The Emirates of Arabia
The United Arab Emirates presents an intriguing dichotomy. It has a rich history of being a religious, conservative, and closely-knit society. However, in recent years, the Emiratis have utilized their vast oil resources to transform their once-modest Bedouin villages into bustling, modern cities that attract people worldwide.
Despite the transformation, many Emiratis still try to preserve their traditional way of life. This means that some of them struggle to maintain their cultural identity amidst the growing influence of globalization and the presence of a predominantly expatriate community in the UAE.
As they continue to move forward into the 21st century, it is almost as if the Emiratis are observing their past from a distance. They are trying to strike a balance between their heritage and the fast-paced changes happening around them.