2. Cultural Diversity in the UAE
Today’s college campuses reflect the diversity
of the UAE. population, but are you aware
how diverse the UAE. is? And why that’s a
reason to celebrate?
3. 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.
4. The Changing UAE Population
According to the Census Bureau, the
UAE. is the only nation in the world
where virtually every group represented
has its origin in another country.
5. A 41 years of Change
Total UAE Population, 7890924, by race
6. What does the future hold for you, me, & us?
If the current rate of growth
continues, the groups that
make up a minority of the
current population will make
up to 40% of the UAE
population by 2021.
If you live in or near an urban
center, chances are that your
community is already more
diverse than you may think. In
small communities it may be
less so.
7. Appreciating Diversity
Diversity is the reason that Emiratis language, food, fashion, music,
business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!
Yet…
Even in the UAE , people often tend to seek out
other people like themselves…
Living in the UAE 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.
8. Broaden Your Diversity Vista
Make all people and groups feel welcome,
including those with differences in age or
ability.
9. Being Mindful of Others
Respect culture and diversity
Understand gender issues
Improve your relationships with diverse others
Different isn’t bad, it’s just different
10. Diversity on Campus
College campuses are among Emirates most diverse settings,
including both students and faculty.
Despite 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.
11. Discrimination and Prejudice in
UAE
In addition to being morally and
personally repugnant, discrimination is
also ILLEGAL.
Respect & tolerance, on the other
hand, are highly encouraged!
12. Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice in UAE
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.
13. 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‖
14. Improve Your Relationships with
Different Kinds of People
Honestly assess your attitudes
Put yourself in perspective with others
Seek personal contact
Respect differences but don’t overlook
similarities
Search for more knowledge
Treat people as individuals
rather than stereotyping them
Include, don’t exclude
