Emirati National Identity Introduction ‘We must never forget our roots, as they

Emirati National Identity

Introduction

‘We must never forget our roots, as they have made us who we are today’ (Jalal, 2022). This quote suggests that our past experiences and cultural heritage play an important role in shaping our national identity and therefore my personal identity. As an Emirati, I come from the United Arab Emirates which comprises seven states and is in the Middle East. It was formed in 1971 and it gets its name from the Arabic word “imarah” which means the quality, respect and dignity of its citizens. The Emiratis originate from the Bedouins who lived in the desert and were a very united community. As Emirati children we were raised to know our culture, practice our traditions such as falconry, being hospitable to all people and taking pride in our nation’s achievements. The national identity of an Emirati is a complex mix of cultural practices that are influenced by its tradition of the majlis, sports heritage, and national achievements.

Body 1

One element that defines an Emirati is the unique forum of the majlis, with its role differing from all other cultures. All Emirati households have a majlis where important matters are discussed. Unlike the parlor, a majlis is where emirate community meets to discuss matters that concern the community. This could be marriage arrangements, funerals, financial and even business discussions. Thus, a majlis is a place where Emirati community bonds and strengthens their family ties (Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space, n.d.). Furthermore, the majlis serves an important sociocultural function. This means that in any Emirati Houshold, fathers meet their sons in the majlis to teach them the culture, heritage and history of the family and country. In other countries, there is no central place within the family or community where its people are taught the values of their culture. Unlike such countries, the majlis of the UAE gives its people identity and pride that is passed from generation to generation thus, making Emirati have a unique identity (Almutairi et al., 2019).

Body 2

Emiratis take a lot of pride in their sports heritage which extends from traditional to modern sport achievements. Traditional sports like falconry symbolize Emirati identity and unity as well as their connection to the desert roots. All Emirati children usually spend time learning how to train the falcons, grooming them and feeding them. Through this practice, Emirati children get socialized into the culture of falconry that makes them distinct from children in other places around the world. Even with modernization we still carry out this practice (Wakefield, 2012).

Another important sporting tradition is camel racing. This is a national sport that holds a special place in the heart of every Emirati and is practiced passionately. By keeping this practice, we are able to identify with our Bedouin culture of keeping camels as that is what distinguishes Emiratis from other people and gives them originality (Wakefield, 2012). As an Emirati I take pride in my family’s camel farm because it connects me to my Bedouin roots. It reminds me of the rich traditions of my people passed down through generations. As I spend time with our camels and learn how to prepare them for racing, I feel a sense of belonging and connection to my Emirati heritage.

Body 3

The UAE’s modern achievements ranging from economic advancements that are not found anywhere else make me proud to be an Emirati. As an Emirati I identify with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. THIS IS ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST ICONIC BUIDING whose design is found nowhere else. Emiratis take pride in this building that is named after their second ruler as it gives them a historical connection to their leaders (Institution of Civil Engineers, n.d.). Besides the physical structures, Emiratis hold the strongest passport globally which means that our personal identity through the passport is something that we hold dearly. This makes us proud to be Emirati (Gulf News, 2019).

Another global Honor is the UAE’s achievement in space exploration particularly among the Arab world. Globally, the UAE is ranked 19th and is considered the first in the Arab region to travel to the international space station. This gives us pride of our personal identity as Emiratis since we want to honor our founding ruler by naming the mission, “Zayed Ambition.” (Emirates News Agency, 2023). As an Emirati, my personal identity is strongly influenced by my country’s extraordinary achievements initiated by our rulers in the space of 50 years only. My country’s advancements fill me with pride and mirror my own growth, development, sense of belonging and purpose in life as a young Emirati.

Conclusion

My identity as an Emirati is a blend of various cultural customs that are shaped by traditions such as the majlis, the nation’s rich sports and outstanding national achievements. My personal identity as an Emirati is a combination of cultural practices based in traditions such as the majlis’ role in discussions, national sports heritage and world class achievements.

These have changed over time but still retained the Emirati values of hospitality, respect and integrity which are not separate from each other but are interconnected forces that reflect the uniqueness of my personal identity. Being proud of your heritage, traditions and achievements defines who you are and without them you are lost.

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