4 Comments

You are bold for pointing out this observation. It feels like you spoke the thoughts of mind but in a much eloquent way (Masha Allah)

I always wondered if an arab was disturbed by the hate and prejudice south asians receive on a daily basis.

Everybody here walks on a thin ice when it comes to speaking about these matters. I have never been someone who really cared about 'representation' in the western media but when it comes to Dubai's cultural scenes, I wish we had some good role models to look up to. We don't need another beauty or lifestyle influencer but we need more storytellers and lovers who wear their culture proudly and honorably.

I think change can come from detoxing our minds from the views of other people and accepting who we are, despite our socioeconomic class here against Arabs.

Your father was absolutely right about the bad PR part.

Like you, I don't know how to close this bridge but hopefully one day, a storyteller like you will emerge from here and show the vibrant and richer sides of us, and speak for us.

anywayz, thank you for sharing your thoughts! I enjoy reading them!!

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A salient article, for sure. Having transitioned from London to Dubai last year, I've also noticed that the "inclusion and diversity" initiatives that are pushed in corporations in the West, simply don't exist here. The microaggressions (towards South Asians in particular) that exist within workplace cultures here are deeply entrenched. Change can and should be made.

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Great article Nadir and a critical perspective. Im a Palestinian American who was born in Kuwait and lived a considerable amount of my life in the Gulf i know exactly what you are referring to. It always pained me to see the way Asians and even other Arab nationalities working in the Gulf are being treated. I agree with the supremacy towards the south Asians and i dont know where in the world they get off on that attitude. Our faith nor even real and true cultural values calls for it. As referenced above, the minds need to detoxified from the poison.

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Thank you for sharing your insightful story. As someone with a multicultural background originating from Yemen and having lived in various parts of the world, and now in New York City, I can relate to your reflections on identity and belonging. Your experience highlights the challenges and complexities of navigating different cultural identities in diverse environments.

Your story resonates with me as I, too, grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and home. It's a journey of self-discovery and exploration that many of us share, and your words serve as a reminder of the importance of embracing our diverse backgrounds and standing up for justice and inclusivity. Thank you for sharing your perspective and for advocating for positive change.

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