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?

Technorati :Dubai. Culture. UAE. Community. Society. Behaviour. Psychology