This is something that affects me very much. I am born in the UAE. I have lived my entire till now in the UAE. I celebrate UAE celebrations, and mourn when it's leaders pass away. I take pride in living here.
But not so much anymore. Because unlike most countries, I will never be one of it's own. I have no rights, no freedom and definitely non of the benefits of a citizen. I am a nobody here. It pains and saddens me. I am a stranger in my own home.
Even though I am of Indian heritage, the subcontinent was never my home. It was a place I was dragged to for the summer holidays. Even if I live there now, it will never be my home, and it's people will never accept me as one of it's own, even though I am of the same color and race and can somewhat converse in it's language. I will be a foreigner to them.
If I were born anywhere else beyond the GCC, I would be it's natural citizen. Regardless of my faith, race, culture or language. If someone asked me where I'm from, I'd have an answer. But I don't. If I say "I'm from Dubai", they would say - but you don't look Arab/Emirati. And if I say I'm Indian, I can't quite stomach it. Because despite my race, I don't feel very Indian. But ultimately, it's a question of your skin and passport that determines who you are and how much you are worth. Which in Dubai, means I should be a cleaner or a housemaid. Earning peanuts and living in an overcrowded apartment.
Which is why it tears me to decide to leave as soon as I am able. I'm sick of being treated like I'm worth nothing, and reaching an impossibly low glass ceiling because I'm Indian, a woman and a Bangladeshi passport holder (apparently that's far worse than an Indian passport here). But even if I go to Canada or America and live the rest of my life there, I wouldn't feel Canadian/American. Dubai would still be my 'home'. Where I was born and grew up in.
I guess the most I can hope is that my children don't feel as lost as me and that I can raise them in a place that they can call home. They can identify with. They can reach their full capacity by their abilities, not by their skin or passport.
The arrogance, materialism and racism of this place saddens me deeply. I hope people realize before it's too late.
NOBODY LOVES NIGERIA
8 hours ago
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13 lovers/haters:
Well... as far as rights go, we all know this place is a bit weird. When you retire, you must leave the country because no one gets citizenship. I think in the long run, this model will not be feasible because I do not see indigenous people laying bricks anytime soon.
As for racism, fortunately I have never encountered any. The multi-cultural aspect is one I love about this place. Everyone is from a different part of the world! I have never been profiled for my nationality and if ever I am, I would react in a very angry way. Our long-term plans are to eventually move to a European country (I am originally from the Sub-continent too). The reasons are manifold but at this stage, this is just a long-term plan!
I know how you feel - hence I am the ultimate bedoin...
Born in the UK, Indian heritage, grew up in Dubai... I call myself British, but its a label; there is no feeling to it. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been to India, and haven't been since 1996. Saying that... I don't know what it is to feel like I belong in the UAE - I have lost that feeling for now....
So that is why I roam... and move about... and one day find my heart somewhere and call it home - the place where I belong.
Remember - home is where the heart is. You don't need a tag of Emarati to belong there... you just do!
Have a great new year!
I'm a local, but I feel as lost as you, I guess. I can barely speak arabic and I am looked at by some sort of second class emarati because my family is from iran, originally.
My family speak farsi, and I don't understand a word of it.
I'm to iranian to be emarati, I'm to emarati to be iranian.
Happy new year, Mars. I hope you have fun with your mom at Cafe Ceramique.
oops. Mortifying typo.
too* and too* :P
The U.S. is a melting pot. If you ever decide to move to the States, I bet you will love it.
I know it is idealistic for me to even think this, but really, why can people not just take people for who they are.
Feel sorry for you Sweety. Your worth true is measured by what you believe yourself to be worth. Don't let anyone else set the standard.
Happy New Year!!
You've quite possible summarized all the emotions of a good majority of the youth here in the UAE.
Yours truly included.
:)
Happy New Year Mars!
M
@adb:
i'm glad you haven't experienced it and i hope you never do. but as you've recently come here, it takes a while to see past the facade.
@biscuit:
i'm not interested or desperate to be an Emirati as such, I just would like being treated with more respect.
@Dana:
i've met a few Emiratis like that and it seems like they're the only ones who understand how messed up all of this.
@wow:
perhaps. i've lived in the US before and visit frequently. but ultimately, i find Dubai as my 'home' even if i lived in the States.
@linda:
if that were to happen, i wouldn't be writing this post would i?
@bridget:
it gets exasperating after a while when you get denied alot of things because of your skin or status.
@mali:
so what happens next?
Mars, as a fellow UAEian, I feel every word you say.
I was born in the UAE, my dad is half Indian (his mom) - my grandad is Caucasian. My mom is Indian, though she's been out of India the last 40 years. My dad moved to the UAE in '69. I lived all my life, until I was about your age in the UAE. I can't speak any Indian languages - English is all I speak. Indians (from India) treat me like am an Alien or just plain stupid. There is not much I relate to when it comes to several Indian ways of life.
I can tell you, at 24, I felt exactly the way you did - so I moved to NYC. America has been wonderful to me. I've got a rocking career, healthy set of friends and social life. I've been accepted with such warmth & acceptance. I am deeply appreciative to this "foster" nation that's accepted me as one of their own - no questions asked.
However, when friends talk about their "home towns" am "lost" 'cause where or what is my home town? At 32, feeling of home/UAE never departs. It sticks on - am always drawn back to this place. There are many like us here in the UAE/GCC. Am not sure how to cut of an invisible umbilical cord. However, some folks who've managed to cut off have moved on and made new homes.
Am not sure if things shall change in our lifetime. However, I hope you get some solace from the fact, you are not alone - you have the pleasure and company of educated, sensible, worldly and wonderful set of people - and there are always options. So here's a sincere prayer and plenty of warm thoughts toward a new beginning.
You should leave. We dont want you here, and unless you can make parata, or good tea with karak, you wont get much respect. Oh, AND on top of that you're a woman.
So a parata woman who bitches and is "too good" for her own country that she needs to sulk here.
This situation is AMAZING. because trust me, if the UAE ever smells any democracy, and Emaratis are given any kinds of rights in terms of voting, it WILL GET MUCH WORSE FOR YOU.
Probably one of the biggest reasons why we dont see a push towards that, is that we would start voting against foreigners in every way possible. THAT would be progress. Letting you take over my country (I dont care what you feel cunt bag) isnt going to happen.
THESE are the feelings of the new, and educated, lower higher class and higher middle class of the UAE. Beware. Be afraid.
Holy shit. That sounds like a threat if I"ve ever heard one. Tell me, Mars... why have you not yet reported abuse?
There are some in this world who are innately evil.
How did I even miss this post? It was back in January. I'm sorry.
comment moderation. That's all I'm saying.
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