Britons in the UAE advised not to rock the boat

In a conference in Dubai, discussing the need to maintain harmony, Britons were advised not to 'rock the boat', alluding to occasional incidents in which they clash with local laws governing public decency and dressing norms.

The conference, 'The UAE Through its Expats' Eyes' explored the views of the British, Asian and Arab communities in the Emirates, local daily Gulf News reported on Sunday.

Prominent Emirati political science professor Dr Abdul Khaliq Abdullah said: "I think we are all in this together, expats and citizens.  It's in the best interest for all to not rock the boat. This boat has benefited us all, brought us security and prosperity. We should do everything possible to maintain that relationship between the two sides."

"But some could get carried away, act indecently. It's important to keep the stability and identity [of Emiratis]. The local culture needs to be respected, everyone should show mutual respect."

"Sometimes they are not aware or ignorant of this. This applies to all communities, but to be candid and frank, it's probably usually Britons. I think a better understanding and awareness would be good," the daily quoted Abdullah as saying.    

Dr Abdullah made it clear that he was pointing to incidents involving public displays of affection, decency and dress codes.

"I don't think Expats will find a more welcoming people than the UAE. We have accepted the fact they [expats] are here. We have not seen any xenophobic or anti-foreign feelings for 40 years [since UAE independence]."

Dr Abdullah stressed harmony was imperative as "today, the US and Europe are less tolerant than ever. There is growing Islamophobia. And in all this the UAE is being seen as a land of tolerance".

ASIAN EXPAT TIES

Asians, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, increasingly see the UAE as “home is where the job is, not just where the heart is,” Gulf News quoted a political analyst from India, Dr N. Janardhan, as saying.

Though expats stay in the UAE is tied to their job contract, many reside long enough to regard themselves as 'Dubai-ites' - Indian head to toe but with a strong sense of love for Dubai at heart, he said.

Janardhan also stressed on the economic benefit, saying, there are many Indian dollar-millionaires in the UAE and they are also a leading investor group in the local property scene.

He quipped that the social growth of the diaspora means they have gone from being “NRIs-Non Resident Indians to NRI-Not Really Indians,” Gulf News reported.


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