KT Exclusive: What does diversity mean for Dubai-ites?

United faces of diversity

In a new weekly series, Khaleej Times celebrates Dubai. We explore the varied nuances of the city by speaking with Dubai-ites -Young and old, old timers and relative new comers, who hail from all over the world. This week, we look at Dubai's most visible characteristics: Diversity
We keep hearing how Dubai is a melting pot and possibly the most cosmopolitan city of all (around 87 per cent of Dubai's population comprises a vast and happy mix of expatriates). But what does diversity really mean? And why does it mean so much to residents here that it's become a calling card for the city?
Mike McGinley-American, owns the bookshop House of Prose
Dubai-ite since: 2003
I am American. I read recently that only about 14 per cent of Americans in America have ever met a Muslim. Diversity to me means more appreciation and tolerance of almost everyone and everything in the world. We fear what we don't know, and the diversity here exposes us to a lot more than most people in other parts of the world. That converts to having less fear of differences. How many nationalities do I know? At least 40! I deal with a Pakistani gentleman, who is respectful in all interactions with me while appreciating we are from totally different backgrounds. He is not superior nor subservient - we are equals in every respect even though by position we aren't. I am exposed to a lot more diversity than others for the simple fact I have a bookshop. I have the best of a diverse world in that I deal with multiple nationalities all day long - but with a common language we can understand.
Farhaan Hussain-Pakistani, student at American College of Dubai Dubai-ite since: 1993
Recently, I was at a Pandora showroom, looking to get my fiancé a gift for Valentine's Day. I was feeling awkward since I was the only male there. But one Filipina lady - not a salesperson but a shop-per - came up to me and asked with a smile, "Do you need help?" I told her I was looking for a pendant or a ring, and she helped me select something nice. At the end of it, we were chatting away happily. Every day, I experience diversity. I play basket-ball with my Filipino friends in college, which is how I know a phrase or two - "Kumus taka?" ('How are you?') of Tagalog. I know a few words in Farsi, thanks to my Iranian friends. I have friends from Tanzania and other African countries, who know more about Bollywood than I do. I have Afghani friends who took me to Bombay Chowpatty and ordered sev puri. I learn so much about food from my interactions and friendships with different people from so many countries.
Linda Liu-Australian-Vietnamese, founder of The Fruit Box ME
Dubai-ite since: 2009
My husband is Irish, my best friend is Croatian - and I met them both here in Dubai. I have made friends with people from more than 50 nationalities so far! Diversity is the bedrock of Dubai, with such a small local population and a high number of ex-pats living here; it never ceases to amaze me how many different cultures and lifestyles have been allowed to mix to create the Dubai we live in.
Chandra Prasad Sapkota-Nepalese, civil engineer in construction business
Dubai-ite since: 1986
In the 80s, there were only Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Iranians, Sudanese, Sri Lankans, Egyptians and Europeans - mostly British and Norwegians. The number of expats from different nationalities in Dubai has grown tremendously. I interact daily with 8-10 nationalities, several of them from African countries. You get to know of other customs, other religions, other foods, other personal stories. you come to know about other lives. I come from the Himalayan kingdom. I only know the hills and mountains. A Sri Lankan was telling me the other day about some beaches in Sri Lanka that he said I must visit. I am planning to take him up on his offer.
Vayan Emad Eldin-Sudanese, student at Canadian University
Dubai-ite since: 1998
I was born here so I grew up with diversity and thanks to that, I'm very open minded to people from any race. that's a trait you'll find in most people living in Dubai. As a multicultural community, we are always there for each other in times of need, no matter what our "background" is. I've had the chance to be exposed to over 60 different nationalities and I've met the most diverse people who you wouldn't be able to find anywhere other than Dubai.
Nerry Toledo-Filipina, public relations executive
Dubai-ite since: 2008
Diversity, for me, is like travelling to many places at the same time without getting out of the country. Before Dubai, I used to hesitate to talk to strangers. Now I don't - because it doesn't make sense to not talk to new people, and not share your life with new people from different backgrounds just because we're not here for good. The memories we make will be for good.Dubai's diversity has taught me to deal with people with authenticity. We're all here temporarily. Living here, I've realised we shouldn't move on without making a difference in each other's lives. And Dubai gives us a great opportunity to create memories with so many different kinds of people.
Lina El-Saheb-Palestinian-Jordanian, managing partner of Hint Hunt Dubai
Dubai-ite since: 1974
I was born here, and since I grew up here with people from so many different nationalities, Dubai has taught me to not have misconceptions... If I meet a Chinese person, I would know he or she isn't Korean. You're more aware. From people's mannerisms and features, you understand where they come from. Dubai has taught me to not confuse a Lebanese with a Syrian or an Indian with a Pakistani. But no matter how well you think you know a certain country and its nationals, you always learn something new. And it's always interesting to hear stories from different parts of the world - and getting to know of other cultures and belief systems. Dubai's true essence of is how accepting and welcoming it is of different cultures. I have met and interacted with over 45 nationalities. Daily, I interact with at least 5 different nationalities, and I love that since I am always learning some thing new from them.
Surender Singh Kandhari-Indian, chairman, Al Dobowi Group (and chairman of GuruNanak Darbar Gurudwara)
Dubai-ite since: 1976
The backbone of Dubai's success is its diversity and its acceptance and tolerance of all faiths and religions. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, is the perfect ex-ample of UAE's acceptance towards diversity. He gave 25,400 sq. ft. of land free to the Sikh community of UAE to build a gurudwara (Sikh temple) in Dubai. The entire Sikh community is highly honoured and indebted for his kind generosity.The initiative taken by the UAE government on implementing the anti-hatred law is a great boom to religious harmony. The UAE's model of peaceful co-existence is an example for the world. Over 200 nationalities living together is a great example of a perfect, harmonious society. Such moves will help resolve global conflicts sparked by religious hatred.
'No chance of feeling like a fish out of water!'-Tala Al Jabri
Diversity has been a constant theme in my life. While I am a Saudi citizen, my parents' origins are from Palestine and Syria, and prior to moving to Dubai, I spent 20 years living in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Canada. Everywhere else, I have always felt a little out of place, like a fish out of the water. But after five years in Dubai, I feel I have finally found a place that can speak to my varied, complex and intertwined cultural backgrounds.There is no doubt that Dubai is among the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In the time I have spent here, I have interacted with at least 50 different nationalities. Moreover, over 20 nationalities are represented in my workplace alone. Of my 20 closest friends, 10 belong to different nationalities.But here's the thing: My example is not unique. This probably applies to everyone who's lived here.Diversity does not stop at where you are from but is bolstered by varied languages, skill-sets, gender identities, and socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. Dubai's hosting of the Expo 2020 and its involvement of all residents of Dubai in its vision is one of many examples that symbolises the city's character. Moreover, the city's embracing of diversity has made it among the happiest places in the world and among the best in our region in promoting gender parity.The celebration of diversity does not only encourage social cohesion and harmony but brings with it many economic advantages. Many have chosen Dubai as a home base for their business operations.Dubai's rich diversity is one of its key defining characteristics; it is what binds us. This is why Dubai is home for me.
Tala is a Dubai-based management consultant, specialising in economic and social development.
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