Dear Ali: A month ago, I returned from a trip to the UAE, and since then people have been asking me about what I saw and liked in your beautiful country. I always mention the wonderful weather and nature, the desert where you built those magnificent buildings, the polished cars and the brilliant gloss that's almost everywhere. Apart from all of that, I was quite amused by the almost total politeness and friendliness of strangers. Is there any written law for this sort of friendly behaviour? GE, United Kingdom
Dear GE: Thank you for sharing your experience of visiting the UAE.
First of all, let us remember that the UAE is a small country with more than 200 different nationalities living together. All these people have different languages and cultural backgrounds. Politeness is the only way to understand and accept each other, despite our differences.
Secondly, our traditions are based on Islamic values of kindness, mutual help, respect and empathy, which are the basis for this pattern of behaviour with strangers.
It would be a great shame for anyone, not only Arabs, to be disrespected in front of strangers. Therefore, honouring each other is our first reaction.
Politeness is an unwritten law, violation of which might cause more efforts to restore someone’s reputation than just paying a fine, as is the case with some legal infringements.
In the UAE, people speak one language — and no, it’s not English or Arabic. It’s the language of respect — respecting the laws and similarities and differences in our backgrounds and cultures. As a result of this, we’ll continue to have harmony in our society, inshallah.
Dear Ali: Is it true that there is a social service in the UAE that actually helps to find you a husband or wife? SO, Dubai
Dear SO: Well, yes and no. I think you are talking about the marriage-arrangement (binaa) department run by our Government. Yes, this is a real service that helps people who, for different reasons, can't find a spouse among their circle of relatives and friends.
This marriage-arrangement service is intended for those who want to find a spouse with Islamic beliefs and Emirati values and traditions.
The binaa supports Emiratis of both genders who are single, divorced or widowed by searching for marriage partners among those who submit applications, as well as offering them guidance and consultation.
You can visit their website at www.cda.gov.ae. This service provides support to Emiratis only, though I wouldn't worry for those who are not Emirati, as we love matchmaking anyone. Are you single?
Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.
