A conversation about racism in the Middle East with Abeer Sinder, Aziza Sbaity and Ubah Ali


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

The death of an African-American in police custody, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25, triggered a renewed push to confront racial discrimination that reverberated around the world.

From New York to Paris and Melbourne to Beirut, protesters took to the streets to demand action against systemic racism. The event also sparked much discussion, triggering uncomfortable but important conversations.

In order to raise awareness on such issues in the Middle East, The National invited three women of colour to share their own stories and thoughts.

Abeer Sinder is a beauty vlogger from Saudi Arabia. Ubah Ali is an activist and student from Somaliland who resides in Beirut, where she currently attends The American University of Beirut. And Liberian-Lebanese champion sprinter Aziza Sbaity is dubbed the “fastest woman in Lebanon.”

In a discussion with The National's Saeed Saeed, each of them recounts various forms of racism they've experienced over the years, and discuss how societies can evolve to be fairer.

Racism is kind of in our language," Sbaity says. "The word 'abd' – basically means slave – and the way that it is used in the Arab world basically means a black person.”

Sinder adds: “We have all experienced it – micro-aggressions or full-blown cases of racism. It happens in our world and people have to address it and try their best to be better.”

Ali, whose activism has raised awareness around the plight of some domestic workers in Lebanon, said the recent wave of anti-racism protests encouraged her to raise her voice.

"Seeing this worldwide movement has encouraged me to speak up about this issue,” she said. “Domestic workers need to live with dignity.”

See the full discussion in the video above. 

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Super heroes

Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue

Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate

Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues

Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking

Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses

Thor
He's a god

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The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.

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World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

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Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE

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