Fadhel Fayez and Qabas Ahmed

Today’s college campuses reflect the diversity of the U.A.E population, but are you aware how diverse the U.A.E is? And why that’s a reason to celebrate?

Race: generally refers to a group with similar inherited features.

Ethnic group: refers to a group that shares language, national origin or religious tradition.

Culture: refers to the behaviors and beliefs characteristic shared by a group of people. The ideas and behaviors of an ethnic group, for example, are part of their culture.

National Bureau of Statistics indicated that 8.3 million were living in the country by mid-2010, up 65 per cent compared to mid-2006

Ethnic groups

Arabs 2,250 48.0%

Emiratis 1,050 22.0%

Bedouins 450 9.5%

Egyptians 260 5.5%

Omanis 200 4.1%

Saudis 190 4.0%

Iranians 540 11.5%

Balochis 310 6.5%

Indians 500 10.5%

Pakistanis 330 7.0%

Philippines 160 3.4%

Europeans 110 2.4%

If the current rate of growth continues, The UAE's population strategy plans to make Emiratis the majority in the country, or up to 40 per cent, by 2021

If you live in or near an urban center, chances are that your community is already more diverse than you may think. In small communities it may be less so.

Yet…Even in college, people often tend to seek

out other people like themselves…College is a tremendous opportunity to

meet people unlike yourself!Seek out student groups, volunteer

opportunities, and organizations that help meet new people.

Research shows that students benefit from positive relations with other students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Diversity is the reason that Emirates language, food, fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!

Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with differences in age or

ability.

Respect culture and diversityUnderstand gender issuesImprove your relationships with diverse

othersDifferent isn’t bad, it’s just different

College campuses are among Emirate’s most diverse settings, including both students and faculty.

Despite opportunities to mix, people often associate with their “own kind.”

Our fear of the unknown may keep us close to those whose background we share.

This prevents us from taking advantage of the rich opportunities on campus to meet and learn about people who are different from us.

In addition to being morally and personally repugnant, discrimination is also ILLEGAL.

Respect & tolerance, on the Respect & tolerance, on the other hand, are highly other hand, are highly encouraged!encouraged!

Many of us sincerely think that we are not prejudiced, but experts believe that every person harbors some prejudices.

Stereotypes lead us to view others in limited and limiting ways. There is so more to people than the social roles they play, or the groups to which they belong.

We tend to identify with others who are like us, and fear people who are different from us.

We tend to be ethnocentric—favoring groups we belong to and tending to think of them as superior.

Some of us are also egocentric – thinking we are superior to everyone else.

Celebration“We need each other.”

Affirmation“I’ve got something to learn

from you.”Civility

“I respect your rights.”Tolerance

“You have a right to be here.”

Intolerance“I’ll work to keep you out”

Most colleges have students from a wide range of countries.

They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be different from those of Emirate’s students.

If you are an Emirates-born student, consider getting to know one or more international students; it will expand your education.

If you are an international student, adapting to college in Emirates may bring some confusion and problems; for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

It is estimated that two million women currently enrolled in college will experience some form of sexual harassment in their student lives.

Sexual harassment includes several behaviors.Gender harassment - sexist remarks and

behavior that insult and degrade women, a problem apart from harassment for sex.

Seductive behavior - unwanted, inappropriate, and offensive advances.

Sexual bribery - harassment for sex, with the threat of punishment for refusal.

Every college is required by law to take action against sexual harassment.

Honestly assess your attitudesPut yourself in perspective with

othersSeek personal contactRespect differences but don’t

overlook similaritiesSearch for more knowledgeTreat people as individuals

rather than stereotyping themInclude, don’t exclude