Culture
Cultural awareness
There are many rich benefits to being a teacher in the UAE . The most obvious benefits are related to better salary packages , tax-free living , extensive travel opportunities and being a member of a highly culturally diverse community . The not so obvious benefits include learning about a new culture , integrating into Middle Eastern living , and spending time to become even more innovative at what you do – teaching .
The UAE is the home to over 180 different nationalities . This makes it a melting pot of different cultures . It is a space where people from different cultural backgrounds all have to work together . As such , developing an awareness of how to conduct yourself in social and professional settings is crucial in developing successful relationships .
Nasif Kayed , Inter-Cultural and Motivational Speaker and Founder of The Arab Culturalist , has worked extensively promoting cultural understanding and tolerance . His work focuses on team building and encouraging cohesive work environments within the UAE ’ s multicultural landscape .
As you learn more about your new home , consider the following tips Nasif shared on things culturally aware expatriates do differently :
1 . They advocate for better understanding of misconceptions and are willing to change their perception about other cultures .
2 . They tend to dress more modestly , especially when attending traditional UAE events .
3 . They are keen to learn more about UAE culture and engage more with locals .
4 . They are aware of their own cultural norms and find commonalities with other cultures instead of differences .
5 . They are comfortable in diverse cultural settings .
Cultural sensitivity should be one of the key focuses for expatriate teachers . The UAE is a Muslim country . It is also
22 | 2016 - 2017 | a very tolerant country . That said ; there are rules and expectations that we all need to be mindful of as residents and guests of the UAE .
Our Teach Middle East writers have written extensively on the topic of culture . The following are some of their tips on the importance of being culturally aware .
Dr Jan L Jones in her article , * Cultural Sensitivity and the International Educator , examined cultural sensitivity , cultural awareness and cultural knowledge .
According to her article , * Cultural sensitivity is the ability to recognise that cultural differences exist . People who care about cultural sensitivity place importance on the value of this diversity . Cultural knowledge involves the aspiration to taking the time to familiarize one ’ s self with selected cultural characteristics , history , values , belief systems , and behaviours of the members of another ethnic group .’
She stated that , “ Not understanding the unique experiences and cultural differences of students in your classroom can lead to unintended anxiety , miscommunication , and bad experiences for both the student and the teacher .”
This theory extends beyond the classroom , as many expatriate teachers at some point interact with members of the community , a large number of whom are from different cultural backgrounds .
Bettina Bennett , in * An Open Letter to Newly Hired Teachers , offers some nuggets of advice .
• Be open minded and willing to try something different .
• Learn what is allowed and remember it when you are here !
• Understand the norms and expectations of your workplace .
• Don ’ t forget that the local tolerance of our ways does not condone our ignorance of their ways .
Another article , * Top 10 Tips for Teachers who are New to the UAE , by Alona Ballard , also addresses aspects of UAE culture and traditions . Among her suggestions are points
such as , “… learn a little Arabic , be aware of the laws in place that are in accordance with the country ’ s Islamic values , experience the culture by checking out festivals , desert safaris and Bedouin camps , and not taking some comments personally that indicate cultural differences .”
Learn about UAE culture
National Day in the UAE is a big deal for both Emiratis and expatriates . It is a time of unity , celebration , and national pride . To date , Teach Middle East Magazine has produced two supplements that focus extensively on National Day in the UAE . To read more , visit http :// teachmiddleeastmag . com / category / magazine / issues / to check out our November-December 2014 and 2015 issues .
Quick facts on the UAE
The President of the UAE is HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Ruler of Abu Dhabi . The Vice President is HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai .
HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The United Arab Emirates is a tolerant Muslim country . Islam is the largest and official state religion of the UAE . There are numerous mosques located in each Emirate . The * Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the official mosque