Latest news with #non-Emirati
The National
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Why UAE is moving to stop non-Emiratis from using dialect and national dress in social media advertising
The UAE has set out plans to ensure only its citizens can speak in Emirati dialect and wear national dress when filming social media content, in an effort to protect and preserve the country's identity. The Federal National Council - the UAE's consultative parliamentary body - recently heard that a regulatory policy had been issued that would lead to a ban on non-citizens appropriating Emirati attire and vocabulary in online advertisements when brought into law. Concerns were raised by members at the latest FNC session over non-Emirati content creators misrepresenting local culture and customs for monetary benefit. The policy would not stop the general use of the Emirati dialect, nor its use in the media in general, and will only apply to social media posts made by content creators and advertisers, an official source told The National. "The Emirati dialect is a rich vessel of vocabulary and meanings that store within its letters the memory of a nation," Abdulla Al Hamed, chairman of the National Media Office, posted on X. "It is a mirror of national identity and an echo of the lives of our ancestors who wove the details of their daily lives in this homeland with its words. "Preserving it is a national duty and a manifestation of loyalty and belonging to our cultural heritage and our pride in our roots that provide us with strength and inspire us to continue on the path of achievement. "Therefore, the decision referred to in the Federal National Council, which is concerned with regulating advertising content, came to emphasise that anyone wearing the Emirati national dress in advertisements must be an Emirati citizen, as they are the most capable of conveying the true image of authentic Emirati customs and traditions. "The decision comes at a significant time, when the use of Emirati heritage has increased in advertising contexts that may empty it of its profound connotations by non-Emiratis who are unfamiliar with the Emirati dialect and do not understand the symbolism of the Emirati national dress and its cultural dimensions." He also said that the decision doesn't aim to limit the use of the dialect or the national dress but to frame their appearance in a manner that preserves its cultural status, especially in an age where the public taste is affected by influencers. The policy marks a significant move with myriad consequences. Here, The National breaks down its implications. Why has a dialect directive been introduced? The measures are set to be introduced to protect national identity and make sure content using the UAE dialect or other national symbols reflects the country's cultural values. Once the policy is implemented, the regulation would require any advertisements featuring the dialect or cultural symbols to be done by an Emirati citizen. What is the difference between the dialects? Across the Gulf and the Arab world, the official language is Arabic, but each country has its own dialect. A dialect is an offshoot of the language developed through the country's history and culture, and its history with its neighbouring countries. Dialects can be categorised in groups sometimes because of their similarities, such as "Levantine Arabic" or "Gulf Arabic" but there is a palpable difference between Levantine dialects and Gulf ones. The differences are usually informed by their different histories and cultures. Additionally, even within the countries themselves, there can be differences in the dialects between regions. What are the key characteristics of the Emirati dialect? Emirati Arabic is the native dialect of the Emirati people and serves as a key marker of national identity. Known for preserving ancient Arabic words, it reflects the UAE's deep-rooted cultural and linguistic heritage. Within the country, dialects vary by region, with Bedouin Arabic common in rural areas and more traditional in tone. In contrast, urban centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature modernised dialects influenced by globalisation and multicultural interaction. Examples of the Emirati dialect include expressions such as " hayyak Allah" (a respectful greeting meaning 'welcome'). What will the ban on non-Emiratis using the dialect achieve? "The decision to ban the use of the Emirati dialect by non-Emiratis in social media ads has several positive effects. First, it protects cultural identity," said Fahad Alotaiba, an Emirati social media influencer. "It reflects the leaders' commitment to protecting and promoting Emirati cultural identity. Second, it enhances local communication." "This decision can contribute to strengthening communication between brands and Emirati consumers, as advertisements using the local dialect may be more able to reach the emotions and interests of the Emirati audience," she added. "Third, it can increase awareness of local culture by focusing on the Emirati dialect. The decision can contribute to increasing awareness of Emirati culture among consumers. Overall, this decision has a positive impact on Emirati society by strengthening cultural identity and improving the quality of local advertisements."
25-02-2025
- Business
Dubai Completes Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 with 87% Response Rate
Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, operating under Digital Dubai, has successfully completed the fifth edition of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024. The survey, conducted with 5,000 Emirati and non-Emirati families, as well as collective households and workers' accommodations, achieved an impressive 87% response rate. As part of a nationwide initiative led by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in collaboration with local statistical authorities, the survey examines key economic and social indicators. It provides insights into household income levels, spending habits, and overall living standards, helping shape policies that enhance societal well-being. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, emphasized the survey's role in providing valuable data for decision-making. 'With every survey we conduct—whether in social, economic, or other fields—the vital role of data as a true reflection of reality becomes increasingly evident. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 exemplifies this, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in leveraging real data and insights," he stated. The survey aligns with Dubai's Social Agenda 33, supporting leadership efforts to enhance the quality of life and solidify the city's reputation as a global hub for living and working. The data collection process involved 105 participants and was marked by high accuracy and comprehensiveness, reflecting both institutional confidence and public awareness of the significance of statistical insights in policymaking. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Data and Statistics completes the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024
Younus Al Nasser: This survey exemplifies the power of collaboration in leveraging real data to empower decision-makers in shaping strategies aligned with our national priorities, particularly the Dubai Social Agenda 33. Key Messages: The survey examines household income levels, consumption patterns, spending trends, living standards, and well-being indicators to support the development of legislation and programs aimed at enhancing individual and societal happiness. Conducted over a full year since its launch on December 18, 2023, the survey targeted approximately 5,000 Emirati and non-Emirati families, collective households, and workers' accommodations across most areas of Dubai. A team of 105 participants from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment carried out the survey, achieving a response rate of over 87%—a testament to the community's strong awareness of the importance of accurate and reliable data in shaping future strategies. Dubai - At a recent celebratory event attended by officials and work teams, the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, under the umbrella of Digital Dubai, announced the completion of the fifth edition of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 in Dubai. Conducted as part of the nationwide survey led by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in collaboration with local statistical centers, the survey spanned a full year. His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, opened the event with a speech, commending the dedicated efforts of the teams that contributed to the survey's success. He emphasized the critical role of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and local government partnerships in completing this project, which enables decision-makers to launch social initiatives that drive future development. By leveraging real data and insights, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a model city focused on well-being and happiness for families, individuals, and society as a whole. His Excellency Younus Al Nasser said: 'With every survey we conduct—whether in social, economic, or other fields—the vital role of data as a true reflection of reality becomes increasingly evident. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 exemplifies this, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in leveraging real data and insights. Data plays a crucial role in empowering decision-makers to develop effective strategies aligned with our national priorities, particularly the Dubai Social Agenda 33. It also supports the directives of our wise leadership in ensuring the happiness and well-being of Dubai's residents while reinforcing the city's status as a model destination for living and working.' The fifth cycle of the survey stood out for its comprehensiveness, achieving an 87% response rate from participating families across Dubai, who were visited throughout the year-long survey period. This high level of engagement reflects the strong awareness within the Dubai community of the strategic importance of such initiatives in shaping developmental, social, and economic projects. The extensive project was executed by a dedicated team of 105 participants from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, each assigned specific roles to ensure the accuracy and quality of the survey results. In this context, His Excellency Younus Al Nasser added: "Everyone involved in this project deserves our deepest appreciation, particularly the dedicated work team whose efforts were instrumental to its success. Our gratitude also extends to the members of society who actively participated in the survey, demonstrating their trust in our work and their awareness of the importance of data-driven initiatives. I would also like to acknowledge the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, which serves as a national platform uniting data and statistical efforts across the UAE." The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Younus Al Nasser alongside several key officials from the establishment, including H.E. Afaf Buosaiba, CEO of Data and Statistics Operations Sector, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Mohammad Al Mulla, Senior Director of Data Acquisition, and Maryam Al Mulla, Senior Director of Prices & Foreign Trade Statistics. The event also welcomed participants from the survey team. As part of the agenda, the survey team delivered a presentation highlighting the project's progress, objectives, and key findings.
