This is a very interesting post. UAE is indeed the top migration destination in the world where less than 20% of the population are UAE citizens. These citizens are dominating the workplace in terms of managerial positions, whereas the rest of the population ( the migrants) are representing the labor sector. Communication among all of these different nationalities is with the universal language, English. Someone migrating to UAE needs to be able to communicate in English fluently in order to socialise in the community and hence find a stable job.

A friend of mine, currently working in UAE as a lecturer, mentioned to me that English is the dominant language of the country not Arabic. When he first arrived there, he found it difficult to find employment since his English was weak. He also noticed some rapid changes occurring in the country in terms of social values and culture. The migrant language and culture are fast becoming the norm and replacing the nations Arabic background. It seems that in the long term that these changes will affect the identity of the nation.

From my perspective, the multiculturalism, while positive in many aspects, seems to have a negative impact on the nations first language. In comparison, Australia and America have maintained the nations language, while welcoming migrants from all parts of the world. The culture and identity have been maintained and not affected by the growing number of migrants. Instead, they have encouraged migrants to adapt to their culture in order for them to assimilate into the society.

UAE is making rapid progress in all aspects of life, however; it is at the cost of the nation’s identity and language.