EMIRATI TO DISPEL uAE

An Emirati author is on a mission to dispel stereotypes about the UAE, including foreigners believing “everyone from Dubai is rich” and that “Emiratis are unapproachable”.

While Roudha Al Marri’s 101 Misconceptions About the UAE

Explained book will be available only after the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, her previous book, UAE 101 will be available at the festival. “I’ve listened to many stories of misconceptions that people have. They come from different ages, backgrounds. They’ve just moved here or have been here for a long time. Some common ones are that everyone is rich or everyone who lives here is rich,” she told Khaleej Times.

“Some people abroad think that anyone from the UAE lives in just Dubai. There’s one story of a lady who moved here in the 70s. She was scared to go to any Emirati house because she was told they’d offer her the head of a goat and she’ll have to eat the eye. She refused to go to any Emirati’s house until I told her that’s a misconception. We are hospitable and like sharing our culture with the people, but of course, we aren’t going to force them to eat a goat’s head.

“I think the way you get rid of them is by just talking and clearing it up. People often feel awkward or embarrassed to ask. That’s why I wanted to share it in an easy way. I think we are considered rich and, yes, we do have privileges. But the misconception is to a point where some people think we have a petrol tank in our backyard. It’s been a fun journey to listen to the stories. I’m trying to pave the way for people to feel integrated and at ease of speaking to one another. Sometimes the image is created that an Emirati cannot be approached or that an Emirati man shouldn’t talk to an Emirati woman.”