Emirati Voices: A Closer Look At National identity
In an emerging country where local citizens compose less than 20 percent of the population, the national identity remains pronounced and crucial. “Even ...
Nov 30, 2013
In an emerging country where local citizens compose less than 20 percent of the population, the national identity remains pronounced and crucial.
“Even within the Gulf people know that Emiratis are very patriotic,” said NYU Abu Dhabi Arabic Studies Language Immersion Specialist Ayesha Al Hashemi. “It’s all because of the leadership, it’s because of the vision of Sheikh Zayed … As we see how the Emirates flourish every single day we see that it wasn’t just someone who decided to start a country. There was this long term vision that he had and we see it until today.”
For some citizens, the progress and growth that the UAE has accomplished in recent years has been a source of pride and admiration. Senior student Shamma Al Mazrui shared how the change has strengthened her sense of identity.
“I have watched the country progress since childhood, transmuting from the desert of Bedouin tribes into a country with infrastructure at par with the best countries in the world,” said Al Mazrui. “These changes represent my sense of identity, it shows me how a nation can transform into whatever lofty goal it sets it[s] gaze on.”
Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Scholar Program alumnus Amer Al Marzooqi explained that a strive for education and action runs in his Emirati blood.
“Being an Emirati is not just a name you call yourself, it is more of your actions toward building your nation,” said Al Marzooqi. “We live in a country that did not spare a dime toward building its children. National identity is a part of every Emirati's genes.”
In addition to Emiratis, expatriates make up a large part of the population. However, the 80 percent of expatriates cannot gain Emirati citizenship under any circumstances. Nevertheless, some local citizens have emphasized the importance of expatriates to the structure and functionality of the UAE.
“The expatriate community’s contribution to the development of our country is commendable and I think they represent part of the identity of the UAE,” said Mazrui. “To me, the UAE is also their home. [And] yes, it helps maintain a very strong national identity within our Emirati community.”
A significant part of the NYUAD community also represents the expatriate population of the country. Still, every year the percentage of the Emirati students who decide to attend this university is growing.
“NYUAD is a miniature of what the community in UAE is like in real life,” said Al Hashemi. “It reflects the current identity of an Emirati who is very proud of who he is, comes in with an identity so strongly embedded in himself but at the same time very capable of communicating with the other, learning from the other … The community here [consists of] Emiratis plus others coming together for the good purposes.”
Freshman Sarah Kowash, originally from Libya, moved to Al Ain three years ago to complete her high school years. As an expatriate in the UAE, Kowash noted that she found it significantly easier to connect with the Emirati students at NYUAD than at her high school.
“NYUAD is different, students here have a different mentality, it’s similar to other people here,” said Kowash. “Since [I’ve] come here I’ve made a lot of local friends. [They seem to be more] accepting of cultures and willing to learn.”
While NYUAD opens its doors to the local students, there are still certain challenges in reaching a well-balanced integration with the local community. Senior Layla Al Neyadi noted that progress has been made within NYUAD.
“There is a disconnection between [the] NYUAD bubble and Abu Dhabi, but I think because this disconnection is recognized we can actually do something about it,” said Al Neyadi. “People are slowly getting to know NYUAD. The more they understand, the more they will be able to reach out.”
The National Day celebration, which is primarily a commemoration of the Sheikh Zayed’s vision of the prosperous UAE, is widely celebrated by the whole population and in every Emirate.
“[National Day’s] importance comes from the future that it promised 42 years ago and now you can see that promise that is being delivered every day to all who live on this land,” said Al Marzooqi.
At first glance from the outside perspective, it might seem that the rapid growth and the path towards successful development suggests a risk of losing or transforming the national identity. However, Emirati citizens remain proud of their country.
“Identity to me refers to roots,” said Al Hashemi. “The roots that we don’t want to let go of, but then at the same time it’s evolving, it’s just like a tree. It’s rooted, but at the same time it’s affected by the elements around it, by the kind of water you use. So there are things that you have to hang on to, but at the same time don’t let that to prevent you from shaping your identity, letting it evolve.”
Daria Karaulova is deputy managing editor. Email her at editorial@thegazelle.com.
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