What we perceive is at times wrong. What seems unjustifiable to some people works for others.
Our last day in Abu Dhabi was a very interesting day for me. Aside from the visit to the third largest mosque in the world and seeing the grand structure dedicated to prayer, witnessing the beauty of the architecture and not to mention trying to get over the shock of the world's largest chandelier worth about $30 million, eating on the floor for the first time while sharing a meal by hand out of a huge bowl maybe two feet in diameter filled with rice, goat meat, and chicken that was very delicious, and getting henna, another preconceived notion was dispelled.
One of the questions I had – more so a concern – before traveling to the UAE was how was I, a western female, going to survive in the middle east. We were told to wear modest clothing and was not required to “cover up”. Prior to my journey to the UAE, I read up online about what was generally accepted traditions and culturally sensitive practices I should adhere to when in the middle east.
Females do not generally shake hands with males and vice versa.
Females wear a cloth to cover their heads and at times faces.
Prior to leaving Guam, almost everyone had questioned how my being a female was going to work on this exchange. For some reason or the other, the thought of being a female in the middle east brought thoughts of segregation, oppression, and inequality to my family, friends, and acquaintances. The speculation of the media, the covert hype by Hollywood, and the uneducated hypothesis of others have left these individuals handicapped when it came to the truth of the topic of females in the middle east.
I cannot necessarily speak about females in the other middle eastern countries, but in the UAE the opposite of the thoughts above is the case. We visited Abu Dhabi University which shocked the hell out of me. I have never experienced a segregated campus. The thought of segregation, especially in an institution of higher education was not sitting well with me. As a student of political science, public administration, and law, thoughts of segregation brings me back to the famous Brown v. Board case. On the bus ride over, the thoughts as we listened to our hosts describe that we will be seeing both the male and female campuses could not settle in my mind. I could not fathom how this was a possibility, yet it was all so real as soon as our bus drove onto the campus of ADU.
We had dropped of three of our female Emirati counterparts to the front of the gate because they would not follow us on a tour of the male side of the campus. Quietly observing, I noticed that it was not of an issue for them. They happily walked off the bus, quite insistent on the fact that they wanted to get off the bus. We were then escorted through the campus filled with only males students; the only females were the instructors and campus employees.
The campus looked just like any ordinary college campus; rooms filled with desks, a board for the instructor to write on, the regular typical classroom scene. We spent a few minutes in their shelf-barren library. Interested, I looked through the titles of the books on the selves; I noticed that the books were mainly geared toward computers, technical matters, engineering, how to speak “good English”. What freaked me out even more was when we were told that the library time was divided between females and males. As you can tell, this came as a big shock to me.
After few presentations of the University affairs, we were taken outside and greeted by very good weather and a feast, Emirati style. People filled the green grass waiting for our arrival to offer us food, juices, good conversations, and a band playing traditional music. Although overwhelmed by what greeted me, I made my way through the crowd and met with the three female Emirati counterparts that left the bus earlier. In true Emirati hospitality, they forced a plate into my hands and insisted that I eat right away and try all the delicacies they had prepared for us.
In between stuffing my face with delicious food and getting henna for the first time, I made conversations with the females in the tent who sat with us to eat. There was a female tent and a male tent, and though Trumans were at times transitioning between the two, none of the Emiratis were violating this practice. Although I had generally accepted that it was part of their culture to separate the males from the females, I still couldn't believe what I was witnessing. What I discovered was a very surprising and possibly mind-boggling thought. Females did not care that they were segregated from the males. It was something they were used to, and though they understood that it would be and is a shock to most people in the western world, they did not see anything wrong with it.
Spending time with our female counterparts proved that these females were anything but submissive and oppressed. They were educated and were able to formulate opinions for themselves. They were critical about their government leaders and practices and showed no fear in speaking against injustices. They had ambition and a passionate drive to make themselves better for their families, for their country, and most importantly for themselves. And yet, they were fine with the whole concept of segregation.
For over half a century, Americans struggled with the idea of “separate but equal”, as conceptualized by our Supreme Court in the Plessy decision, and fought to shatter the division between whites and colored in education and daily life. The difference between the two cases is that the voices of the colored in our case were censored and stifled. In the UAE, this does not apply because the women themselves agree to have such segregation. They attribute this to hundreds of years of traditions and their respect for their culture. The voices of the females are not censored and are definitely not stifled. Though I am still struggling over this concept that I am not used to, I have to respect that this is their way of life, and if females in their country accept such, I am not one to push for change that is not wanted.
We need to fight the battles that need to be fought ... especially ones that oppress the voices of any group of individuals. But we must remember not to fight the ones that do not need fighting.
Interestingly, I ended the day with a stroll with some Trumans on a Ladies and Families Only Beach and ate some McDonald's before heading back to the hotel for one last night in Abu Dhabi.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day #4 – Abu Dhabi's Future
When the means and the opportunity are present, go for it; don't hold back.
Today was a very interesting day, yet I don't know what to make of it. I think in a way, I was very confused. This whole trip has put my mind in a whirlwind in that my perceptions of everything UAE has changed. Today's visit was to Cityscape, Abu Dhabi's arm that showcases development projects and investment potentials. The building was turned into a massive expo center filled with building concepts, designs, and a glance into the future of Abu Dhabi. The intricate detail of planning for this new city development blows my mind. I guess with the smaller populace, a smaller area to work with, and massive amounts of money, this type of project is feasible. But is it what will break the city?
Often on Guam, we hear the older people tell us stories about how life was like when they were younger. Sometimes we (the younger generation) will roll our eyes and say, “stop living in the past”, or we will take a look at our grandparents and wonder what a simple life would be like without the hustling and bustling of the city, the cellphones, the loud music, and the never ending desire to be better than the person next to you so you go on a rampage through conspicuous consumption. I have little faith in the retention of the beautiful culture and traditions of our future of the Chamorro people on Guam. Not because it is not worth saving, but because the younger generation do not appreciate and practice the simple life of a Chamorro. It is interesting because there is a struggle to keep this culture alive, but it is constantly battling with the influence of the western world.
In Abu Dhabi, everyone we met with kept talking about keeping the culture and traditions of an Emirati alive, to make sure the religious values and morals are preserved, yet what confused me was the fact that I did not see one indication of this desire to keep such alive in any of the proposals that were shown to us today by Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation. Maybe my fatigue and tiredness got the best of me and I did not understand or I missed something. Don't get me wrong, I wholeheartedly believe that the plans they have for the future to build up their Emirate and diversify their government is a very ambitious plan that should be commended. They want to build better roads, safer streets, environmentally friendly buildings and houses, put the basic necessities within reach of their people, and make life for Emirates and residents as easy and efficient as possible. Yet, I feel as if there is a contradictory idea in this whole scheme of things somewhere in the mix.
I do not see how the building a large city will preserve the traditions and religious values. I have asked, but no one seems to know the answer, or at least have given me an honest response. The only true answer that I believed I received was from one of our Emirati counterparts who actually agreed with me.
During our networking dinner at the most lavished Shangri-La I have seen with one of the best selections in a buffet I have experience, I had asked one of our guests that we were networking the question of preservation of traditions in relation to their future metropolis, and he did not know. He mentioned that it seemed as if it were the architecture of the buildings and the type of rooms for the men, women, and children. I was struck that he couldn't see that building styles and room positions were not what will keep alive the Emirati culture and traditions, but the preservation of it all through the practice of such by its people.
I don't know exactly what will happen, but I do know that I am no one to put a stop to any of their plans. I am sure the government officials realize the magnitude of the scope of work they are trying to progress onto Abu Dhabi and understand that there could be significant impacts on the lives of Emiratis living in Abu Dhabi. I have raised the question and know others are thinking it as well. It will now be up to those with a stake living on this Emirate to make the hard hitting decisions. Hopefully, their decisions will not be at the expense of the traditions and religious morals that have been practiced for over centuries.
We visited the General Womens Union, a government entity that looks to promoting the advancement of women in Abu Dhabi. Women of all ages can go to the Womens Union and find anything they would like to do such as attain technical skills, learn a little bit of vocational skills, and take what they know and turn it into an entrepreneurial prospect. The women we saw were learning how to use a computer and build websites. The others were older women who found themselves daily in a room making products native to their culture and traditions such as clothing, rugs, and woven baskets.
I have always appreciated the deep traditions and cultural aspects of a people. I was very excited to see the older generation show the process of the handmade products that showcases the rich Emirati traditions. Thinking back, I realize that all the women I saw were the older generation who may only have a few more years on this earth. I did not see a younger person with them trying to learn what the generation before them did. It is always important to keep traditions alive, and this is done by passing on the knowledge. I had asked a few questions about what they were wearing and the pieces of accessories on their clothing, and surprisingly the younger ones did not know.
Anywhere in the world you can safely make a case that the closer you are in a more metropolis place, the farther you are from the traditions and culture that identifies a people.
Today was a very interesting day, yet I don't know what to make of it. I think in a way, I was very confused. This whole trip has put my mind in a whirlwind in that my perceptions of everything UAE has changed. Today's visit was to Cityscape, Abu Dhabi's arm that showcases development projects and investment potentials. The building was turned into a massive expo center filled with building concepts, designs, and a glance into the future of Abu Dhabi. The intricate detail of planning for this new city development blows my mind. I guess with the smaller populace, a smaller area to work with, and massive amounts of money, this type of project is feasible. But is it what will break the city?
Often on Guam, we hear the older people tell us stories about how life was like when they were younger. Sometimes we (the younger generation) will roll our eyes and say, “stop living in the past”, or we will take a look at our grandparents and wonder what a simple life would be like without the hustling and bustling of the city, the cellphones, the loud music, and the never ending desire to be better than the person next to you so you go on a rampage through conspicuous consumption. I have little faith in the retention of the beautiful culture and traditions of our future of the Chamorro people on Guam. Not because it is not worth saving, but because the younger generation do not appreciate and practice the simple life of a Chamorro. It is interesting because there is a struggle to keep this culture alive, but it is constantly battling with the influence of the western world.
In Abu Dhabi, everyone we met with kept talking about keeping the culture and traditions of an Emirati alive, to make sure the religious values and morals are preserved, yet what confused me was the fact that I did not see one indication of this desire to keep such alive in any of the proposals that were shown to us today by Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation. Maybe my fatigue and tiredness got the best of me and I did not understand or I missed something. Don't get me wrong, I wholeheartedly believe that the plans they have for the future to build up their Emirate and diversify their government is a very ambitious plan that should be commended. They want to build better roads, safer streets, environmentally friendly buildings and houses, put the basic necessities within reach of their people, and make life for Emirates and residents as easy and efficient as possible. Yet, I feel as if there is a contradictory idea in this whole scheme of things somewhere in the mix.
I do not see how the building a large city will preserve the traditions and religious values. I have asked, but no one seems to know the answer, or at least have given me an honest response. The only true answer that I believed I received was from one of our Emirati counterparts who actually agreed with me.
During our networking dinner at the most lavished Shangri-La I have seen with one of the best selections in a buffet I have experience, I had asked one of our guests that we were networking the question of preservation of traditions in relation to their future metropolis, and he did not know. He mentioned that it seemed as if it were the architecture of the buildings and the type of rooms for the men, women, and children. I was struck that he couldn't see that building styles and room positions were not what will keep alive the Emirati culture and traditions, but the preservation of it all through the practice of such by its people.
I don't know exactly what will happen, but I do know that I am no one to put a stop to any of their plans. I am sure the government officials realize the magnitude of the scope of work they are trying to progress onto Abu Dhabi and understand that there could be significant impacts on the lives of Emiratis living in Abu Dhabi. I have raised the question and know others are thinking it as well. It will now be up to those with a stake living on this Emirate to make the hard hitting decisions. Hopefully, their decisions will not be at the expense of the traditions and religious morals that have been practiced for over centuries.
We visited the General Womens Union, a government entity that looks to promoting the advancement of women in Abu Dhabi. Women of all ages can go to the Womens Union and find anything they would like to do such as attain technical skills, learn a little bit of vocational skills, and take what they know and turn it into an entrepreneurial prospect. The women we saw were learning how to use a computer and build websites. The others were older women who found themselves daily in a room making products native to their culture and traditions such as clothing, rugs, and woven baskets.
I have always appreciated the deep traditions and cultural aspects of a people. I was very excited to see the older generation show the process of the handmade products that showcases the rich Emirati traditions. Thinking back, I realize that all the women I saw were the older generation who may only have a few more years on this earth. I did not see a younger person with them trying to learn what the generation before them did. It is always important to keep traditions alive, and this is done by passing on the knowledge. I had asked a few questions about what they were wearing and the pieces of accessories on their clothing, and surprisingly the younger ones did not know.
Anywhere in the world you can safely make a case that the closer you are in a more metropolis place, the farther you are from the traditions and culture that identifies a people.
Day #3 – UAE Government
An oldie, but a goodie – don't judge a book by its cover.
I have always been fascinated with governments, how it is formed, how it works, and what makes it work, or not work. Today, we visited the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, and surprisingly, we were allowed to sit in the seats that MPs sit on. As we walked in, we were greeted by a lavish setting of seats, pictures, and an aura of royalty. We were served hot tea and coffee and offered sandwiches and tasty pastries. I learned that when they serve you coffee in the intricate and tiny little cups, you have to shake the cup to signify that you are finished, otherwise, they will keep pouring.
Just as we were beginning to get used to the great accommodation, we were all told to rise as the Speaker, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, made his way through the crowd of program participants to shake each and every hand. He thanked us all for coming and explained that today's session would be boring as there were only few non-heated debates on the agenda. We were later told that we shook the hand of a $8 Billion man.
In their massive session floor, probably bigger than the Capitol building session floor, we watched the FNC session. I found it very interesting that the topic and debate was not so different from what I normally hear at the Guam Legislature. The topic was of the international financial crisis. A Senator Guthertz-like MP asked why the FNC was not discussing the matter. Then, a Senator BJ Cruz-like stood up to explain how it was irresponsible for the government to claim that a financial crisis does not exist when all of the indicators of such were avid and apparent. He also pointed out that they only hear things from the media and not the government. Then, the Eddie Calvo of the group stood up to explain that they should all agree with the government and wait until they could present their findings as they have enver failed in the past to get the information to them.
As I was writing my notes, I couldn't help but be very amused (and I think I chuckled a little) that this scene was all too familiar. I felt like I was back at home at the Guam Legislature listening in on session or a public hearing. The Speaker even had a Speaker Judi Won Pat essence in that he made sure everyone had their turn and was treated equally. I guess no matter where you are, governments, no matter how different, are quite similar.
The basic gist of the debate was that there is a financial crisis that should be addressed at the very moment, but was being delayed for lack of information from the government. Several MPs wanted to discuss the matter at the very moment.
After witnessing their quasi-legislature in action, we took a tour of the building and met with three MPs in a very satisfying panel-like meeting. It was amazing the level of responses they gave, very honest, very to the point, and very trustworthy. This was something that I viewed as a refreshing difference from the Guam Legislature, and even the US Congress. I have worked with a lot of politicians over the years and have not seen this kind of breed. I think American and Guamanian politicians should learn from their UAE counterparts.
We then visited the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, an independent entity that aims to promote and encourage research. I wish we had something similar to Guam. Maybe I could get with the University to push for something like this. All their research is based on helping the nation, the region, and the world progress. We also met with representatives from Mubadala to get an overview of the investments of the government of Abu Dhabi.
Throughout the day, I have learned very interesting facts:
1. To run for a position in the FNC, there is a Dhs2,000,000 ceiling for campaigning.
2. Education and Healthcare (just like all over the world) are the top issues brought up by constituents to their government leaders.
3. It is very easy for anyone and everyone to directly contact their government leaders. Their mobile numbers are on the internet. “Open mind, open house.”
4.FNC members are very interested in key performance indicators.
5.60% of their economy is oil driven, but they want to change that to formulate business ventures to help build economic diversity.
6.Investments are based on agility, return, and home-grown products.
7.They want to invest in alternative energy and move away from oil as they believe sustainability is priority.
8.Just like Guam, their human resources are depleting and they don't have many specialties that forces their people to seek medical attention elsewhere. They try to send out their people to get an education and come back, but such as in the medical field, they do not come back because of the lack of efficient medical facilities, but they are working toward that goal.
9.There is a policy to try to get skills and technology of foreigners transferred to their people; they do this by learning from the best standards in the world.
10.There exists a compulsory, employer-funded health insurance for all residents and nationals.
11.They want to brand their emirate as a national identity and not just a tourist destination.
The day ended perfectly. We had a great surprise; we were meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness was very welcoming and stood with a presence of respect and authority, but had a kindness and modesty in his eyes that reflected his true passion he had for serving his people and mankind. He took the time to shake each and every hand of ours and even took the time away from meeting with this people to take a photo and have a brief conversation with awe-struck Emiraties and Trumans.
My favorite quotes of the day:
“Knowledge is great, keep reading. You will then realize that with all the knowledge you are getting, you don't really know much.” -Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhaheri, First Deputy Speaker, FNC
“Do not base everything on your self interest. Constantly seek knowledge. Do what you are passionate about; don't work for the money.” --Najla Faysal Rabih Al Awadi, FNC
The Crown Prince also gave a thought provoking statement. He said that he was very impressed and encouraged that a group of young and future leaders were getting together to interact and learn from one another as the future is us. He looked at all of us and said that the future of the UAE is not the 2.5 million barrels of oil they produce, but the future that stood before him.
I have always been fascinated with governments, how it is formed, how it works, and what makes it work, or not work. Today, we visited the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, and surprisingly, we were allowed to sit in the seats that MPs sit on. As we walked in, we were greeted by a lavish setting of seats, pictures, and an aura of royalty. We were served hot tea and coffee and offered sandwiches and tasty pastries. I learned that when they serve you coffee in the intricate and tiny little cups, you have to shake the cup to signify that you are finished, otherwise, they will keep pouring.
Just as we were beginning to get used to the great accommodation, we were all told to rise as the Speaker, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, made his way through the crowd of program participants to shake each and every hand. He thanked us all for coming and explained that today's session would be boring as there were only few non-heated debates on the agenda. We were later told that we shook the hand of a $8 Billion man.
In their massive session floor, probably bigger than the Capitol building session floor, we watched the FNC session. I found it very interesting that the topic and debate was not so different from what I normally hear at the Guam Legislature. The topic was of the international financial crisis. A Senator Guthertz-like MP asked why the FNC was not discussing the matter. Then, a Senator BJ Cruz-like stood up to explain how it was irresponsible for the government to claim that a financial crisis does not exist when all of the indicators of such were avid and apparent. He also pointed out that they only hear things from the media and not the government. Then, the Eddie Calvo of the group stood up to explain that they should all agree with the government and wait until they could present their findings as they have enver failed in the past to get the information to them.
As I was writing my notes, I couldn't help but be very amused (and I think I chuckled a little) that this scene was all too familiar. I felt like I was back at home at the Guam Legislature listening in on session or a public hearing. The Speaker even had a Speaker Judi Won Pat essence in that he made sure everyone had their turn and was treated equally. I guess no matter where you are, governments, no matter how different, are quite similar.
The basic gist of the debate was that there is a financial crisis that should be addressed at the very moment, but was being delayed for lack of information from the government. Several MPs wanted to discuss the matter at the very moment.
After witnessing their quasi-legislature in action, we took a tour of the building and met with three MPs in a very satisfying panel-like meeting. It was amazing the level of responses they gave, very honest, very to the point, and very trustworthy. This was something that I viewed as a refreshing difference from the Guam Legislature, and even the US Congress. I have worked with a lot of politicians over the years and have not seen this kind of breed. I think American and Guamanian politicians should learn from their UAE counterparts.
We then visited the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, an independent entity that aims to promote and encourage research. I wish we had something similar to Guam. Maybe I could get with the University to push for something like this. All their research is based on helping the nation, the region, and the world progress. We also met with representatives from Mubadala to get an overview of the investments of the government of Abu Dhabi.
Throughout the day, I have learned very interesting facts:
1. To run for a position in the FNC, there is a Dhs2,000,000 ceiling for campaigning.
2. Education and Healthcare (just like all over the world) are the top issues brought up by constituents to their government leaders.
3. It is very easy for anyone and everyone to directly contact their government leaders. Their mobile numbers are on the internet. “Open mind, open house.”
4.FNC members are very interested in key performance indicators.
5.60% of their economy is oil driven, but they want to change that to formulate business ventures to help build economic diversity.
6.Investments are based on agility, return, and home-grown products.
7.They want to invest in alternative energy and move away from oil as they believe sustainability is priority.
8.Just like Guam, their human resources are depleting and they don't have many specialties that forces their people to seek medical attention elsewhere. They try to send out their people to get an education and come back, but such as in the medical field, they do not come back because of the lack of efficient medical facilities, but they are working toward that goal.
9.There is a policy to try to get skills and technology of foreigners transferred to their people; they do this by learning from the best standards in the world.
10.There exists a compulsory, employer-funded health insurance for all residents and nationals.
11.They want to brand their emirate as a national identity and not just a tourist destination.
The day ended perfectly. We had a great surprise; we were meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness was very welcoming and stood with a presence of respect and authority, but had a kindness and modesty in his eyes that reflected his true passion he had for serving his people and mankind. He took the time to shake each and every hand of ours and even took the time away from meeting with this people to take a photo and have a brief conversation with awe-struck Emiraties and Trumans.
My favorite quotes of the day:
“Knowledge is great, keep reading. You will then realize that with all the knowledge you are getting, you don't really know much.” -Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhaheri, First Deputy Speaker, FNC
“Do not base everything on your self interest. Constantly seek knowledge. Do what you are passionate about; don't work for the money.” --Najla Faysal Rabih Al Awadi, FNC
The Crown Prince also gave a thought provoking statement. He said that he was very impressed and encouraged that a group of young and future leaders were getting together to interact and learn from one another as the future is us. He looked at all of us and said that the future of the UAE is not the 2.5 million barrels of oil they produce, but the future that stood before him.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Day #2 – Introduction to the UAE
Preconceived notions should be a thing of the past. Formulate an opinion only when you are able to see for yourself the truth.
Many people in the western world have many preconceived notions about the Arab world. Interestingly, they all may be wrong. What we hear in biased media outlets or watch in movies portray a world so remote and unrealistic to what we know and are used to. For the first time today, I listened to our new friends give an interesting perspective on their misunderstood world. It is safe to say that this part of the Middle East is very different from what we think we know.
The first thing we must understand, they explained, is that traditions they are known for may not be Islam requirement, but a cultural practice that has existed for many years. The practice of having more than one wife is a cultural issue as opposed to a religious fundamental. Our friends tell us that even the practice of arranged marriages, a tradition, is slowly becoming the thing of the past. What surprised me the most on this first day was the willingness to respond honestly about any question we pose to them. Our young friends and counterparts have been very open and transparent with their detailed explanations of their lives, culture, traditions, and opinions about everything and anything. It was interesting to hear that their biggest concern is moving forward in a western-dominated world while at the same time, keeping the values and morals of their traditions and religion. This internal struggle is more than definitely apparent when speaking with the people of the UAE.
This was also reiterated during our visit with the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi. What was strange was that we couldn't take pictures of our own Embassy. I guess it was more of a security issue. But I can tell you that the building is oddly shaped. Look it up online, if you are lucky enough to find it, you'll know what I am talking about.
This morning was spent in the lavish Emirati Palace that cost over $4 billion. The huge building houses guests of the crown prince such as world leaders and royalty. After touring the Palace, we were introduced to the goals and missions of our hosting entity, the Emirates Foundation. The Foundation, according to our guest speaker, is one of UAE's foremost philanthropic organizations that focuses on youth development, knowledge creation, national society and heritage. The Foundation provides financial support to individuals and groups to help further their missions and goals. They spend about Dhr100M on about 50 project every year, working with international companies and partnering with the private sector.
I also learned that just because this country has an insane amount of money, does not mean that all of their people are well-off and not needing to worry about life in general. Apparently, there is a significant number of individuals who are unemployed or who cannot get a job. I had asked what the unemployment rate was, but I was told that it was difficult to come up with that exact percentage as they are recreating the process of determining such as the number of 10-14% was unclear. But what struck me the most was the fact that the government does so much for their people to make sure that they have jobs and a living to provide for their families, that they go to the extent of informing unemployed individuals of opportunities to get jobs. My favorite quote of the presentation is that the UAE is “trying to be an honest-based economy.”
The biggest problem they are having in the realm of labor is the availability of human resources in specific fields. They recognize that everyone wants to be a manager or be in upper management which creates a gap for the vocational and technical specialties. They are gradually taking the initiative to provide training for such jobs in order to encourage Emiratis to fill such positions. Everywhere you turn in the Abu Dhabi (at least my perception as of now considering we have yet to visit other places) you see a lot of non-Emirati opening the doors, serving drinks and food, driving, and even the secretarial jobs ... I had asked why this was so, comparing Guam's current work force in which these jobs are usually occupied by outer pacific islanders and filipinos. The response surprised me only because it was a simple answer that was not expected as the preconceived notion of “only outsiders should do these jobs” prejudiced my thinking. The answer was really simple. It was about education and population. There are not enough Emiratis to go around to fill such jobs. Jobs in the UAE are based and determined by the level of education. There is a strict procedure on the educational qualifications of any position. Because Emiratis are intent on the foundation of education and its importance, they place incentives for acquiring that undergraduate degree ... which is job security and the availability of choices in employment. And this is the thinking that we need to have at home. Guam is such a small community and we have the resources to implement and to encourage our people to get an education, to get a great job, and to get a better life, but the majority of our mindsets have been stuck to the essence that we do what we do because we are used to it and do not like change.
People on Guam preach about change and they moan and bitch about change, and they scream and yell about change. Has change occurred within the past decade? Or the past two decades? Of course not. What we need to learn from the Emiratis is progressive, positive, and optimistic thinking. We are always stuck on the notion that nothing is going to change, that no matter what will be done, we are always going to fail. I will be the first to admit that the past few days, I have been pessimistic about my future on the island. I grew up on Guam and it is my home, but the actions of our leaders have lead me to continuously wonder if staying or coming back home from seeing and learning about the world is worth it because there may not be a home to come back to. If I learned anything in this one day, it is that such positive thinking and optimism will get you far.
Many people in the western world have many preconceived notions about the Arab world. Interestingly, they all may be wrong. What we hear in biased media outlets or watch in movies portray a world so remote and unrealistic to what we know and are used to. For the first time today, I listened to our new friends give an interesting perspective on their misunderstood world. It is safe to say that this part of the Middle East is very different from what we think we know.
The first thing we must understand, they explained, is that traditions they are known for may not be Islam requirement, but a cultural practice that has existed for many years. The practice of having more than one wife is a cultural issue as opposed to a religious fundamental. Our friends tell us that even the practice of arranged marriages, a tradition, is slowly becoming the thing of the past. What surprised me the most on this first day was the willingness to respond honestly about any question we pose to them. Our young friends and counterparts have been very open and transparent with their detailed explanations of their lives, culture, traditions, and opinions about everything and anything. It was interesting to hear that their biggest concern is moving forward in a western-dominated world while at the same time, keeping the values and morals of their traditions and religion. This internal struggle is more than definitely apparent when speaking with the people of the UAE.
This was also reiterated during our visit with the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi. What was strange was that we couldn't take pictures of our own Embassy. I guess it was more of a security issue. But I can tell you that the building is oddly shaped. Look it up online, if you are lucky enough to find it, you'll know what I am talking about.
This morning was spent in the lavish Emirati Palace that cost over $4 billion. The huge building houses guests of the crown prince such as world leaders and royalty. After touring the Palace, we were introduced to the goals and missions of our hosting entity, the Emirates Foundation. The Foundation, according to our guest speaker, is one of UAE's foremost philanthropic organizations that focuses on youth development, knowledge creation, national society and heritage. The Foundation provides financial support to individuals and groups to help further their missions and goals. They spend about Dhr100M on about 50 project every year, working with international companies and partnering with the private sector.
I also learned that just because this country has an insane amount of money, does not mean that all of their people are well-off and not needing to worry about life in general. Apparently, there is a significant number of individuals who are unemployed or who cannot get a job. I had asked what the unemployment rate was, but I was told that it was difficult to come up with that exact percentage as they are recreating the process of determining such as the number of 10-14% was unclear. But what struck me the most was the fact that the government does so much for their people to make sure that they have jobs and a living to provide for their families, that they go to the extent of informing unemployed individuals of opportunities to get jobs. My favorite quote of the presentation is that the UAE is “trying to be an honest-based economy.”
The biggest problem they are having in the realm of labor is the availability of human resources in specific fields. They recognize that everyone wants to be a manager or be in upper management which creates a gap for the vocational and technical specialties. They are gradually taking the initiative to provide training for such jobs in order to encourage Emiratis to fill such positions. Everywhere you turn in the Abu Dhabi (at least my perception as of now considering we have yet to visit other places) you see a lot of non-Emirati opening the doors, serving drinks and food, driving, and even the secretarial jobs ... I had asked why this was so, comparing Guam's current work force in which these jobs are usually occupied by outer pacific islanders and filipinos. The response surprised me only because it was a simple answer that was not expected as the preconceived notion of “only outsiders should do these jobs” prejudiced my thinking. The answer was really simple. It was about education and population. There are not enough Emiratis to go around to fill such jobs. Jobs in the UAE are based and determined by the level of education. There is a strict procedure on the educational qualifications of any position. Because Emiratis are intent on the foundation of education and its importance, they place incentives for acquiring that undergraduate degree ... which is job security and the availability of choices in employment. And this is the thinking that we need to have at home. Guam is such a small community and we have the resources to implement and to encourage our people to get an education, to get a great job, and to get a better life, but the majority of our mindsets have been stuck to the essence that we do what we do because we are used to it and do not like change.
People on Guam preach about change and they moan and bitch about change, and they scream and yell about change. Has change occurred within the past decade? Or the past two decades? Of course not. What we need to learn from the Emiratis is progressive, positive, and optimistic thinking. We are always stuck on the notion that nothing is going to change, that no matter what will be done, we are always going to fail. I will be the first to admit that the past few days, I have been pessimistic about my future on the island. I grew up on Guam and it is my home, but the actions of our leaders have lead me to continuously wonder if staying or coming back home from seeing and learning about the world is worth it because there may not be a home to come back to. If I learned anything in this one day, it is that such positive thinking and optimism will get you far.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Day #1 -- Getting to and Arriving in Abu Dhabi
Enjoy every second of everything you do; even when everything seems so surreal.
Who would have imagined that it would take me over 30 hours to travel just to get to the JFK airport in New York City? I took a 3 hour and 50 minute plane ride from Guam to Narita; stayed in Narita for 6 hours and 55 minutes before the gruesome 10 hour flight to Minneapolis; stayed in Minneapolis for 3 hours and 20 minutes before finally arriving in JFK after the 2 hour and 15 minute flight. Needless to say, when I landed in NYC, I made a call to my Truman buddy Ryan Merola filled with enthusiasm and excitement. One friend had asked me that evening while eating the most amazing pizza I have ever tried at Grimaldi Pizzaria (we waited 40 minutes in line), “You just traveled half the globe and are about to do the same thing in a few hours, how is it that you still have so much energy?!” It is the excitement, I suppose.
Gallivanting through Brooklyn with my friends and visiting through the city with my family before the 13 hour flight to Abu Dhabi was a very needed uplift after the long, seemingly endless travel time from home.
Nonetheless, I was excited about heading to JFK airport and meeting up with the other Trumans (most of whom I would meet for the very first time). The experience at JFK was unbelievably torture. We were in the east coast, but we felt like we were already in the desert. For some reason, the A/C was just not cooperating with airport officials. But as soon as we entered Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, all thoughts of being back at Southern High School enduring the ridiculous heat in a closed door environment went out the door. The airplane is gorgeous. It was seemed so surreal.
Coach had first class treatment, Business Class had celebrity treatment, and First Class was given the Royal pampering. Each seat was equipped with its own touch-screen monitor that had all the latest movies including “Slumdog Millionaire” and classic movies such as “An Affair to Remember”. Can you believe that I actually watched a Tagalog movie on the flight?! The craziest part of the touch screen monitor is that there is “Maps” feature where one could track the flight's progress to its destination. Within that feature is another feature that could allow one to view the outside of a plane! There are two outside cameras that capture real time video of the surrounding areas. Imagine looking onto the screen as we passed over the Greek islands and other European countries.
The 13-hour flight was bearable because of the constant attention and pampering we received from the flight crew. It seemed as if every 15 minutes we were offered a beverage, a snack, a meal, or flight-bearing products such as a Bosse-like earphones, a package of socks, blindfold, toothbrush and toothpaste. We were handed out menus to look through prior to our meal being served. It seemed like we were dining in a fine dining restaurant aboard a luxury plane. Everything on the plane was just too surreal.
The arrival in Abu Dhabi was an indication that the plane ride was not the only thing that would make us wonder if we were dreaming. As soon as we got off the plane, we were met by officials from the Emirates Foundation, finally putting a face to the coordinators who constantly emailed us with travel plans. As we were walking towards immigration, the group of 17 Truman Scholars were lead through a door that looked like it appeared out of nowhere. It was just like a movie scene. One minute you're walking through the airport amazed in wonder about the architecture, and the next, you're being lead through a door way that looks out of the ordinary and you wonder, “where did the door come from?”
We were then asked to wait in a room lavishly decorated for royalty. The room had this surreal glow that could have either come from the lighting, or the light as it shone off the goldenly clad room. Two of us looked at each other and sheepishly agreed that our travel attire made us feel unworthy of being in the room. A woman then walked into the room carrying a tray of freshly squeezed juices and sodas.
Outside of the airport, in a whether that could be comparable to Bali, a bus was waiting for us. Surprisingly, we felt like movie stars as a videographer and a photographer started taking videos and photos of us. I couldn't help but notice that cranes were present just to the side of the airport. One Truman had joked when I pointed such out, “Didn't you know cranes are the national bird?” Funny how some didn't get it right away that the national bird is the falcon. On the way to the hotel, construction cranes could be seen at every turn. We were in the middle of construction city.
I was dozing in and out on the bus ride to the hotel as I tried desperately to listen attentively to our traveling buddies from universities across the UAE who will serve as our hosts. Meeting them for the first time was very interesting because we all shook hands ... contrary to what the “traveling to the UAE” guide indicated. But these individuals were so welcoming and so enthused about having us with them, I don't know if I have ever experienced that kind of hospitality ... and I come from Guam, where hospitality is one of the staples of the island culture.
We arrived at the Hilton Abu Dhabi where we were welcomed with freshly squeezed juice and a cold wash cloth. Hotel officials met us as we exited the bus with smiles on their faces and warm greetings. We got our room assignments and instructions that we were to eat at any of the restaurants and charge everything to the rooms ... but we needed to be properly dressed.
Clad only in jeans, sandals, and a hoodie-sweatshirt, I felt awkward as I entered the 10th floor to get to the room Laura (a 2006 Truman and a 2L Harvard student) and I would be crashing in for the next couple of days. Everyone on that floor was dressed up. I was half expecting hotel officials to approach me and tell me I was on the wrong floor. But it didn't happen.
I'm sure that you have already realized that the word of the day is “surreal.” We are here not even 24 hours, and already I know there will be much more wonder to captivate my mind.
Who would have imagined that it would take me over 30 hours to travel just to get to the JFK airport in New York City? I took a 3 hour and 50 minute plane ride from Guam to Narita; stayed in Narita for 6 hours and 55 minutes before the gruesome 10 hour flight to Minneapolis; stayed in Minneapolis for 3 hours and 20 minutes before finally arriving in JFK after the 2 hour and 15 minute flight. Needless to say, when I landed in NYC, I made a call to my Truman buddy Ryan Merola filled with enthusiasm and excitement. One friend had asked me that evening while eating the most amazing pizza I have ever tried at Grimaldi Pizzaria (we waited 40 minutes in line), “You just traveled half the globe and are about to do the same thing in a few hours, how is it that you still have so much energy?!” It is the excitement, I suppose.
Gallivanting through Brooklyn with my friends and visiting through the city with my family before the 13 hour flight to Abu Dhabi was a very needed uplift after the long, seemingly endless travel time from home.
Nonetheless, I was excited about heading to JFK airport and meeting up with the other Trumans (most of whom I would meet for the very first time). The experience at JFK was unbelievably torture. We were in the east coast, but we felt like we were already in the desert. For some reason, the A/C was just not cooperating with airport officials. But as soon as we entered Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, all thoughts of being back at Southern High School enduring the ridiculous heat in a closed door environment went out the door. The airplane is gorgeous. It was seemed so surreal.
Coach had first class treatment, Business Class had celebrity treatment, and First Class was given the Royal pampering. Each seat was equipped with its own touch-screen monitor that had all the latest movies including “Slumdog Millionaire” and classic movies such as “An Affair to Remember”. Can you believe that I actually watched a Tagalog movie on the flight?! The craziest part of the touch screen monitor is that there is “Maps” feature where one could track the flight's progress to its destination. Within that feature is another feature that could allow one to view the outside of a plane! There are two outside cameras that capture real time video of the surrounding areas. Imagine looking onto the screen as we passed over the Greek islands and other European countries.
The 13-hour flight was bearable because of the constant attention and pampering we received from the flight crew. It seemed as if every 15 minutes we were offered a beverage, a snack, a meal, or flight-bearing products such as a Bosse-like earphones, a package of socks, blindfold, toothbrush and toothpaste. We were handed out menus to look through prior to our meal being served. It seemed like we were dining in a fine dining restaurant aboard a luxury plane. Everything on the plane was just too surreal.
The arrival in Abu Dhabi was an indication that the plane ride was not the only thing that would make us wonder if we were dreaming. As soon as we got off the plane, we were met by officials from the Emirates Foundation, finally putting a face to the coordinators who constantly emailed us with travel plans. As we were walking towards immigration, the group of 17 Truman Scholars were lead through a door that looked like it appeared out of nowhere. It was just like a movie scene. One minute you're walking through the airport amazed in wonder about the architecture, and the next, you're being lead through a door way that looks out of the ordinary and you wonder, “where did the door come from?”
We were then asked to wait in a room lavishly decorated for royalty. The room had this surreal glow that could have either come from the lighting, or the light as it shone off the goldenly clad room. Two of us looked at each other and sheepishly agreed that our travel attire made us feel unworthy of being in the room. A woman then walked into the room carrying a tray of freshly squeezed juices and sodas.
Outside of the airport, in a whether that could be comparable to Bali, a bus was waiting for us. Surprisingly, we felt like movie stars as a videographer and a photographer started taking videos and photos of us. I couldn't help but notice that cranes were present just to the side of the airport. One Truman had joked when I pointed such out, “Didn't you know cranes are the national bird?” Funny how some didn't get it right away that the national bird is the falcon. On the way to the hotel, construction cranes could be seen at every turn. We were in the middle of construction city.
I was dozing in and out on the bus ride to the hotel as I tried desperately to listen attentively to our traveling buddies from universities across the UAE who will serve as our hosts. Meeting them for the first time was very interesting because we all shook hands ... contrary to what the “traveling to the UAE” guide indicated. But these individuals were so welcoming and so enthused about having us with them, I don't know if I have ever experienced that kind of hospitality ... and I come from Guam, where hospitality is one of the staples of the island culture.
We arrived at the Hilton Abu Dhabi where we were welcomed with freshly squeezed juice and a cold wash cloth. Hotel officials met us as we exited the bus with smiles on their faces and warm greetings. We got our room assignments and instructions that we were to eat at any of the restaurants and charge everything to the rooms ... but we needed to be properly dressed.
Clad only in jeans, sandals, and a hoodie-sweatshirt, I felt awkward as I entered the 10th floor to get to the room Laura (a 2006 Truman and a 2L Harvard student) and I would be crashing in for the next couple of days. Everyone on that floor was dressed up. I was half expecting hotel officials to approach me and tell me I was on the wrong floor. But it didn't happen.
I'm sure that you have already realized that the word of the day is “surreal.” We are here not even 24 hours, and already I know there will be much more wonder to captivate my mind.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Beginning of the Adventure
Live life by trying to do everything! You can't judge something if you don't know what it is, and if you have not experienced it once.
In 2006, I was selected as a Truman Scholar (I would rather keep this post short, so if you would like to learn more about it, check out: www.truman.gov). Part of the scholarship program took us to our nation's capital for a whole summer. During this summer program, we were introduced to officials in the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
It was explained to us that in 2005, they had met with the Truman Scholars of that year and were highly impressed with the caliber of individuals and invited them to go to the UAE and experience the culture for themselves. Members of the 2004 Truman class spearheaded this program by writing a grant to help get students to the UAE. (Thanks Anthony Shop and others!) The program, now in its third cycle, is called the Emirati-American Young Leaders Cultural Exchange, funded entirely by the Emirates Foundation.
It is interesting that I am starting this blog while sitting in the terminal in Japan patiently awaiting my flight to St. Paul (the time between flights is 6 hours and 55 minutes) as I received the notification of my invitation to the UAE while in Japan. I was sent to Hachioji, Tokyo for a leadership training for the Rotaract Club. I woke up on our second day in Tokyo, and without fail, the first thing I did was check my email (bad habit? good habit?). My heart was pounding with nervousness as I saw "ACCEPTANCE". When I read the first lines of the email, I yelled and literally jumped up and down like a little kid cashing out in a candy store! My roomies Vince and YooMee were freaking out. I told them the news and proceeded to email my mom, my boss, my co-workers, my professors, and everyone else I knew who would appreciate the news.
When I returned home three days later, I got my travel itinerary via email, and was told by almost everyone around me that I needed to keep them updated on my travels and the best way to go about it was to keep a blog. The Communications Director at the University of Guam kinda made me promise to keep a journal of my experiences and through Therese Hart's insistence, I have created this blog that I promise to update as much as I can ... hopefully everyday ... with stories of my 2 week desert adventure to the middle east.
To keep you entertained for a bit and to keep you thinking until my next post, please check out the following link about what I will be expected to do and not do while in the UAE.
Traveling through a Muslim Country
In 2006, I was selected as a Truman Scholar (I would rather keep this post short, so if you would like to learn more about it, check out: www.truman.gov). Part of the scholarship program took us to our nation's capital for a whole summer. During this summer program, we were introduced to officials in the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
It was explained to us that in 2005, they had met with the Truman Scholars of that year and were highly impressed with the caliber of individuals and invited them to go to the UAE and experience the culture for themselves. Members of the 2004 Truman class spearheaded this program by writing a grant to help get students to the UAE. (Thanks Anthony Shop and others!) The program, now in its third cycle, is called the Emirati-American Young Leaders Cultural Exchange, funded entirely by the Emirates Foundation.
It is interesting that I am starting this blog while sitting in the terminal in Japan patiently awaiting my flight to St. Paul (the time between flights is 6 hours and 55 minutes) as I received the notification of my invitation to the UAE while in Japan. I was sent to Hachioji, Tokyo for a leadership training for the Rotaract Club. I woke up on our second day in Tokyo, and without fail, the first thing I did was check my email (bad habit? good habit?). My heart was pounding with nervousness as I saw "ACCEPTANCE". When I read the first lines of the email, I yelled and literally jumped up and down like a little kid cashing out in a candy store! My roomies Vince and YooMee were freaking out. I told them the news and proceeded to email my mom, my boss, my co-workers, my professors, and everyone else I knew who would appreciate the news.
When I returned home three days later, I got my travel itinerary via email, and was told by almost everyone around me that I needed to keep them updated on my travels and the best way to go about it was to keep a blog. The Communications Director at the University of Guam kinda made me promise to keep a journal of my experiences and through Therese Hart's insistence, I have created this blog that I promise to update as much as I can ... hopefully everyday ... with stories of my 2 week desert adventure to the middle east.
To keep you entertained for a bit and to keep you thinking until my next post, please check out the following link about what I will be expected to do and not do while in the UAE.
Traveling through a Muslim Country
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