Abu Dhabi’s cultural projects have been a boon to the country and the wider region. They have spurred much-needed reforms that will hopefully be expanded and even replicated in the region. These projects — being built as much of the region’s heritage is lost — are also offering optimism to many in the Middle East that our future can also be full of life, colour and hope. Read more »
Gulf News
Dubai’s influence goes beyond just commerce
Over the past few decades Dubai has turned itself from a little known town to a global metropolis, hosting one of the world’s best airlines, biggest airports and most diverse populations. Dubai has become much larger than a city, it is now an idea. Read more »
Vigilance the antidote to cyber attacks
Many of us in the UAE take the daily use of secure internet for granted. However, there are criminal elements who are ready to take advantage of unsuspecting users. UAE residents should be proactive and not just rely on government to guarantee their internet security. Read more »
A UAE passport to the world
The benefits of a UAE citizenship are widely recognised and include medical, educational and housing benefits. With more nations expected to offer visa waivers in coming months, this country’s travel document is set to be the best Arab passport by far. Read more »
In the UAE the only tribe is the Emirati
The UAE’s ethnic make-up includes natives whose ancestors can be traced back here for centuries as well as people who immigrated to the country from across the region. Today, the cultures of these immigrants and natives have amalgamated into what has become the Emirati identity. Over the past four decades being Emirati started to denote far more than a citizenship — it was also a way of life, a sense of common destiny. Read more »
Give expats an opportunity to earn UAE citizenship
Some Emiratis are apprehensive about it, and some residents aspire for it. The possibility of naturalising certain long-term UAE residents is not without its sceptics and advocates. Part of the fear of naturalisation is that Emiratis would lose their national identity; we are after all a shrinking minority in our own country. However, UAE national identity has proven to be more resilient and adaptive to the changing environment and times than some may believe. Read more »