Cultural Diversity

There are many cultures in the United Arab Emirates

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 United Arab Emirates Is one of the countries in the world representing almost every group that has its origin in another country.

Sixty years of ChangeTotal UAE. Population, 2000, by

ethnic group Ethnic groupsEmirati 19%, other Arab 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1980)

2013 Emiratis are 11.5%

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

The UAE's population strategy plans to make Emiratis the majority in the country, or up to 40 per cent, by 2021, members of the Federal National Council (FNC) told Gulf News.Abu Dhabi: The influx of foreign workers and investment in the UAE has resulted in an exponential growth of the population in the past four years.

Appreciating Diversity

Yet…Even in college, people often tend to seek

out other people like themselves…College 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 Emirates 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 CampusDespite 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 on College Campuses

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

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”

The UAE Most colleges have students from a wide range of countries.They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be different from those of American students.If you are an Emirates-born student, consider getting to know one or more international students; it will expand your education.If you are an international student, adapting to college in UAE may bring some confusion and problems; for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

expatriates

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