There is a risk that as more people abroad see the various emirates as separate states, this mentality will seep into the culture of this mostly expat nation. Unless Emiratis take this matter seriously, no one else will, Vision2021 or not. Read more »
The National
Breathing Life into Bastakiya and the History of Dubai
Tucked away in the southern shore of Dubai Creek lies Bastakiya, one of the most fascinating districts in the Arabian Gulf. Not only is this area one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the region, it is also one of the most symbolic. Read more »
The sacrifice of our troops and a need for civil society
The absence of a civil society in the UAE has not just limited interest in important issues such as the environment, labour rights and energy conservation, but extends to apathy over the fate of Emirati peacekeepers serving in Afghanistan. Read more »
A national vision to prevent a north-south divide
In February 2010, the UAE Federal Government outlined a unified vision for the country’s golden jubilee. While such an initiative should be lauded for its emphasis on women’s empowerment and environmental concerns, among other issues, the next step no doubt will be the most challenging – implementation and follow up. Read more »
Some long-term residents should have residency
The idea being called for and debated is a long-term residency programme for expatriates so they would no longer have the status of transient interlopers, but instead be acknowledged as stakeholders. Read more »
Book that proves some Emiratis are more equal than others
The vast majority of Emiratis have a family book except for a small number of children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers. In the past few years the UAE government has taken positive steps to naturalise the children of Emirati mothers who married non-nationals so that they could be given the same rights of children whose fathers are Emirati but whose mothers are not. Previously these mothers had to resort to seeking exemptions for their children to enrol in public schools and to receive treatment in government hospitals. Read more »