Most of the expats want to continue here: Conference

Most of the expats want to continue here: Conference Ahmed Shaaban (ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com) / 21 May 2013 Most foreigners in Dubai enjoy a safe life with well-paid, tax-free careers, and want to continue in the UAE, speakers at an expatriate community conference said. The third annual ‘The UAE through its Expats’ Eye’ conference was held on Monday at the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association (DCSA), in cooperation with the Zayed University. DCSA chairman Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi said the UAE, the second largest economy in the Arab world, was home to over 200 different nationalities. “They constitute the majority of the UAE’s total population and are recognised as an essential pillar of the economically vibrant and socially tolerant UAE.” He said all expats  — regardless of culture, religion, language or background — were welcomed by the government and Emiratis alike. “Expats are here to make a good living in a safe environment and participate in the progress of the country.” The one-day conference aimed to explore the relationship between expatriates and the UAE society, and discuss their views and contributions to the making of the UAE. Zayed University vice-president Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim said UAE people had no negative feelings towards foreign communities, citing a survey conducted in 2012. “However, they agreed that the tolerant and legal existence of the communities should never be imbalanced or be at the cost of locals who are now seeking equality with foreigners. “According to a survey conducted here on April 30 by a pan-Arab newspaper, the UAE proved to be a unique role model for tolerant coexistence and mutual respect for many reasons, on top of which is the political, economic and cultural stability, safety and security.” Another study conducted in Egypt in 2010 showed almost half the country wanted to migrate to the UAE.  Zayed University Institute of Arabic Language professor Dr Afaf Bataineh believed the UAE integrated model was unprecedented in terms of politics, economy, urban development and communication among foreign communities. Dr Bataineh said Arab communities, however, were communicating more with other communities than the Emiratis. “Most of the Arab communities here are keen to preserve their own traditions, but are open to all cultures and modern life,” she said.   Taylor Scott International