taking it's baby steps towards progress and the west

21 October, 2006 05:20

blogrosh said...

Yeah what's the deal with Dubai being the "best run Indian city"? This is a first?

I am half Indian(alright, I admit, I've never lived in India, sort of oblivious to Indian customs etc all) - however, besides having a lot of Indians/Pakistanis in the UAE - howz the above statement true?

21 October, 2006 09:35

shansenta

I sincerely hope, some of the newer foreigners do tone down on their clothing a bit - I mean what's the harm in throwing around a sarong or not wearing a skirt that doesn't end right after the belt buckle?

Well noted blogrosh.
Recently I've been reading a lot of foul language on SD's post here which seems to reflect the strong anti-western undercurrent in this region.

I feel the blame for this goes both to the permissive image Dubai has projected for itself over the years, as well as to a select bunch of Western Expats who wish to pretend that they are still in their own countries!

The authorities are to blame because by allowing such behaviour in the public places they have flouted their own civic code of conduct for the country they are running; few Western Expat communities are to blame because they seem to push the country's goodwill to the negative extremes!

It's a sad confusion of what a modern Arab would like to have in this country: "An UAE where you can experience the World" OR "A world of experience within an UAE" - the latter is more appropriate to retain one's identity.

21 October, 2006 12:50

Anonymous said...

Eid Mubarak to you :-)

May Allah accept your good deeds, forgive your transgressions and ease the suffering of all peoples around the globe. May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and open all the doors of success now and always.

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