[Arabesque]

I got this on email today. It seems they featured Dubai on 60 Minutes, and they also interviewed Mohammed bin Rashid. He rarely gives interviews, so I'm sharing (part one) of the video here. (There are some very displeasing and shameful images, so be forewarned.)

YouTube - Dubai part1

[bluey]

I saw this on the U.A.E Community Blog. But I didn't bother watching it. I don't know why.









[I'll probably do it later]

[Arabesque]

It's interesting. I'm watching the second part now. There are a few things I wish I could hide from the world, but most of the things I'd say I'm proud of.

[Anderson]

I'm on part two aswell, looks like Dubai has a good future ahead of it, inshallah. Sheikh Muhammed seems like a very down to earth and cool guy.

[Arabesque]

Originally Posted by Anderson

I'm on part two aswell, looks like Dubai has a good future ahead of it, inshallah. Sheikh Muhammed seems like a very down to earth and cool guy.

He is, actually.

I'm watching part three now, and at 2:13, there's my cousin on the right!

[bluey]

I just started the second part, heh.

Anyway, [this is just my personal opinion], but I thought that the development went too fast and along the way, U.A.E's traditional essence and values [both religious and cultural] were lost. But I guess there is a price for everything.

[Arabesque]

Originally Posted by bluey

I just started the second part, heh.

Anyway, [this is just my personal opinion], but I thought that the development went too fast and along the way, U.A.E's traditional essence and values [both religious and cultural] were lost. But I guess there is a price for everything.

I don't think the cultural values were lost. Not completely. They're preserved by the people. Maybe the younger women don't wear burqa3s but we're very culturally aware. Probably more than our mothers and fathers, because they didn't feel a sense of urgency back then to preserve their identity like we do today.

The fact that we are the smallest minority in the country isn't helping either.

There's a funny part in the part three where he tells the women, "I'm afraid you'll take over everything."

[bluey]

I can't find Part 5?

[Anderson]

Originally Posted by Arabesque

He is, actually.

I'm watching part three now, and at 2:13, there's my cousin on the right!

You look exactly the same, brother.

I don't get what the girl was saying; she wants religious and cultural resistance to reduce?

[Arabesque]

Originally Posted by bluey

I can't find Part 5?

I don't think there's a part 5.

[Arabesque]

Originally Posted by Anderson

You look exactly the same, brother.

I don't get what the girl was saying; she wants religious and cultural resistance to reduce?

Lol, no, I don't think she meant that.

I think she meant the cultural restrictions on women. Like having to achieve less than men, because it makes you more feminine.

PS - Thanks for saying I look like my cousin. She's prettier. But I can proudly say I'm slightly taller, haha!

[shadha]

Arabesque: There are a few things I wish I could hide from the world, but most of the things I'd say I'm proud of.

You have a lot to be proud of. Your country seems revolutionary for that area of the world. The push for gender equality by the King himself is very impressive. Him building up his country to be the center of the world- the gaudiness of it all is personally not my cup of coffee, I think it is by far the ugliest city in the world- but I hope that it becomes an incentive for the rest of the Arab world to finally go back to being one step ahead of everyone else. The Arab history is so rich in architecture and academics, that it's a shame that for the past few [or shall I say several?] decades that has been 'lost'. The Arab would has suffered immensely from this black cloth that has been draped over it. That black cloth represented a lot of negativity for the region. Dubai is shinning through that black cloth.

In terms of the fear of Westernize clothing- they are basically catering to the Western world, this should have been expected. In terms of the clubs- again, catering to the Wester world. In terms of the many religions of Dubai- beautiful and I think the King should continue to demand tolerance and respect. With the prostitution- it will always be there, but I think there is more than could be done, however like this country, the prostitution ring goes all the way up to the top. The exploitation of its workers, I see the King sincerely trying to change it- could do more but at least he's acknowledging it and trying.

Oki. So. These are just my views from watching the video.

Once again though- be proud, very proud.


shadha-

[AceOfHearts]

By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter for Gulf News
Published: December 01, 2007

Dubai: Emiratis and expatriates who came out in large numbers with their families to malls and parks yesterday said the National Day is a day to reflect on the past, to be proud of the country's achievements, and prepare for the goals.

"Before the holidays began we had celebrations at our workplace. Expatriates joined Emirati colleagues and marked the day by setting up a traditional tent with UAE national flags all over the place. It was festive. The women applied henna. It was a lot of fun," said Fatima, an engineer with a Dubai-based company.

"I have been here for the last 10 years and my daughters were born here. The country has welcomed, taken us in, and provided us with a good living standard, a sense of security. ... it becomes our duty to join hands and celebrate with the people of the land," said Fatima, from Morroco.

Advocate Ahmad Al Kamali, secretary general of the UAE Athletic Federation and Chairman of the organising committee of the Dubai Marathon, said the National Day is a day to remember the founding fathers of the country and pay homage to the contributions made by them in the progress of the country.

'Grateful' to leaders

He said: "I still remember this day and feel glad that I belong to this soil."

Al Kamali, who was supervising an athletic meet on Friday, said his generation had received a lot from the country and its leaders.

Rita Estephan, a Lebanese banker from Dubai, said the essence of National Day is preserve and respect the history, culture and traditions of one's country. "I work with UAE nationals and I am equally proud of their individual achievements and that of the progress made by the country in the last 36 years."

This year will be Marilyn Bautista's first year to witness the National Day celebrations. She is a Filipina who works as a domestic help and have been in the UAE for just four months.

Gulfnews: Expats gear up for festive occasion

[Revert]

I wonder if my Mum saw any of this.

[nooni]

Originally Posted by AceOfHearts

By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter for Gulf News

isnt it supposed to be Memon