Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

27 May, 2013

Expats welcome in UAE but should respect local culture | GulfNews.com

With some 85 per cent of the country’s population made up of foreigners, there remain some concerns among UAE nationals about outside cultures’ influence on local language and culture, which is shaped by Arabic and an Islamic-Arab heritage.

Emiratis of the old guard as well as the young generation shared their views in a candid discussion on a weighty aspect of their lives — the overwhelming presence of expats in their land.

The outlook, hopes and concerns voiced by learned UAE academics and undergraduates flowed during a recent one-day Dubai conference that explored how expats view UAE society.

However, the delegates stressed time and again the exemplary appreciation and hospitality they share with some 200 nationalities that call the UAE a home away from home.

Read the rest: Expats welcome but should respect local culture | GulfNews.com.