Expatriates join Emiratis in celebrating life in the UAE

Pride and gratitude from those who make living or gain education in atmosphere of security and safety far greater than home.

Pakistani expatriates, from left, Muhammad Butt, Jahanzeb Rehman and Zuha Rizvi. Courtesy Nava Rizvi

DUBAI // National Day is, for expatriates, a chance to express pride and gratitude in a country that has given them a living in a peaceful, secure atmosphere.

Many young Pakistanis born in the country say it will always remain part of their lives and identity, wherever they go.

“UAE is where I grew up and learnt to live and love,” says Zuha Rizvi, a dentistry student at the University of Sharjah. “It is a part of who I am and who I will be. It is one of the places I call home.”

For Zuha, National Day is a time to express patriotism and a sense of belonging for nationals and expatriates.

“I associate these couple of days with good vibes, enthusiasm, loud car horns and intricate decorations wherever I look,” she says.

“I love the cheer that surrounds us on this day and the meticulous preparations made for it.”

Zuha, whose family are from Lahore, says some Pakistani children who are born and raised here can start to take luxuries for granted.

“In Pakistan, one goes through slightly tougher circumstances. I feel it brings greater maturity when it comes to challenges of life,” she says.

Zaineb Raza, 19, says life in the UAE is full of opportunities.

“Living here gives us the opportunity to explore various avenues, not just in one’s own personality but also people around me,” says Zaineb, an undergraduate in psychology at Middlesex University in Dubai.

“This country also gives access to a cross-section of various backgrounds and nationalities.”

She and her family, who come from Islamabad, celebrate National Day with friends.

“National Day is important as it is a celebration of how much this country has progressed in terms of infrastructure, quality of institutions and in providing a secure environment for its residents,” Zaineb says.

Muhammad Butt, 20, is studying Business Management in American University in Dubai and enjoys the sense of unity on National Day.

“I celebrate December 2 with Emirati friends,” Muhammad says. “It gives me a sense of unity, cohesion and the energy to move forward and prosper as human beings together.”

Jahanzeb Rehman, an engineering student at the University of Sharjah, says Pakistan cannot offer the kind of social diversity the UAE provides.

“I’m friends with people from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Jordan, India – they are all wonderful people,” says Jahanzeb, 21. “I doubt I would have had such an exposure in Pakistan.

“And this country is constantly growing in terms of innovation and technology. We’re introduced to such advancements quicker than we would be in Pakistan.”

He says his life would be completely different if he had been living his home country.

“In Pakistan the level of safety and security isn’t as high as the UAE. I feel safer walking in public knowing my mobile won’t be snatched away at gunpoint.

“I’m more carefree while living here than I would be in Pakistan. There are no power cuts here. The public transport system is better. And yes, I don’t have to worry about taxes.”

But Jahanzeb says the biggest challenge he faces is language.

“Even though I was born in the UAE, I can’t speak Arabic fluently. That often poses a problem when I’m trying to communicate with people who don’t speak English or Urdu.”