A multi-cultural solution to Emirati identity

In most countries of the world long-term residents are generally granted citizenship rights, but this is not always the case. Recently the debate has once more opened on how citizenship might be extended to some UAE residents.

This seems partly a response to external pressure to bring another aspect of UAE society up to modern global norms. Then again it is a response to internal pressure to rebalance the ever-growing number of expatriate residents with a few more citizens.

Cultural identity

One commentator has argued persuasively in Gulf News for a common culture to be the main determinant for creating new citizens. There is a list of cultural traditions and knowledge of the Arabic language.

But this idealized solution brings practical problems that will not be lost on pragmatic Emiratis. A great many less educated people from the poorer countries of the region would qualify for citizenship under these criteria.

They might well choose to make the UAE their home but more to secure an easy life for their families than to contribute to the economic future of the country.

Surely too the idea of narrowly defining UAE culture also misses out on the great strength of the modern Emirates as a multi-cultural society, a window on the world for the Gulf States.

Besides Emirati society is itself evolving. Witness the huge transformation in the role of women over the past decade, from relative seclusion to government ministers. Why should a society freeze its cultural norms with a rigid definition for citizenship?

If then the UAE decides to open up citizenship further, and actually it already does invite a limited number of Arabic-speaking expatriates of exceptional merit to become nationals, culture should probably not be the only criterion.

Years of residency

The usual criterion in advanced countries is length of residency linked to the ability to make a significant economic contribution. The latter can be valued in terms of education for younger people, and substantial personal wealth for older potential citizens. Owning property can be a part of this assessment but is not usually enough in itself.

The UAE is hardly likely to throw open its doors to all comers. But an approach to citizenship that acknowledges the obvious reality of a multi-cultural society, while keeping the benefits to an economic elite, will allow the controlled evolution of local culture without smothering it.

But at the end of the day while foreign expatriates can contribute to this debate, the decision is not theirs to make.