Cultural Diversity in the UAE

Jamal masoued H00154771

Rashid alshehhi H00154789

Cultural Diversity in the UAE

Today’s college campuses reflect the diversity of the UAE. population, but are you aware how diverse the UAE. is? And why that’s a reason to celebrate?

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.

The Changing UAE Population

According to the Census Bureau, the UAE. is the only nation in the world where virtually every group represented has its origin in another country.

A 41 years of Change

Total UAE Population, 7890924, by race

What does the future hold for you, me, & us?

If the current rate of growth continues, the groups that make up a minority of the current population will make up to 40% of the UAE population 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.

Appreciating Diversity

Yet…Even in the UAE , people often tend to seek

out other people like themselves…Living in the UAE 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.

Diversity is the reason that Emiratis language, food, fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!

Broaden Your Diversity Vista

Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with differences in age or ability.

Being Mindful of OthersRespect culture and diversityUnderstand gender issuesImprove your relationships with diverse othersDifferent isn’t bad, it’s just different

Diversity on CampusCollege campuses are among Emirates 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.

Discrimination and Prejudice in UAE

In addition to being morally and personally repugnant, discrimination is also ILLEGAL.

Respect & tolerance, on the Respect & tolerance, on the other hand, are highly other hand, are highly encouraged!encouraged!

Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice in 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.

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”

Improve Your Relationships with Different Kinds of People

Honestly assess your attitudesPut yourself in perspective with othersSeek personal contactRespect differences but don’t overlook similaritiesSearch for more knowledgeTreat people as individuals rather than stereotyping themInclude, don’t exclude