On such a day as this it seems appropriate to ask - why are South Africans, and to a lesser degree Scots, the only peoples so insistent on proclaiming their nationality on the back of their cars?
What about the locals who drive with UAE flags on the back of their cars? and pictures of Sheikh Zayed and so on stuck on their rear windows? Lots of pakistanis have a pakistani flag on the rear of their car too, so it's not just Canadians or Lebanese that do this.
it was the world cup final rugby match sat.evening in Paris between England and S.Africa ..... and s.african expats around the world were prob flying flags in support of the their rugby team.and yes,s.afican team won last night in paris.
These are warning signs for the rest of us. If you see the 'Ecosse' or Sarfeffrikken colours on a car you are advised to approach the driver with caution and
a) speak slowly to them and use simple words b) use sign language c) don't mention apartheid or deep fried Mars bars d) refrain from giggling at their accents until out of reach (of a Glasgow kiss)
dvhIf however you see Canadian colours on a Chevrolet Festiva you must assume the driver is a Lebanese who couldn’t make it to France. You should therefore
a) use liberally the words yani, merci, yani, and yani b) Compliment the driver on his suit & watch (him)/ augmented breasts & Botoxed lips (her) c) Talk about his ‘other’ car, which is a Porsche of course
Who has the most expensive CARS, expats... who has the most expensive houses, expats...who is feeling home, expats...whos is getting high wages, expats... so be nice to those people who they feel you home..and thank God for that.
wat the fuck. If anything, expats have always experienced the short end of the stick. This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis and we expats are there to do the grunt work. Ofcourse, its only a matter of time before some serious reform takes place. This country is following an extremely unhealthy economic pattern. btw, u do not need to have a P.Hd in economics to figure that out.
wat the fuck. If anything, expats have always experienced the short end of the stick. This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis and we expats are there to do the grunt work. Ofcourse, its only a matter of time before some serious reform takes place. This country is following an extremely unhealthy economic pattern. btw, u do not need to have a P.Hd in economics to figure that out.
When u wrote: "This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis". Did u mean it is ruled by only few people and the majority of the emaratis have no say on decisions made. Or you meant that expats has to share the power too? Could you please clarify.
I really don’t know why some ppl when they have the chance they express their hates to this country and to Emaraties. Because of the Emaraties, this country welcomed everyone to live here in peace. But unfortunately few of the comers are offensive and impolite and they don’t respect this country.
I quote: " Anonymous said... I really don’t know why some ppl when they have the chance they express their hates to this country and to Emaraties. Because of the Emaraties, this country welcomed everyone to live here in peace. But unfortunately few of the comers are offensive and impolite and they don’t respect this country.
23 October, 2007 14:59 "
I TOTALLY AGREE.
now for god's sake people!!! if u hate it AND you are annoyed to the extent where you have ZERO appreciation AND all you do is complain, AND whine about every single issue, then what are you still doing here? why don't you go back to wherever you came from, seriously !!! there are ups and downs everywhere. nowhere on earth and no one at all is perfect mind you, if your intention was to highlight the negative side of this place because you care about the city that you live in then that’s acceptable, if you have a proper criticism that you build up on facts and realistic discussions then that is highly appreciated no matter what your intentions are but what bothers me is your terrible aggression. Generally speaking, Emaraties unlike some other nationalities are very friendly people whether you are on their land or you meet them abroad. ANDD IF that is not the case, and they are not all so friendly then its because of the attitude they get from expats like you (i do not blame them). It pains my heart to see people acting or saying such ridiculous things about my country where they are treated very well (sometimes better than locals themselves). If only you appreciate it and not take it for granted!!! You need to loosen up and re-think what you’ve been saying.
Now that ive said most of what I wanted to say, I expect a proper response or I expect a silly childish response (with all due respect) that is filled with aggression and ignorance as usual. no matter what it is, I just wanted to make a point here that I hope will make some people who read it think twice before talking pointlessly.
alia, not everyone shares your point of view. not all the expats are as fortunate as you to thin emirates is full of milk and honey. it is half full of shit. and emiratis dont really welcome expats because they love them, far from it, they need expats to build their country while paying peanuts and treating them like rubbish and in a racial manner most of the time.
now your real issue is not this, most expats come from democracies, and secular countries. unlike your people, they are used to questioning faith, and the powers who rule. And they will continue to do so here too, difference of opinion and various ways of expressing it is a sign of intelligence. keeping quiet and saying all is wonderful is a sign of ignorance, you probably dont even know what goes on in your country.
i quote from your comment: "difference of opinion and various ways of expressing it is a sign of intelligence. keeping quiet and saying all is wonderful is a sign of ignorance, you probably dont even know what goes on in your country"
i am aware of many issues, and as i said earlier perfection is not possible. what i wanted to point out here is that if anyone wants to comment, criticize, or say whatever they wish to say they are welcomed to do so decently and with respect. This is the whole idea behind my comment. people shouldn’t let their rage out by being offensive (yes maybe once or twice, after all this is a personal blog but not all the time), there are better cultured ways to express an idea. i hope you have a clearer picture of what i am trying to communicate. thank you for your feedback.
Imagine some country in Europe you enter the supermarket deli counter and it says 'For non-christians only' hmmm - Or you enter a nightclub and it says 'Those dressed on western clothing will not be permitted to enter.
Lets face it. If it wasnt for the money none of us would be here. We're all prostitutes and as is the case in most of these types of relationships its a matter of opinion as to who is exploiting whom. Ask the locals and they'll probably tell you are taking advantage of their hospitality...
Dubai is far from being perfect and everybody knows that. But it is also a city that is changing fast.
Nobody from a western country (including myself) was forced to come here (even out of economic reasons).
Sure, I happen to say or think the same things as same of the people here. But overall, I can only say the the local population has been extremely friendly and welcoming towards me (ok except for the LC that almost wiped me out on Emirates Road).
Sure, the local population may get a different treatment at work but I have seen that in my own country also (which counts an important foreign workforce). But so what, it is the government's duty to look after their own people.
N.B.I also wish i could buy my beer can in the grocery next door but then i am not at home...
"Imagine some country in Europe you enter the supermarket deli counter and it says 'For non-christians only' hmmm - Or you enter a nightclub and it says 'Those dressed on western clothing will not be permitted to enter.
That's how well we treat expats...."
First these concessions (pork and alcohol) exist only from a business stand point.
Second, if you are angry that you cannot eat pork or visit a nightclub in you local dress, why don't you take it up with your government. Its your country right.
Locals are welcoming only to caucasians. (especially to the ladies :) )
Have you ever seen how they treat indians, pakistanis and even palestinians?
I am sick of this gratitude they expect me to show for being in this country.
You need us expats. And we need your money. It is a business relationship. Don't act like you are doing us a favour, since we are doing you a favour as well.
We work and help build your country. And you pay us well.
"""You need us expats. And we need your money. It is a business relationship. Don't act like you are doing us a favour, since we are doing you a favour as well."""
Yes we are doing you a favour ... Yes it is business relationship but you are not doing us a favour because we pay you and we can replace you at anytime.
You hate it here But you can not leave this country because you will never find gloden opportunities like what you find here !!
So just shut your mouth and open your pocket end of the month.
anon above, golden opportunities in dubai? you must be smoking some shit. and you obviously have no idea of other places. i was headhunted to come to dubai, and i ran away after 9 months for a much better paying job elsewhere, and much better life. dubai is a place for underachievers who think they will get high achiever status and lots of money quickly. far better life, opportunities, and rights exist everywhere else. you just need to be smart enough. which brings me back to my point, you reqally have to be stupid and an idiot to be working in dubai. in which case you should bow to the dishdashes for giving you a job
Don't you just love how the arabs cannot take criticism but are the first to dish out some (especially about the immoral west). And on top of that have the biggest holier than thou attitude.
Christ, there is so much hate and bigotry given the comments. It's quite unfortunate, people think of each other this way - this certainly is not the UAE I grew up in.
Dear Alia, First of all I would like to congratulate you on trying to express your opinion in this fashion and feel that this approach deserves an honest answer. I can certainly share your sentiments and would like to let you know that not every foreigner abhors Emiratis and actually in fact some really care what is happening with your country and the local populace. Moreover, I have displayed my critical points in this blogoshere several times and the response for trying to express the “inconvenient truth” was not only one death threat, but totally unsubstantiated attacks by Moyarti and others.
I am actually not based in the UAE (so no need to worry – one Westerner with an opinion less) and since my job requires dialogue as well as participation with foreign societies, I have cancelled the UAE of my list as the one and only GCC country where this is simply impossible. After some time, one just simply gets fed up with the absence of critical thought and this constant denial concept. It doesn’t matter what the topic may be from “unemployment” to “prostitution”, it is always “not true”.
Please consider that there is some truth in the sentence: “Treat others, how you want to be treated” and try to take a look at the problem from this perspective. Here are just a few observations that should give you some food for thought:
(1) The blame game: While sacrificing your own cultural heritage and your natural environment for purely material interests, you will always find someone to blame. In fact by assigning the responsibility for your own shortcomings to the West (plus Israel), you distract the attention from all those internal weaknesses that present your real problems. Obviously it seems a lot easier to focus on hate than to start exploring what could be done to solve those problems.
(2) You got what you ask for: In an economy that is so profit orientated and materialistic, what type of people do you expect to attract? To keep it simple - try to compare it with the gold rush! We got those from developing countries that come from deprived economies and if they are outstanding will just use the UAE as a platform to be quickly absorbed by the labor markets of the industrialized world. (where they can bring their families along, be respected as human beings and will enjoy much better lives) The rest will stay behind and will be frustrated because they are usually separated from their loved ones. Additionally we have all those criminals that will basically do everything for cash!
And from the West? Apart from those highly qualified experts that will simply perform a given task for a certain amount of time, you will get those that are ready to “overlook” all those atrocities that you commit against human beings (and animals) for their greedy ambitions. Some of them are even ready to sell our ethical values for a little sandal licking experience. Somehow people should have leaned a lesson from history when it comes to “looking away”, but …. Now, not exactly the preferred selection! Do you really expect those to make an effort to understand your culture and help you in your development pursuit? How many have tried to learn your language, or the other way around have you made an effort to teach anyone your language? When it comes to science, you simply cannot attract any major international players whatsoever, because no genuine professor or researcher would opt to work in an environment that does not permit freedom of speech and thought. You would have to be pretty desperate or just feel like chilling for some time to accept this type of job. (and would most likely rather do that in Brazil, Thailand, or so)
(3) An open insult to the concept of Islam Unfortunately there is a lot of misconception about Islam in the Western world and that negative image of insincerity and hypocrisy is especially fostered by the image that you project. While Islam stands for modesty, equity, acquiring constant knowledge and human compassion – your behavior represents exactly the opposite. Of course there will be resentment! What will you expect? Why was someone like me given a copy of the Holy Koran by a Pakistani in Dubai, for showing just a little bit of compassion (something totally normal that almost every German would have done) towards an abused house maid? According to his words, I portray “a better Muslim” than those Emiratis that constantly abuse human beings. Of course, I am not a Muslim, but his valuable gift, is standing on my desk as a constant reminder for an “uncompromising humanitarian ideology”. What do you expect, when you treat human beings in this fashion?
(4) Shallow friendliness: I totally agree with you that most Emiratis are friendly and hospitable people at least to those selected few of us. But what type of friendship is this? Isn’t a clear segregation the norm? How many Emiratis do you know that are living in mixed marriages, abroad, etc. How do you expect us to like and tolerate you, if you are not willing to integrate with the global community that you depend on? Just image, if Germany would introduce a law saying that Germans cannot marry foreigners or that those that do will be treated as social outcasts? Besides that there would be an outcry in the world that is simply impossible in our modern times. You are practicing open racism and that is just unbearable!
(5) Geopolitics: Has it occurred to you that not everything is “really legitimate” that is happening in Dubai? Keywords maybe money laundering, terrorism ******, hosting of PMCs, etc. This presents a major problem to all of us, no matter where we are from and will add to certain resentments.
(6) “Submissiveness and Obedience” Most of these above issues are not even your fault, but are a result of your suicidal policies. Now that really gets people infuriated. The tendency to worship money, authority and your patronage system. Actually an article in Abu Dhabi owned newspaper al-Itihad (June 29, 2003) ask the critical question: "Has the worship of a dictator and of oppression become the foundation of Arab thought and culture?"
These are just a few and hopefully they will help to make you reconsider your approach to the topic.
Quite interesting for everyone else were the Observations on Arabs made by a US anthropologist, that endured a year in Saudi Arabia. While I certainly do not agree with all his observations, I find it remarkable what this guy actually observed in only one year. It can easily be transferred to the UAE!
@ Rosh, this is certainly not the UAE you grew up in - unfortunately!
I really like Dubai, I think its a wonderful place to live in. I think Emiratees are a hospitable people who are an example to most Muslims in their unity and vision. God bless this country!
i was just seeing "fast growing city" ur first entry. Its amazing how much the fan following has grown in these years. Im just a high-school student but i wish that one day i have as much of a fan following. Its interesting to see how after these years u r still as much of a skeptic as u were when u began. I have seen a flipside, a dark underbelly of this town that even so many of its residents miss. It is my last year in this dump and after 16 years (I was born here) i will be glad to leave a society where no one seems to look beyond themselves. congratulations on your achievement and good luck for the future and in case the TRA feels a bit threatened, ill sign ur petition lol. it prolly wont make a difference ...........
Its unfortunate that we made progress in the materialistic life only, and neglected ethics and equality in our society.
Come and see the huge buildings and the amazing highways, but it worth nothing when you see how people treat each other here on the road and on other aspects of life. Its really a disgrace.
Okay, so who didn't see this coming (the heated ethnic, social and other exchanges between everyone)?? I'm just going to do the flag thing. Funny enough, I was waiting for Ms. Secret Dubai to do this topic.
There are many reasons for this, but its a lot deeper than 'proclaiming their nationality' - its about realizing ones identity (if we go back to the initial topic). If you take the US of A, people tend to shed their identity, and Americanize to fit in, either by choice or for practical reasons. But its the opposite here, as UAE expats realize and ‘feel’ their roots and backgrounds even more, especially with over 175 different nationalities mixing it up.
We need something to say that we're out there as well, ‘swinging and rolling with the punches’, and that’s who I am, and I’m from that country.
This is more than usually seen in those who do not come from the most privileged countries. Maybe the flag thing did increase due to the rugby, but then the rugby was that country and its people’s time to shine, if for just that moment. We were flagging on the surface.
There are much more deeper and sometimes brutal socio-psychological and socio-political/economic meanings in the many forms ‘flagging’ (tattoos, body piercing, similar colored t-shirts worn in gangs, etc) which are usually adopted by people affected by severe struggles or having experienced major trauma in their lives (if they have managed to make it that far) – those who have lived to tell and will always feel those experiences (hence the flagging). Their scars are their flags - Flags of triumph, and sometimes of life over death.
It could be anywhere from the displaced person from a country in turmoil who ties his flag on his headrest of his first major possession (a car), after having to rebuild life from scratch (signifying that he cannot be destroyed or killed and he will survive out there but that he’s still true to his roots), or the ex-gang member that still keeps his gang sign tattooed over the heart side of his chest, but his University Registration number or Degree on the right side (showing how when born into nothing, you became a part of something to keep you alive, and you’re grateful for 1 more thing, that will ensure you stay alive, as you move on to different options in life).
I’d love to write more on this, and tell of some close and past friends experiences, but then, wouldn’t that be blogging (telling??).
You have to appreciate Alia and Sevensummits for putting forth a debate in such a un-biased and mature fashion. It really makes one think about and see the diffrent facets of this society. Despite that, I totally feel like saying something like the previous person who left a comment,
"Boooooooooorrrrrriiiiiiinnnngggg. All the losers in Dubai say woooohhooooooooo. Say sorry ass Looooosssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrr. Hahahahahahahahahahaha".
After being in this country for virtually all my life (16 years), I can firmly say that High school has been shit for me. I have felt isolated, insulted. I feel this fury welling up inside me and if people like Alia and Sevensummits hadn't make me realize the importance of being neutral and rational, i would say something along the lines of, "I hate this fucking hell-hole more than anywhere, I'd like to see this place crash and if i had the honor, i'd happily pump a bullet into the heads of the people who have turned this place into such a cold, insensitive place."
As usual the posts deteriorate into totally unrelated mud-slinging. Except for SAExpat69 in this case.
About South African flags, I have to say that I've never seen any on cars in Dubai!
Also, SecretDubai, maybe be careful about flinging that tired old song title around. It was directed at white South Africans who perpetuated apartheid, but non-white South Africans make up the vast majority of South Africans and are largely extremely nice.
I have had a great time here in Abu Dhabi and have thoroughly enjoyed being in this country. It is far from perfect (and I would single out the weird, skewed notions of race and nationality that seem to be all around us) but I feel I,personally, have been treated in a tolerant and respectful way by the Emiratis I have dealt with. The chance to deal with people from all over the Middle East has been a real eye opener, my work has presented fantastic opportunities to help me develop and I have lived peacefully, away from crime. And most of the time the weather is pretty decent. I will miss the place and it's people.
And, over and over and over again, they are saying the same things here, over and over and over again. Sometimes I wonder, which part of the topic is it that you people don't understand?
I tend to agree with what you write. Unfortunately, materialism inherently requires you to detach from ethical values. It is just unfortunate, but it is true.
Earning money is one thing, but when one gets into the vicious cycle of multiplying money do ethical values and religious obligations go out the window.
We had a crazy bombing in Karachi a couple of week backs. It was quite clearly a planted bombing, which our government is telling us is a "suicide bombing". Anyways, if you can go to Karachi, you would see how programs continue unabated and there is so no humanity anymore in us human beings. Concerts, ghazals, cinemas - it's all back to "normal" life and no one even cares about the dead. No one is asking for inquiries and no one gives a damn that everyday people are being killed in NWFP. All we care about is making more and more money.
I cannot blame the UAE alone, Sevensummits. Every muslim country today is living in denial. We all want to copy the West for the wrong reasons. We want to ape them in higher buildings, shorter skirts, dancing, singing and the materialism, but we don't want to copy those things from the West that will help us become better humans. We can continue being racist, denying people the right to have a say in running the country etc.
Then again, we have been looking away from the Qur'an that was sent to guide mankind so why be surprised if we are not looking towards other civilizations to learn the good from them? We humans have learned to walk on the moon, but we still dont know how to walk on Earth. How sad!
ann said... As usual the posts deteriorate into totally unrelated mud-slinging. Except for SAExpat69 in this case. It seems the threshold for reasoned, well thought out responses is about 30 comments so SD please save us by posting a new topic as we get close to that number.
Hey Nick, Thanks for the info. Who will dare print that article in the local media.Do you remember those "other measures".......am sure we all debated on that wonderful topic few weeks ago :-)
The Western world do have lots of positive points for us to learn from. I am not talking about Hollywood, Las Vegas and those kinds of vices (even though we are getting there, sigh) - the West has its share of bad and then some. But, there are some good things too such as their work ethics, their mannerism and other such things.
I am attending a sales training course these days and a British guy is our tutor. Today, after the class, he took me to the side and thanked me for my input and that he thought I was the best of the lot (most of the others were Arabs) and he asked for my help to gain control of the class. I felt sorry for the guy because he was unable to control the hooliganish lot! Almost everyone there was above 30 (except for myself) and yet the atmosphere was reminiscent of seventh or eighth grade in high school!
Its pointless having any topic here, just better have a big comments section as whatever the topic is, it reverts to political mud slinging bullshit.
I have a feeling secret Dubai enjoys this perverse turn of topics as her blog gets more mindless un original comments. As she is more than capable of intervening if she wants; as she has before when others have erred on islamist anti west positions. Unfortunately it does not apply the other way round.
Hey you assholes, we are not interested in your fucking political shit. Why do people not learn to get along. Do you think your anti muslim or anti western comments make the slight bit of difference? Are you gonna change the world? Why cant you stick to the topic that was posted, if youre going to deviate atleast do it in relation to the topic.
I am fucking fed of up of seeing the same shit over and over again. Its bollocks. I admit Dubai hasnt been kind to everyone who came here, but for gods sake, take it easy man. I could swear every guy that is a loser here has already made it to this blog.
anon above, now that you have proved losers make it to this blog, what the fuck are you doing here. are u one too? if not, why dont you go out with the bags of money you have made, hire a few thousand slaves, build a few thousand blocks, rent it out to slaves and take the money that you paid to them back. and go out whoring with the 192 nationalities provided in uae as it proudly advertises.
getting pissed because this blog is not following your eternal wisdom and knowledge and guidelines? get used to criticism you jackshit. we take fun in writing what we write, because we know the truth pisses you off.
well said anonymous - i'm fed up of all the deliberately inflammatory and racist (on both sides) crap being spouted here and in virtually every publication with a 'letters' page. Totally pointless, offensive drivel. Even the blogger's inane comment about Scottish and SA flags is crap - what, only these 2 nationalities drive around with stickers? SO WHAT?! I couldn't care less. Attacks on all sorts of different races is getting more prolific and vile by the day - calm down and learn a bit of tolerance folks, or, as we've said time and again, get back to your own comfort zone, wherever that may be in the world. And no I'm not particularly enjoying my time here at the moment either, and am thinking of heading 'home' (where I left in 1977 aged 1 to come here, been here ever since). I thought I was a tolerant person, but all this negative mud slinging is just too bloody depressing. We really DID get on most of the time up until about 10 years ago. And it's pointless to start slinging more racist accusations about who's to blame...we all are.
Thanks for the links, thats a funny story for sure.
Nick, come on now and be a good boy. Start stirring, come on now, thats a good boy, here now, yeesss, Good boy.
Nick PLEASE spare us you bullshit man, I emphasis puhleeze cause I mean it. Really, you can have those sorts of conversations you like in countless pubs, they even get better and more emotional after a few drinks.
Do I really have to see the same crap over and over again every time I come here, eh? Nick?
To those people who love telling others to leave Dubai whenever we criticise something here:
I keep hearing "if you don't like it then leave" and "why are you here if you hate it?" things all the time.
Next time you feel the urge to tell someone "if you don't like it then leave", instead say "thank you for staying here and making this country a better place for me".
Because you know what is going to happen to you if we were to actually pack up and leave, right?
Ich versuchen meine Kommentare einfach zu halten. Da es wohl sehr spät geworden ist, erlaube ich mir einfach los zu schreiben...
In vielerlei Hinsicht entspricht deine Sicht den heutigen Tatsachen in der arabischen Golfregion. Es ist aber zu merken dass diese Länder:
a) ein künstliches Gebilde darstellen was in den Dreißigern des letzten Jahrhundert anfing zu existieren. Hauptziel war/ist die Puffer- und Motorfunktion der Ölstatten aufrechtzuerhalten um die Industrieländern den unersätzlichen Ölkonsum erstmal zu ermöglichen. Dementsprechend ist die Erwartung dass ein hochentwickeltes Justizsystem oder gar eine Exekutive, die nicht mal populistische sei, höchst unrealistisch.
b) Es ist wohl wahr dass es komplett an ihnen liegt was aus Dubai usw. entsteht. Es hat nichts im Geringsten an die USA, den Westen oder das Zionistische Lobby zu tun. Es war ihre Entscheidung einen "gedopten" Kapitalismus zu importieren und zu verwirklichen ohne jegliche Achtung vor Menschenwürde. In diesem Punkt sind wir uns einig.
c) Was ich leider des Öfteren in Deutschland vermisse ist eine gesunde Selbstkritik die nur von sehr Wenigen Menschen praktiziert wird. Diese Äußert sich in folgenden Punkten:
i. die Tatsache dass einige der Migranten die entweder hier geboren sind oder dazu gezogen sind eher als Last als eine Bereicherung angesehen werden, zeigt sich im Beschäftigungssektor. Ausländer (eine allgemeine Form der Beschreibung dieser Menschen existiert bis heute nicht) sind von Arbeitslosigkeit doppelt so viel bedroht als Deutsche weil u.a....
ii. die meisten Abschlüsse die sie mitbringen werden nicht anerkannt und es werden aber so gut wie keine Möglichkeiten angeboten diese den deutschen Standard anzupassen. Es entsteht eine Art Sklavenmentalität bei beiden Teile der Bevölkerung:
Die Deutschen ERWARTEN dass die Ausländer niedrig besetzte Arbeit zu verrichten haben.
Die Ausländer sehen eine Aufstiegsmöglichkeit für unwahrscheinlich und dementsprechend entwickelt kaum eine/r eine Loyalität zu dem Gastgeberland, im Gegenteil es herrscht eine von Haß, Angst, Misstrauen und Panik geprägte Aussicht auf die Zukunft und die Einheimischen bzw. die Beziehung zu denen. Sprich sie ERWARTEN dass es nur Bergab gehen kann.
iii. nach einigen Erfahrungen in den verschiedensten Ländern dieser Erde bin ich leider zu den Entschluss gekommen dass Fremde, insbesondere Farbige, Südländer (Türken/Araber) u.a. an unterste Stelle in eure "Skala" stehen. Die Unhöflichkeit, die reine, teilweise offene Ablehnung der Andersartigkeit in Deutschland ist leider allgegenwärtig und wird präsenter. Bitte beachte dass diese Attitüde in einem offenen, demokratischen Land mit einer (scheinbaren/pseudo-) liberalen Gesellschaft passiert und nicht in einem Emirat was keine natürliche Evolution von Bürgerkrieg, zivile Ungehorsam um später eine bürgerliche Gesellschaft hervorzurufen.
Bitte beachte dass mein Ziel ist weder dich noch deine Kultur zu beleidigen ist. Ich biete nur eine Perspektive an die meiner Meinung nach äußert selten in euren Land gehört wird.
Vielleicht siehst Du meinen Beitrag nicht mal.
Grüße aus einer sehr verregneten Region in der Elbregion.
Aus Erfahrung heraus, werden meine Kommentare neu und korrigiert wieder abgegeben. Das letzte was ich persönlich hören/lesen möchte, ist wie schlecht und unwillig wie Ausländer eure Sprache lernen oder beherrschen wollen.
@SevenSummits
Ich versuche meine Kommentare einfach zu halten. Da es wohl sehr spät geworden ist, erlaube ich mir einfach los zu schreiben...
In vielerlei Hinsicht entspricht deine Sicht den heutigen Tatsachen in der arabischen Golfregion. Es ist aber zu merken dass diese Länder:
a) ein künstliches Gebilde darstellen was in den Dreißigern des letzten Jahrhundert anfing zu existieren. Hauptziel war/ist die Puffer- und Motorfunktion der Ölstatten aufrecht zuerhalten um die Industrieländern den unersetzlichen Ölkonsum erstmal zu ermöglichen. Dementsprechend ist die Erwartung dass ein hoch entwickeltes Justizsystem oder gar eine Exekutive, die nicht mal populistisch sei, höchst unrealistisch.
b) Es ist wohl wahr dass es komplett an ihnen liegt was aus Dubai usw. entsteht. Es hat nichts im Geringsten an die USA, den Westen oder das Zionistische Lobby zu tun. Es war ihre Entscheidung einen "gedopten" Kapitalismus zu importieren und zu verwirklichen ohne jegliche Achtung vor Menschenwürde. In diesem Punkt sind wir uns einig.
c) Was ich leider des Öfteren in Deutschland vermisse ist eine gesunde Selbstkritik die nur von sehr Wenigen Menschen praktiziert wird. Das heißt eine Feststellung der Tatsachen, ohne einen „Schuldigen“ zu suchen oder sich selbst scheinbar zu kasteien.
Diese Äußert sich in folgenden Punkten:
i. die Tatsache dass einige der Migranten die entweder hier geboren oder dazu gezogen sind eher als Last als eine Bereicherung angesehen werden, zeigt sich im Beschäftigungssektor. Ausländer (eine allgemeine Form der Beschreibung dieser Menschen existiert bis heute nicht) sind von Arbeitslosigkeit doppelt so viel betroffen als Deutsche weil u.a....
ii. die meisten Abschlüsse die sie mitbringen nicht anerkannt werden und es werden aber so gut wie keine Möglichkeiten angeboten diese den deutschen Standard anzupassen. Es entsteht eine Art Sklavenmentalität bei beiden Teile der Bevölkerung:
Die Deutschen ERWARTEN dass die Ausländer niedrig besetzte Arbeit zu verrichten haben.
Die Ausländer sehen eine Aufstiegsmöglichkeit für unwahrscheinlich und dementsprechend entwickelt kaum eine/r eine Loyalität zum Gastgeberland, im Gegenteil es herrscht eine von Haß, Angst, Misstrauen und Panik geprägte Aussicht auf die Zukunft und die Einheimischen bzw. die Beziehung zu denen. Sprich, sie ERWARTEN dass es nur Bergab gehen kann.
iii. nach einigen Erfahrungen in den verschiedensten Ländern dieser Erde bin ich leider zu den Entschluss gekommen dass Fremde, insbesondere Farbige, Südländer (Türken/Araber) u.a. an unterste Stelle in eure "Skala" stehen. Die Unhöflichkeit, die reine, teilweise offene Ablehnung der Andersartigkeit in Deutschland ist leider allgegenwärtig und wird präsenter. Bitte beachte dass diese Attitüde in einem offenen, demokratischen Land mit einer (scheinbaren/pseudo-) liberalen Gesellschaft passiert und nicht in einem Emirat was keine natürliche Evolution von Bürgerkrieg, zivile Ungehorsam durchmachte um später eine bürgerliche Gesellschaft hervorzurufen.
Bitte beachte dass mein Ziel ist weder dich noch deine Kultur zu beleidigen. Ich biete nur eine Perspektive an, die meiner Meinung nach äußert selten in euren Land gehört wird.
Vielleicht siehst Du meinen Beitrag nicht mal.
Grüße aus einer sehr verregneten Region in der Elbregion.
First, all what i've seen up till now is disrespect to this country. We said it once, well say it again .. whoever does not like the way things go here, u can always leave the country. We can manage, ur replacable.. Our economy will not collapse because of a 0.000001% of the community who left the country. If you do not like the locals, the place, your work, the government practically everything about this country then Why the hell are u still here? ..Let me tell you why.. your all gold-diggers. Your all here because of the wealth that the country enjoys. And I thinking that MOST expats are taking advantage of our hospitality. Instead of whining about the country, the people n ect... Cancel ur visa n leave this country immediately.. Your not welcomed. and BTW, SD all what i've seen in ur blog are negatives and criticism to this country. How about u thank GOD your eating from its wealth instead of being thrown next the garbage... We said it once, twice, three times.. whoever doesnt like this city or this country.. then leave. your replacable. we can live without you ;) there are other 5 billion people in the world who have RESPECT FOR this country including its sheikhs and WOULD DIE to work here. Thank you.
Once a friend of mine, whom happened to be a blond Euro expat girl by the way, was peacefully and joyfully driving her car back from work on UAE National Day 2006. So in order to celebrate the occasion, she's put a small UAE flag on her pretty tinny car as like the whole lots of residents, a little bit down al Wasel road she was stopped by police and was asked to remove it. Why?
69 Comments:
Good of you to point it out, infact I'v notived 2 more Flags on the rear of cars the Lebanese and Canadian flag.
what about lebanese? I wish i could enlighten them that L shaped finger gesture means loser.
and talking about flags, watch for Dubai Cares stickers coming soon to a car in front of you.
What about the locals who drive with UAE flags on the back of their cars? and pictures of Sheikh Zayed and so on stuck on their rear windows? Lots of pakistanis have a pakistani flag on the rear of their car too, so it's not just Canadians or Lebanese that do this.
it was the world cup final rugby match sat.evening in Paris between England and S.Africa ..... and s.african expats around the world were prob flying flags in support of the their rugby team.and yes,s.afican team won last night in paris.
hahaaha, nice observation :D
What about the Local kid stickers which are appearing on Local owned cars with increasing regularity.
-DD
Ah.. I think the Lebanese outnumber both SAfricans and Scots.. and as for the Canadian flag.. it's 9/10 a Lebanese with a Canadian passport.
I think it's something to do with the color red in the flag.
What I think? It's almost like they are trying to convince themselves that their country is worth belonging to.
Bah. Can I just put the map of the world instead?
Given the history, I would have said the most commonly raised flag in these parts was the white one...
Dar Al Hemeer
Seems a harmless pursuit to me. Something to look at on those rare occasions when you're not playing dodge'ems with the *!@# bad drivers!
" Given the history, I would have said the most commonly raised flag in these parts was the white one...
Dar Al Hemeer"
What Dar Al Hemeer means?, and whom you are referring to?
These are warning signs for the rest of us.
If you see the 'Ecosse' or Sarfeffrikken colours on a car you are advised to approach the driver with caution and
a) speak slowly to them and use simple words
b) use sign language
c) don't mention apartheid or deep fried Mars bars
d) refrain from giggling at their accents until out of reach (of a Glasgow kiss)
dvhIf however you see Canadian colours on a Chevrolet Festiva you must assume the driver is a Lebanese who couldn’t make it to France. You should therefore
a) use liberally the words yani, merci, yani, and yani
b) Compliment the driver on his suit & watch (him)/ augmented breasts & Botoxed lips (her)
c) Talk about his ‘other’ car, which is a Porsche of course
my son was playing that 'spittin' song on his pc when I woke up yesterday.....(noooooooooo, it was not I, who taught him it....)
Who has the most expensive CARS, expats... who has the most expensive houses, expats...who is feeling home, expats...whos is getting high wages, expats...
so be nice to those people who they feel you home..and thank God for that.
Lana,
I agree, those buses for those labourers are very expensive and those labour camps are huge.
I totally agree with you.
-DD
Lana,
wat the fuck. If anything, expats have always experienced the short end of the stick. This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis and we expats are there to do the grunt work. Ofcourse, its only a matter of time before some serious reform takes place. This country is following an extremely unhealthy economic pattern.
btw, u do not need to have a P.Hd in economics to figure that out.
Lana,
wat the fuck. If anything, expats have always experienced the short end of the stick. This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis and we expats are there to do the grunt work. Ofcourse, its only a matter of time before some serious reform takes place. This country is following an extremely unhealthy economic pattern.
btw, u do not need to have a P.Hd in economics to figure that out.
mz08,
When u wrote: "This country is unfairly dominated by emaratis". Did u mean it is ruled by only few people and the majority of the emaratis have no say on decisions made. Or you meant that expats has to share the power too?
Could you please clarify.
I was actually thinking about putting a picture of Mo and a falcon on my rear window to see if they (the morons in their LC) stop flashing me...
No, I've never met a nice Scotsman either. Expat South Africans love their flag because they really love their country. Oh.
I really don’t know why some ppl when they have the chance they express their hates to this country and to Emaraties. Because of the Emaraties, this country welcomed everyone to live here in peace. But unfortunately few of the comers are offensive and impolite and they don’t respect this country.
Listen, the Emiratis have no choice but to welcome expats into their country.
Who will do all the work?? Who will live in all these buildings (which were also created by the expats)?
I find it very difficult to respect the disrespect shown to the people who are flogging their guts out making the UAE a better place to live
I quote:
" Anonymous said...
I really don’t know why some ppl when they have the chance they express their hates to this country and to Emaraties. Because of the Emaraties, this country welcomed everyone to live here in peace. But unfortunately few of the comers are offensive and impolite and they don’t respect this country.
23 October, 2007 14:59 "
I TOTALLY AGREE.
now for god's sake people!!! if u hate it AND you are annoyed to the extent where you have ZERO appreciation AND all you do is complain, AND whine about every single issue, then what are you still doing here? why don't you go back to wherever you came from, seriously !!!
there are ups and downs everywhere. nowhere on earth and no one at all is perfect mind you, if your intention was to highlight the negative side of this place because you care about the city that you live in then that’s acceptable, if you have a proper criticism that you build up on facts and realistic discussions then that is highly appreciated no matter what your intentions are but what bothers me is your terrible aggression.
Generally speaking, Emaraties unlike some other nationalities are very friendly people whether you are on their land or you meet them abroad. ANDD IF that is not the case, and they are not all so friendly then its because of the attitude they get from expats like you (i do not blame them).
It pains my heart to see people acting or saying such ridiculous things about my country where they are treated very well (sometimes better than locals themselves). If only you appreciate it and not take it for granted!!!
You need to loosen up and re-think what you’ve been saying.
Now that ive said most of what I wanted to say, I expect a proper response or I expect a silly childish response (with all due respect) that is filled with aggression and ignorance as usual. no matter what it is, I just wanted to make a point here that I hope will make some people who read it think twice before talking pointlessly.
alia, not everyone shares your point of view. not all the expats are as fortunate as you to thin emirates is full of milk and honey. it is half full of shit. and emiratis dont really welcome expats because they love them, far from it, they need expats to build their country while paying peanuts and treating them like rubbish and in a racial manner most of the time.
now your real issue is not this, most expats come from democracies, and secular countries. unlike your people, they are used to questioning faith, and the powers who rule. And they will continue to do so here too, difference of opinion and various ways of expressing it is a sign of intelligence. keeping quiet and saying all is wonderful is a sign of ignorance, you probably dont even know what goes on in your country.
dear Anonymous 23 October, 2007 20:19
i quote from your comment:
"difference of opinion and various ways of expressing it is a sign of intelligence. keeping quiet and saying all is wonderful is a sign of ignorance, you probably dont even know what goes on in your country"
i am aware of many issues, and as i said earlier perfection is not possible. what i wanted to point out here is that if anyone wants to comment, criticize, or say whatever they wish to say they are welcomed to do so decently and with respect. This is the whole idea behind my comment. people shouldn’t let their rage out by being offensive (yes maybe once or twice, after all this is a personal blog but not all the time), there are better cultured ways to express an idea.
i hope you have a clearer picture of what i am trying to communicate.
thank you for your feedback.
Imagine some country in Europe you enter the supermarket deli counter and it says 'For non-christians only' hmmm - Or you enter a nightclub and it says 'Those dressed on western clothing will not be permitted to enter.
That's how well we treat expats....
Lets face it. If it wasnt for the money none of us would be here. We're all prostitutes and as is the case in most of these types of relationships its a matter of opinion as to who is exploiting whom. Ask the locals and they'll probably tell you are taking advantage of their hospitality...
Dubai is far from being perfect and everybody knows that. But it is also a city that is changing fast.
Nobody from a western country (including myself) was forced to come here (even out of economic reasons).
Sure, I happen to say or think the same things as same of the people here. But overall, I can only say the the local population has been extremely friendly and welcoming towards me (ok except for the LC that almost wiped me out on Emirates Road).
Sure, the local population may get a different treatment at work but I have seen that in my own country also (which counts an important foreign workforce). But so what, it is the government's duty to look after their own people.
N.B.I also wish i could buy my beer can in the grocery next door but then i am not at home...
"Imagine some country in Europe you enter the supermarket deli counter and it says 'For non-christians only' hmmm - Or you enter a nightclub and it says 'Those dressed on western clothing will not be permitted to enter.
That's how well we treat expats...."
First these concessions (pork and alcohol) exist only from a business stand point.
Second, if you are angry that you cannot eat pork or visit a nightclub in you local dress, why don't you take it up with your government. Its your country right.
Locals are welcoming only to caucasians. (especially to the ladies :) )
Have you ever seen how they treat indians, pakistanis and even palestinians?
I am sick of this gratitude they expect me to show for being in this country.
You need us expats. And we need your money. It is a business relationship. Don't act like you are doing us a favour, since we are doing you a favour as well.
We work and help build your country. And you pay us well.
thats all there is to this relationship.
-DD
"""You need us expats. And we need your money. It is a business relationship. Don't act like you are doing us a favour, since we are doing you a favour as well."""
Yes we are doing you a favour ... Yes it is business relationship but you are not doing us a favour because we pay you and we can replace you at anytime.
You hate it here But you can not leave this country because you will never find gloden opportunities like what you find here !!
So just shut your mouth and open your pocket end of the month.
anon above, golden opportunities in dubai? you must be smoking some shit. and you obviously have no idea of other places. i was headhunted to come to dubai, and i ran away after 9 months for a much better paying job elsewhere, and much better life.
dubai is a place for underachievers who think they will get high achiever status and lots of money quickly.
far better life, opportunities, and rights exist everywhere else. you just need to be smart enough. which brings me back to my point, you reqally have to be stupid and an idiot to be working in dubai. in which case you should bow to the dishdashes for giving you a job
“”I ran away after 9 months for a much better paying job elsewhere, and much better life.””
Guys, there is a much better paying job elsewhere, and much better life.. Lets move out there and leave Dubai.
You make me so happy to know that ppl like you are moving their asses out of Dubai.
THANK YOU :)
Don't you just love how the arabs cannot take criticism but are the first to dish out some (especially about the immoral west). And on top of that have the biggest holier than thou attitude.
Christ, there is so much hate and bigotry given the comments. It's quite unfortunate, people think of each other this way - this certainly is not the UAE I grew up in.
Dear Alia,
First of all I would like to congratulate you on trying to express your opinion in this fashion and feel that this approach deserves an honest answer. I can certainly share your sentiments and would like to let you know that not every foreigner abhors Emiratis and actually in fact some really care what is happening with your country and the local populace. Moreover, I have displayed my critical points in this blogoshere several times and the response for trying to express the “inconvenient truth” was not only one death threat, but totally unsubstantiated attacks by Moyarti and others.
I am actually not based in the UAE (so no need to worry – one Westerner with an opinion less) and since my job requires dialogue as well as participation with foreign societies, I have cancelled the UAE of my list as the one and only GCC country where this is simply impossible. After some time, one just simply gets fed up with the absence of critical thought and this constant denial concept. It doesn’t matter what the topic may be from “unemployment” to “prostitution”, it is always “not true”.
Please consider that there is some truth in the sentence: “Treat others, how you want to be treated” and try to take a look at the problem from this perspective. Here are just a few observations that should give you some food for thought:
(1) The blame game:
While sacrificing your own cultural heritage and your natural environment for purely material interests, you will always find someone to blame. In fact by assigning the responsibility for your own shortcomings to the West (plus Israel), you distract the attention from all those internal weaknesses that present your real problems. Obviously it seems a lot easier to focus on hate than to start exploring what could be done to solve those problems.
(2) You got what you ask for:
In an economy that is so profit orientated and materialistic, what type of people do you expect to attract? To keep it simple - try to compare it with the gold rush!
We got those from developing countries that come from deprived economies and if they are outstanding will just use the UAE as a platform to be quickly absorbed by the labor markets of the industrialized world. (where they can bring their families along, be respected as human beings and will enjoy much better lives) The rest will stay behind and will be frustrated because they are usually separated from their loved ones. Additionally we have all those criminals that will basically do everything for cash!
And from the West? Apart from those highly qualified experts that will simply perform a given task for a certain amount of time, you will get those that are ready to “overlook” all those atrocities that you commit against human beings (and animals) for their greedy ambitions. Some of them are even ready to sell our ethical values for a little sandal licking experience. Somehow people should have leaned a lesson from history when it comes to “looking away”, but ….
Now, not exactly the preferred selection! Do you really expect those to make an effort to understand your culture and help you in your development pursuit? How many have tried to learn your language, or the other way around have you made an effort to teach anyone your language?
When it comes to science, you simply cannot attract any major international players whatsoever, because no genuine professor or researcher would opt to work in an environment that does not permit freedom of speech and thought. You would have to be pretty desperate or just feel like chilling for some time to accept this type of job. (and would most likely rather do that in Brazil, Thailand, or so)
(3) An open insult to the concept of Islam
Unfortunately there is a lot of misconception about Islam in the Western world and that negative image of insincerity and hypocrisy is especially fostered by the image that you project. While Islam stands for modesty, equity, acquiring constant knowledge and human compassion – your behavior represents exactly the opposite.
Of course there will be resentment! What will you expect? Why was someone like me given a copy of the Holy Koran by a Pakistani in Dubai, for showing just a little bit of compassion (something totally normal that almost every German would have done) towards an abused house maid? According to his words, I portray “a better Muslim” than those Emiratis that constantly abuse human beings. Of course, I am not a Muslim, but his valuable gift, is standing on my desk as a constant reminder for an “uncompromising humanitarian ideology”. What do you expect, when you treat human beings in this fashion?
(4) Shallow friendliness:
I totally agree with you that most Emiratis are friendly and hospitable people at least to those selected few of us. But what type of friendship is this? Isn’t a clear segregation the norm? How many Emiratis do you know that are living in mixed marriages, abroad, etc. How do you expect us to like and tolerate you, if you are not willing to integrate with the global community that you depend on? Just image, if Germany would introduce a law saying that Germans cannot marry foreigners or that those that do will be treated as social outcasts? Besides that there would be an outcry in the world that is simply impossible in our modern times. You are practicing open racism and that is just unbearable!
(5) Geopolitics:
Has it occurred to you that not everything is “really legitimate” that is happening in Dubai? Keywords maybe money laundering, terrorism ******, hosting of PMCs, etc.
This presents a major problem to all of us, no matter where we are from and will add to certain resentments.
(6) “Submissiveness and Obedience”
Most of these above issues are not even your fault, but are a result of your suicidal policies. Now that really gets people infuriated. The tendency to worship money, authority and your patronage system. Actually an article in Abu Dhabi owned newspaper al-Itihad (June 29, 2003) ask the critical question: "Has the worship of a dictator and of oppression become the foundation of Arab thought and culture?"
These are just a few and hopefully they will help to make you reconsider your approach to the topic.
Quite interesting for everyone else were the Observations on Arabs made by a US anthropologist, that endured a year in Saudi Arabia. While I certainly do not agree with all his observations, I find it remarkable what this guy actually observed in only one year. It can easily be transferred to the UAE!
@ Rosh, this is certainly not the UAE you grew up in - unfortunately!
I really like Dubai, I think its a wonderful place to live in. I think Emiratees are a hospitable people who are an example to most Muslims in their unity and vision. God bless this country!
i was just seeing "fast growing city" ur first entry. Its amazing how much the fan following has grown in these years. Im just a high-school student but i wish that one day i have as much of a fan following. Its interesting to see how after these years u r still as much of a skeptic as u were when u began. I have seen a flipside, a dark underbelly of this town that even so many of its residents miss. It is my last year in this dump and after 16 years (I was born here) i will be glad to leave a society where no one seems to look beyond themselves. congratulations on your achievement and good luck for the future and in case the TRA feels a bit threatened, ill sign ur petition lol. it prolly wont make a difference ...........
Dear SevenSummits,
Your response is highly appreciated and your thoughts are very well expressed.
Thank you for your time.
Rosh, yeah its not the UAE you remember.
Its unfortunate that we made progress in the materialistic life only, and neglected ethics and equality in our society.
Come and see the huge buildings and the amazing highways, but it worth nothing when you see how people treat each other here on the road and on other aspects of life. Its really a disgrace.
Okay, so who didn't see this coming (the heated ethnic, social and other exchanges between everyone)?? I'm just going to do the flag thing. Funny enough, I was waiting for Ms. Secret Dubai to do this topic.
There are many reasons for this, but its a lot deeper than 'proclaiming their nationality' - its about realizing ones identity (if we go back to the initial topic). If you take the US of A, people tend to shed their identity, and Americanize to fit in, either by choice or for practical reasons. But its the opposite here, as UAE expats realize and ‘feel’ their roots and backgrounds even more, especially with over 175 different nationalities mixing it up.
We need something to say that we're out there as well, ‘swinging and rolling with the punches’, and that’s who I am, and I’m from that country.
This is more than usually seen in those who do not come from the most privileged countries. Maybe the flag thing did increase due to the rugby, but then the rugby was that country and its people’s time to shine, if for just that moment. We were flagging on the surface.
There are much more deeper and sometimes brutal socio-psychological and socio-political/economic meanings in the many forms ‘flagging’ (tattoos, body piercing, similar colored t-shirts worn in gangs, etc) which are usually adopted by people affected by severe struggles or having experienced major trauma in their lives (if they have managed to make it that far) – those who have lived to tell and will always feel those experiences (hence the flagging). Their scars are their flags - Flags of triumph, and sometimes of life over death.
It could be anywhere from the displaced person from a country in turmoil who ties his flag on his headrest of his first major possession (a car), after having to rebuild life from scratch (signifying that he cannot be destroyed or killed and he will survive out there but that he’s still true to his roots), or the ex-gang member that still keeps his gang sign tattooed over the heart side of his chest, but his University Registration number or Degree on the right side (showing how when born into nothing, you became a part of something to keep you alive, and you’re grateful for 1 more thing, that will ensure you stay alive, as you move on to different options in life).
I’d love to write more on this, and tell of some close and past friends experiences, but then, wouldn’t that be blogging (telling??).
Boooooooooorrrrrriiiiiiinnnngggg. All the losers in Dubai say woooohhooooooooo. Say sorry ass Looooosssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrr. Hahahahahahahahahahaha
You have to appreciate Alia and Sevensummits for putting forth a debate in such a un-biased and mature fashion. It really makes one think about and see the diffrent facets of this society. Despite that, I totally feel like saying something like the previous person who left a comment,
"Boooooooooorrrrrriiiiiiinnnngggg. All the losers in Dubai say woooohhooooooooo. Say sorry ass Looooosssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrr. Hahahahahahahahahahaha".
After being in this country for virtually all my life (16 years), I can firmly say that High school has been shit for me. I have felt isolated, insulted. I feel this fury welling up inside me and if people like Alia and Sevensummits hadn't make me realize the importance of being neutral and rational, i would say something along the lines of, "I hate this fucking hell-hole more than anywhere, I'd like to see this place crash and if i had the honor, i'd happily pump a bullet into the heads of the people who have turned this place into such a cold, insensitive place."
Nice, original blog. I've added a link to you over at Swerve Left (http://swerveleft.blogspot.com).
As usual the posts deteriorate into totally unrelated mud-slinging. Except for SAExpat69 in this case.
About South African flags, I have to say that I've never seen any on cars in Dubai!
Also, SecretDubai, maybe be careful about flinging that tired old song title around. It was directed at white South Africans who perpetuated apartheid, but non-white South Africans make up the vast majority of South Africans and are largely extremely nice.
I have had a great time here in Abu Dhabi and have thoroughly enjoyed being in this country. It is far from perfect (and I would single out the weird, skewed notions of race and nationality that seem to be all around us) but I feel I,personally, have been treated in a tolerant and respectful way by the Emiratis I have dealt with. The chance to deal with people from all over the Middle East has been a real eye opener, my work has presented fantastic opportunities to help me develop and I have lived peacefully, away from crime. And most of the time the weather is pretty decent. I will miss the place and it's people.
And, over and over and over again, they are saying the same things here, over and over and over again.
Sometimes I wonder, which part of the topic is it that you people don't understand?
To SAExpat69,
you talk too much ;-)
7summits:
I tend to agree with what you write. Unfortunately, materialism inherently requires you to detach from ethical values. It is just unfortunate, but it is true.
Earning money is one thing, but when one gets into the vicious cycle of multiplying money do ethical values and religious obligations go out the window.
We had a crazy bombing in Karachi a couple of week backs. It was quite clearly a planted bombing, which our government is telling us is a "suicide bombing". Anyways, if you can go to Karachi, you would see how programs continue unabated and there is so no humanity anymore in us human beings. Concerts, ghazals, cinemas - it's all back to "normal" life and no one even cares about the dead. No one is asking for inquiries and no one gives a damn that everyday people are being killed in NWFP. All we care about is making more and more money.
I cannot blame the UAE alone, Sevensummits. Every muslim country today is living in denial. We all want to copy the West for the wrong reasons. We want to ape them in higher buildings, shorter skirts, dancing, singing and the materialism, but we don't want to copy those things from the West that will help us become better humans. We can continue being racist, denying people the right to have a say in running the country etc.
Then again, we have been looking away from the Qur'an that was sent to guide mankind so why be surprised if we are not looking towards other civilizations to learn the good from them? We humans have learned to walk on the moon, but we still dont know how to walk on Earth. How sad!
How come I haven't read about this in our local media....
UAE Sheikh trial in Switzerland
Al,
I couldn't believe you wrote
but we don't want to copy those things from the West that will help us become better humans
Are you serious?
Surely there is absolutely nothing you could learn from the West that would help you become a better human being?!!
What ever got into you?
ann said...
As usual the posts deteriorate into totally unrelated mud-slinging. Except for SAExpat69 in this case.
It seems the threshold for reasoned, well thought out responses is about 30 comments so SD please save us by posting a new topic as we get close to that number.
Hey Nick,
Thanks for the info. Who will dare print that article in the local media.Do you remember those "other measures".......am sure we all debated on that wonderful topic few weeks ago :-)
Nick:
The Western world do have lots of positive points for us to learn from. I am not talking about Hollywood, Las Vegas and those kinds of vices (even though we are getting there, sigh) - the West has its share of bad and then some. But, there are some good things too such as their work ethics, their mannerism and other such things.
I am attending a sales training course these days and a British guy is our tutor. Today, after the class, he took me to the side and thanked me for my input and that he thought I was the best of the lot (most of the others were Arabs) and he asked for my help to gain control of the class. I felt sorry for the guy because he was unable to control the hooliganish lot! Almost everyone there was above 30 (except for myself) and yet the atmosphere was reminiscent of seventh or eighth grade in high school!
Its pointless having any topic here, just better have a big comments section as whatever the topic is, it reverts to political mud slinging bullshit.
I have a feeling secret Dubai enjoys this perverse turn of topics as her blog gets more mindless un original comments. As she is more than capable of intervening if she wants; as she has before when others have erred on islamist anti west positions. Unfortunately it does not apply the other way round.
Hey you assholes, we are not interested in your fucking political shit. Why do people not learn to get along. Do you think your anti muslim or anti western comments make the slight bit of difference? Are you gonna change the world? Why cant you stick to the topic that was posted, if youre going to deviate atleast do it in relation to the topic.
I am fucking fed of up of seeing the same shit over and over again. Its bollocks. I admit Dubai hasnt been kind to everyone who came here, but for gods sake, take it easy man. I could swear every guy that is a loser here has already made it to this blog.
anon above, now that you have proved losers make it to this blog, what the fuck are you doing here. are u one too? if not, why dont you go out with the bags of money you have made, hire a few thousand slaves, build a few thousand blocks, rent it out to slaves and take the money that you paid to them back. and go out whoring with the 192 nationalities provided in uae as it proudly advertises.
getting pissed because this blog is not following your eternal wisdom and knowledge and guidelines? get used to criticism you jackshit. we take fun in writing what we write, because we know the truth pisses you off.
@ Anon, 29 October, 2007 00:26
If you don't like it, leave this...blog!
@ Al,
since you hold out the olive branch I'll reciprocate.
There are many good things the West can take from this part of the world.
There's hummous for example.
And shisha.
well said anonymous - i'm fed up of all the deliberately inflammatory and racist (on both sides) crap being spouted here and in virtually every publication with a 'letters' page. Totally pointless, offensive drivel. Even the blogger's inane comment about Scottish and SA flags is crap - what, only these 2 nationalities drive around with stickers? SO WHAT?! I couldn't care less. Attacks on all sorts of different races is getting more prolific and vile by the day - calm down and learn a bit of tolerance folks, or, as we've said time and again, get back to your own comfort zone, wherever that may be in the world. And no I'm not particularly enjoying my time here at the moment either, and am thinking of heading 'home' (where I left in 1977 aged 1 to come here, been here ever since). I thought I was a tolerant person, but all this negative mud slinging is just too bloody depressing. We really DID get on most of the time up until about 10 years ago. And it's pointless to start slinging more racist accusations about who's to blame...we all are.
Hey Nick
heres something for you
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2161836,00.html
Anon at 29 October, 2007 15:35
Thanks for the links, thats a funny story for sure.
Nick, come on now and be a good boy. Start stirring, come on now, thats a good boy, here now, yeesss, Good boy.
Nick PLEASE spare us you bullshit man, I emphasis puhleeze cause I mean it. Really, you can have those sorts of conversations you like in countless pubs, they even get better and more emotional after a few drinks.
Do I really have to see the same crap over and over again every time I come here, eh? Nick?
Anon, 29 October, 2007 15:35
thanks for the link - I normally don't read the Guardian but was curious..
Anon, 29 October, 2007 17:13
Sorry, I can't stop. Al-republican needs his daily dose of hate. He likes it, secretly.
To those people who love telling others to leave Dubai whenever we criticise something here:
I keep hearing "if you don't like it then leave" and "why are you here if you hate it?" things all the time.
Next time you feel the urge to tell someone "if you don't like it then leave", instead say "thank you for staying here and making this country a better place for me".
Because you know what is going to happen to you if we were to actually pack up and leave, right?
@SevenSummits
Ich versuchen meine Kommentare einfach zu halten. Da es wohl sehr spät geworden ist, erlaube ich mir einfach los zu schreiben...
In vielerlei Hinsicht entspricht deine Sicht den heutigen Tatsachen in der arabischen Golfregion. Es ist aber zu merken dass diese Länder:
a) ein künstliches Gebilde darstellen was in den Dreißigern des letzten Jahrhundert anfing zu existieren. Hauptziel war/ist die Puffer- und Motorfunktion der Ölstatten aufrechtzuerhalten um die Industrieländern den unersätzlichen Ölkonsum erstmal zu ermöglichen. Dementsprechend ist die Erwartung dass ein hochentwickeltes Justizsystem oder gar eine Exekutive, die nicht mal populistische sei, höchst unrealistisch.
b) Es ist wohl wahr dass es komplett an ihnen liegt was aus Dubai usw. entsteht. Es hat nichts im Geringsten an die USA, den Westen oder das Zionistische Lobby zu tun. Es war ihre Entscheidung einen "gedopten" Kapitalismus zu importieren und zu verwirklichen ohne jegliche Achtung vor Menschenwürde. In diesem Punkt sind wir uns einig.
c) Was ich leider des Öfteren in Deutschland vermisse ist eine gesunde Selbstkritik die nur von sehr Wenigen Menschen praktiziert wird. Diese Äußert sich in folgenden Punkten:
i. die Tatsache dass einige der Migranten die entweder hier geboren sind oder dazu gezogen sind eher als Last als eine Bereicherung angesehen werden, zeigt sich im Beschäftigungssektor. Ausländer (eine allgemeine Form der Beschreibung dieser Menschen existiert bis heute nicht) sind von Arbeitslosigkeit doppelt so viel bedroht als Deutsche weil u.a....
ii. die meisten Abschlüsse die sie mitbringen werden nicht anerkannt und es werden aber so gut wie keine Möglichkeiten angeboten diese den deutschen Standard anzupassen. Es entsteht eine Art Sklavenmentalität bei beiden Teile der Bevölkerung:
Die Deutschen ERWARTEN dass die Ausländer niedrig besetzte Arbeit zu verrichten haben.
Die Ausländer sehen eine Aufstiegsmöglichkeit für unwahrscheinlich und dementsprechend entwickelt kaum eine/r eine Loyalität zu dem Gastgeberland, im Gegenteil es herrscht eine von Haß, Angst, Misstrauen und Panik geprägte Aussicht auf die Zukunft und die Einheimischen bzw. die Beziehung zu denen. Sprich sie ERWARTEN dass es nur Bergab gehen kann.
iii. nach einigen Erfahrungen in den verschiedensten Ländern dieser Erde bin ich leider zu den Entschluss gekommen dass Fremde, insbesondere Farbige, Südländer (Türken/Araber) u.a. an unterste Stelle in eure "Skala" stehen. Die Unhöflichkeit, die reine, teilweise offene Ablehnung der Andersartigkeit in Deutschland ist leider allgegenwärtig und wird präsenter. Bitte beachte dass diese Attitüde in einem offenen, demokratischen Land mit einer (scheinbaren/pseudo-) liberalen Gesellschaft passiert und nicht in einem Emirat was keine natürliche Evolution von Bürgerkrieg, zivile Ungehorsam um später eine bürgerliche Gesellschaft hervorzurufen.
Bitte beachte dass mein Ziel ist weder dich noch deine Kultur zu beleidigen ist. Ich biete nur eine Perspektive an die meiner Meinung nach äußert selten in euren Land gehört wird.
Vielleicht siehst Du meinen Beitrag nicht mal.
Grüße aus einer sehr verregneten Region in der Elbregion.
@qatar cat
yislam tumak :o)
I wish someone in Germany would say such a thing to me whenever I criticize ANYTHING relating to the country.
It is either...
"Dann geh'doch" which translate as "Just leave!" or one is punished by complete social isolation.
Oh well... Thanks anyway...
Aus Erfahrung heraus, werden meine Kommentare neu und korrigiert wieder abgegeben. Das letzte was ich persönlich hören/lesen möchte, ist wie schlecht und unwillig wie Ausländer eure Sprache lernen oder beherrschen wollen.
@SevenSummits
Ich versuche meine Kommentare einfach zu halten. Da es wohl sehr spät geworden ist, erlaube ich mir einfach los zu schreiben...
In vielerlei Hinsicht entspricht deine Sicht den heutigen Tatsachen in der arabischen Golfregion. Es ist aber zu merken dass diese Länder:
a) ein künstliches Gebilde darstellen was in den Dreißigern des letzten Jahrhundert anfing zu existieren. Hauptziel war/ist die Puffer- und Motorfunktion der Ölstatten aufrecht zuerhalten um die Industrieländern den unersetzlichen Ölkonsum erstmal zu ermöglichen. Dementsprechend ist die Erwartung dass ein hoch entwickeltes Justizsystem oder gar eine Exekutive, die nicht mal populistisch sei, höchst unrealistisch.
b) Es ist wohl wahr dass es komplett an ihnen liegt was aus Dubai usw. entsteht. Es hat nichts im Geringsten an die USA, den Westen oder das Zionistische Lobby zu tun. Es war ihre Entscheidung einen "gedopten" Kapitalismus zu importieren und zu verwirklichen ohne jegliche Achtung vor Menschenwürde. In diesem Punkt sind wir uns einig.
c) Was ich leider des Öfteren in Deutschland vermisse ist eine gesunde Selbstkritik die nur von sehr Wenigen Menschen praktiziert wird. Das heißt eine Feststellung der Tatsachen, ohne einen „Schuldigen“ zu suchen oder sich selbst scheinbar zu kasteien.
Diese Äußert sich in folgenden Punkten:
i. die Tatsache dass einige der Migranten die entweder hier geboren oder dazu gezogen sind eher als Last als eine Bereicherung angesehen werden, zeigt sich im Beschäftigungssektor. Ausländer (eine allgemeine Form der Beschreibung dieser Menschen existiert bis heute nicht) sind von Arbeitslosigkeit doppelt so viel betroffen als Deutsche weil u.a....
ii. die meisten Abschlüsse die sie mitbringen nicht anerkannt werden und es werden aber so gut wie keine Möglichkeiten angeboten diese den deutschen Standard anzupassen. Es entsteht eine Art Sklavenmentalität bei beiden Teile der Bevölkerung:
Die Deutschen ERWARTEN dass die Ausländer niedrig besetzte Arbeit zu verrichten haben.
Die Ausländer sehen eine Aufstiegsmöglichkeit für unwahrscheinlich und dementsprechend entwickelt kaum eine/r eine Loyalität zum Gastgeberland, im Gegenteil es herrscht eine von Haß, Angst, Misstrauen und Panik geprägte Aussicht auf die Zukunft und die Einheimischen bzw. die Beziehung zu denen. Sprich, sie ERWARTEN dass es nur Bergab gehen kann.
iii. nach einigen Erfahrungen in den verschiedensten Ländern dieser Erde bin ich leider zu den Entschluss gekommen dass Fremde, insbesondere Farbige, Südländer (Türken/Araber) u.a. an unterste Stelle in eure "Skala" stehen. Die Unhöflichkeit, die reine, teilweise offene Ablehnung der Andersartigkeit in Deutschland ist leider allgegenwärtig und wird präsenter. Bitte beachte dass diese Attitüde in einem offenen, demokratischen Land mit einer (scheinbaren/pseudo-) liberalen Gesellschaft passiert und nicht in einem Emirat was keine natürliche Evolution von Bürgerkrieg, zivile Ungehorsam durchmachte um später eine bürgerliche Gesellschaft hervorzurufen.
Bitte beachte dass mein Ziel ist weder dich noch deine Kultur zu beleidigen. Ich biete nur eine Perspektive an, die meiner Meinung nach äußert selten in euren Land gehört wird.
Vielleicht siehst Du meinen Beitrag nicht mal.
Grüße aus einer sehr verregneten Region in der Elbregion.
First, all what i've seen up till now is disrespect to this country.
We said it once, well say it again .. whoever does not like the way things go here, u can always leave the country. We can manage, ur replacable.. Our economy will not collapse because of a 0.000001% of the community who left the country. If you do not like the locals, the place, your work, the government practically everything about this country then Why the hell are u still here? ..Let me tell you why.. your all gold-diggers. Your all here because of the wealth that the country enjoys.
And I thinking that MOST expats are taking advantage of our hospitality.
Instead of whining about the country, the people n ect... Cancel ur visa n leave this country immediately.. Your not welcomed.
and BTW, SD all what i've seen in ur blog are negatives and criticism to this country. How about u thank GOD your eating from its wealth instead of being thrown next the garbage...
We said it once, twice, three times.. whoever doesnt like this city or this country.. then leave. your replacable. we can live without you ;) there are other 5 billion people in the world who have RESPECT FOR this country including its sheikhs and WOULD DIE to work here.
Thank you.
Once a friend of mine, whom happened to be a blond Euro expat girl by the way, was peacefully and joyfully driving her car back from work on UAE National Day 2006. So in order to celebrate the occasion, she's put a small UAE flag on her pretty tinny car as like the whole lots of residents, a little bit down al Wasel road she was stopped by police and was asked to remove it. Why?
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