National Identity of the United Arab Emirates

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the reluctance of the U.A.E. to grant citizenship to non-tribal Arab's involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict on ethnic grounds. The paper analyzes the phenomenon of migrant workers moving into the country as a result of the growing oil economy and the introduction of western cultural influences that have diluted the strict practice of Islam in the U.A.E. It also looks at the educational and professional opportunities that have become available to women due to the modernizing forces at work.

From the Paper:

"This conflict within Arab nationalism is echoed within UAE. While both Arab nationalists and UAE try to embrace modernity, progress and Westernization, it threatens their national and cultural identity rooted in Islam. Arab nationalism proposes to not only bring Arabs together, but also provide non-Muslim minorities within Arab countries fair, secular rule under which minorities could regain their rights. In the same way, by adopting a more modern approach to the status of women, UAE aims to provide a more Westernized, progressive society to the large number of foreigners working within its borders. Both Arab nationalism and UAE try to separate themselves from the world's negative view of Islam, which is often labeled as imperialist and reactionary. In the eyes of the world, Islamic states oppress ethnic and religious minorities and treat women as second-class citizens."

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