Preserving his identity by speaking Arabic, for example, has become increasingly difficult as English is the language he has used since he was in university and at his workplace where he mostly deals with expatriates. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. But these values are all good values that encourage care for one another,” he said. Asma believes that without imposing modern values it is impossible for the country to grow and develop in this changing world. 'Traditional values keep you on the right track'. “Working closely with people from completely different cultures is part of a modern way of thinking that is emerging. “Be nice and merciful to others and god will be merciful to you.”. “In the past there was a lot of segregation. The fact that he had been a leading voice in the argument to invade, occupy and destroy Iraq was painful to accept. Aware that western aspects such as music and TV shows are very popular among Emirati youth, Deema believes a person can adopt modern values and yet remain an Arab at heart. While standing by his traditional values, the soon-to-be university graduate, explained that cultures and certain values must develop and improve. Pointing out that the majority of residents in the UAE are non-Emirati, Omar said it’s easy for Emiratis to adopt certain western values. He looked awfully familiar and I initially thought we must have worked together at some point. “While I also wear jeans and other types of clothing, the kandoura remains the national dress my family prefers to see me in. “When you’re in the US, you don’t feel like there is a specific culture. Visiting an Emirati home. Both on your website and other media. Al Hajari said sometimes implementing these values can be challenging. I took a breath and tried to explain to him that by the very nature of the indigenous people of the lower Gulf, there would be very little, or nothing, of our culture or history that would be visible. Hospitality is another Emirati value that Al Shaikh said is shared among all his people. In the past, Emirati traditions varied between two main groups: desert-dwelling nomads called Bedouins and seafaring pearl divers and fishermen. If it does not then it can have a positive outcome on your way of living.”, 'Different cultures must exist in harmony'. Dubai: With UAE being home to residents of about 200 nationalities, Emirati youth are under the microscope when it comes to their beliefs about traditional vs modern values. He had been in the UAE just two months earlier and, full of pride, I asked him what he thought of my country. Emirati Arabs borrowed it from the Indian and Persian traders a few centuries ago. Just like most of the other countries in the world, western culture has played a part in shaping the cuisine of the UAE. “Before, interacting or mixing with men wasn’t allowed in our culture, but now it is if you’re dressed modestly — in your abaya and scarf.”. Despite his strong belief in his traditional values, Al Hajari said modern values should also be adopted. Qamzi said being brought up to respect people especially the elderly and being grounded by family has shaped his personality with qualities he is proud off. Of course, English is important because it’s a lingua franca and we need it to communicate with people from other cultures in university and work, but the Arabic language is getting affected and I don’t want to see it die.”. They might bemoan a lack of music houses, without spending an evening watching Arabs listening to poetry with tears in their eyes whenever they hear a poet elevating language to an art form. It was freezing and I had my woollen ghutra to keep my head and ears warm – I wrapped it around my head, as we so often do when we are in the UAE. The 18-year-old supports the culture’s development, pointing out that a balance between modern life and traditions is the key to keeping one’s identity. In November 2012, my wife and I were enjoying a holiday in China, and no tour there would be complete without a boat ride on the Huangpu ­River in Shanghai. Saeed Al Hajari, 24, said it is more difficult to keep up with some of the traditional values he was raised with as he got older and busier. I was raised with them so I don’t even notice when I am implementing them. “Traditions should not be tampered with because they have been inherited from our grandparents and great grandparents- but they do need to improve in order to adjust with the world.” Wearing his kandoora at least twice a week, the university student said speaking in English and wearing jeans will never change his true beliefs and Emirati identity. It was apt that we were in China, because I was tempted to share one of my favourite quotes by Confucius: “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”. Also men not imposing strict ways of thinking on the women in their family are another modern value.”. Instead we should keep the traditions and values that mean the most to us and are most practical and let go of some others.”. “My parents always insist that I maintain good relationships with Emirati families in my community by attending social gatherings with my father. I grew up believing that despite how much modernisation is taking place, it’s important to preserve our culture and religious values.”. “Accepting other cultural beliefs and dress as well as being open to non-segregated environments are among the modern values that Emiratis are becoming increasingly okay with.”. It’s loved by both locals and expats alike. The 2014 survey showed that 57 per cent of Emirati youth agreed that traditional values are meaningful and ought to be preserved for future generations. A tradition as simple as the Emirati dress code for men, which is the ‘kandoura’, impacts the way Al Muhessin acts. Now the whole world comes to Dubai, the locals are mixing with people from different nationalities and backgrounds; we have to find a way to make it work.”, Al Qazmi believes that to live successfully in today’s world traditional and modern values should be incorporated. “I believe that traditions only stop if people are following something harmful. Most locals we meet today trace their origins to these groups. He said making time for family can be difficult because of his busy work schedule. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a diverse society. Meanwhile 43 per cent said they are keen to embrace modern values and beliefs as traditional values are outdated and belong in the past. and “Modern values should be adapted given that we don’t forget our traditions and cultures. Just like many others, Omar believes the dress code is something that is quickly being affected. “The important thing is to maintain our culture and adapt it to modernisation but not change it,” she explained. “When I started getting older and busier, it became more difficult to see my family as much as I would like to, but I still try my best to do so because I strongly believe in these values. In the midst of the infusion of cultures taking place in the UAE society, Nadia is a perfect example of a blend of tradition and the modern.

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