The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
Sep 23rd 2008, 7:45 pm
#16
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
My perception is that the issue of racism is not as great as you ma fear. There are always stories but the generality is that people are treated better in the Middle East than in the UK. Shoppng in Kuwait is staggering in terms of service, even coming in and out through immigration is better than Kuwait. Medical stuff better. When something goes wrong like a car crash then the admin and hassle is more - but is not race specific.
None of this is race related.
But of course there is the issue of preferential treatment of nationals which seems to be more accentuated in Kuwait and Saudi but I'm sure exists throughout the gulf.
But I came back from Damascus today (and that is an airport and a half). Catching the eye of the check in guy (Kuait Airlines) and waving the Brit Passport at him saved me about an hour though.
None of this is race related.
But of course there is the issue of preferential treatment of nationals which seems to be more accentuated in Kuwait and Saudi but I'm sure exists throughout the gulf.
But I came back from Damascus today (and that is an airport and a half). Catching the eye of the check in guy (Kuait Airlines) and waving the Brit Passport at him saved me about an hour though.
Sep 23rd 2008, 8:23 pm
#17
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
I know JVR has had problems here with racism.
Some of the worst treatment I have witnessed of Indians has been by other Indians!
Some of the worst treatment I have witnessed of Indians has been by other Indians!
Sep 23rd 2008, 8:38 pm
#18
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
My ex wife was a Filipina and people used to think she was the nanny until my boy called her mum...
The middle east is much bigger on stereotypes and prejudice than western countries...but many people do live here and get on fine.
It always ticks me off how people from this region make comments about racism or bigotry in the West yet no one is really willing to tackle the religious, cultural and racial discrimination here on any significant level.
We at least have the minerals to be constructively self-critical
N.
The middle east is much bigger on stereotypes and prejudice than western countries...but many people do live here and get on fine.
It always ticks me off how people from this region make comments about racism or bigotry in the West yet no one is really willing to tackle the religious, cultural and racial discrimination here on any significant level.
We at least have the minerals to be constructively self-critical
N.
Sep 23rd 2008, 8:44 pm
#19
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
My perception is that the issue of racism is not as great as you ma fear. There are always stories but the generality is that people are treated better in the Middle East than in the UK. Shoppng in Kuwait is staggering in terms of service, even coming in and out through immigration is better than Kuwait. Medical stuff better. When something goes wrong like a car crash then the admin and hassle is more - but is not race specific.
None of this is race related.
But of course there is the issue of preferential treatment of nationals which seems to be more accentuated in Kuwait and Saudi but I'm sure exists throughout the gulf.
But I came back from Damascus today (and that is an airport and a half). Catching the eye of the check in guy (Kuait Airlines) and waving the Brit Passport at him saved me about an hour though.
None of this is race related.
But of course there is the issue of preferential treatment of nationals which seems to be more accentuated in Kuwait and Saudi but I'm sure exists throughout the gulf.
But I came back from Damascus today (and that is an airport and a half). Catching the eye of the check in guy (Kuait Airlines) and waving the Brit Passport at him saved me about an hour though.
Yes I can well believe that the preferential treatment of nationals is rife, I can deal with that I just hope I don't have to face to many outwardly nasty situations.
Sep 23rd 2008, 8:48 pm
#20
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
Who is JVR please Inselaffen? Yes I have experienced that too. Indians have this stupid cast system mentality, where one person thinks that they are superior to another just because of status etc. We are all humans, all live on Earth and are of flesh & bone at the end of it all!
Sep 23rd 2008, 9:28 pm
#21
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
So you think I should tape my British passport on my persons Bijilo123? To get better treatment from the people of the UAE?
Yes I can well believe that the preferential treatment of nationals is rife, I can deal with that I just hope I don't have to face to many outwardly nasty situations.
Yes I can well believe that the preferential treatment of nationals is rife, I can deal with that I just hope I don't have to face to many outwardly nasty situations.
Actually I think that you ought to be getting the impression that racism and bad treatment is not an issue in the Middle East - in Dubai - in the Emirates - where you are going. But we can't say it is non-existent. I assume you are a Brit so there may even be advantages because they / we are generally trusted well.
Good luck anyway.
Sep 23rd 2008, 9:47 pm
#22
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
No - don't tape it to you but it is true that it is respected which is in my opinion a good perception for people to have of the Brits and nothing wrong with taking advantage.
Actually I think that you ought to be getting the impression that racism and bad treatment is not an issue in the Middle East - in Dubai - in the Emirates - where you are going. But we can't say it is non-existent. I assume you are a Brit so there may even be advantages because they / we are generally trusted well.
Good luck anyway.
Actually I think that you ought to be getting the impression that racism and bad treatment is not an issue in the Middle East - in Dubai - in the Emirates - where you are going. But we can't say it is non-existent. I assume you are a Brit so there may even be advantages because they / we are generally trusted well.
Good luck anyway.
Yes I am getting the impression it won't be that bad and thank you for your input, but I have been spoilt living in the UK where in my 22 years here have only faced 2 minor incidents, which is great considering I will always look like a foreigner here.
Sep 24th 2008, 6:57 am
#23
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
There will inevitably be some racial prejudice by the locals but fortunately they only comprise 20% of the population, the overwhelming majority being from the Indian sub-continent. Getting a taxi will be a problem if you are non-white as my African wife has found to her cost, but generally speaking it shouldn't be too bad. It really depends on where you end up living as some of the Jumeirah Jane types can be a pain in the ass, thinking they are superior simply because of the colour of their skin and size of their car. Its good to know that you encountered little prejudice in the UK as we are planning to return there next year, mainly so that our daughter can get a proper and inexpensive education, kindergarten fees here being astronomical. Good luck with your move and let us all know when you finally arrive.
Sep 24th 2008, 7:57 am
#24
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
There will inevitably be some racial prejudice by the locals but fortunately they only comprise 20% of the population, the overwhelming majority being from the Indian sub-continent. Getting a taxi will be a problem if you are non-white as my African wife has found to her cost, but generally speaking it shouldn't be too bad. It really depends on where you end up living as some of the Jumeirah Jane types can be a pain in the ass, thinking they are superior simply because of the colour of their skin and size of their car. Its good to know that you encountered little prejudice in the UK as we are planning to return there next year, mainly so that our daughter can get a proper and inexpensive education, kindergarten fees here being astronomical. Good luck with your move and let us all know when you finally arrive.
The UK schools can be excellent providing you choose carefully, going by my friends whose kids are at school they are very happy with their child's schooling. Best wishes for your move back to the UK. Personally I love the UK.
Sep 27th 2008, 8:18 am
#25
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
Hi there! I've got a year-old daughter and from what I've seen it's all a bit wierd...
Most women have nannies (even the stay-at-home mums!) and the nannies are usually indian, sri-lankan or philippina - so you may be mistaken for a nanny on occasion. I apparently stick out like a sore thumb as a complete newbie here cos I'm english and pushing my own buggy around!
I don't think you will be treated badly at all though, simply because you won't come into that much contact with the emirates - they seem to keep themselves to themselves - and certainly won't be the maid/nanny to an emirate family!
The one thing you may have to unfortunately expect is that in anything like road accidents, medicals, etc... indian/philippino/sri-lankan people are treated less favourably than emirates and even westerners - sorry, I hate to say it - white westerners. I've been told that if an emirate is in a road accident, it's never his fault, but if an indian is in a road accident, it's always his fault.
There are a good few things that sit uncomfortably on our shoulders, that are so used to equal rights and opportunities! Still, it's an interesting experience. Also, you will probably socialise with other ex-pats, so it's just like england... but not!
As for mother and baby groups - there are loads! They mainly concentrate on the various malls in Dubai, but each community has something going on... and you get talking to so many random people that you're sure to rock up to a coffee morning or some such! If you do end up in Dubai, even if it's just for a trial run, feel free to contact me.
I hope this helps!
----
I've just read another one of your posts and - ok, all this may come out wrong and sound dreadful, but please just bear with me - having been in the UK for 22 years, you will certainly have a very western attitude and demeanour (sp?!) and that attitude will differentiate you from the other indians who are here. It has been a huge eye-opener here for me, cos I've never before come into contact with people who are deferential through up-bringing, culture, whatever... but here, yes.
My main fear in living here is that it changes me into a person who expects that attitude from certain people - an the moment I'm embarassed to be called ma'am, but I'm sure that's exactly the kind of thing that helps the "Jumeirah Janes"' inflated egos!
Most women have nannies (even the stay-at-home mums!) and the nannies are usually indian, sri-lankan or philippina - so you may be mistaken for a nanny on occasion. I apparently stick out like a sore thumb as a complete newbie here cos I'm english and pushing my own buggy around!
I don't think you will be treated badly at all though, simply because you won't come into that much contact with the emirates - they seem to keep themselves to themselves - and certainly won't be the maid/nanny to an emirate family!
The one thing you may have to unfortunately expect is that in anything like road accidents, medicals, etc... indian/philippino/sri-lankan people are treated less favourably than emirates and even westerners - sorry, I hate to say it - white westerners. I've been told that if an emirate is in a road accident, it's never his fault, but if an indian is in a road accident, it's always his fault.
There are a good few things that sit uncomfortably on our shoulders, that are so used to equal rights and opportunities! Still, it's an interesting experience. Also, you will probably socialise with other ex-pats, so it's just like england... but not!
As for mother and baby groups - there are loads! They mainly concentrate on the various malls in Dubai, but each community has something going on... and you get talking to so many random people that you're sure to rock up to a coffee morning or some such! If you do end up in Dubai, even if it's just for a trial run, feel free to contact me.
I hope this helps!
----
I've just read another one of your posts and - ok, all this may come out wrong and sound dreadful, but please just bear with me - having been in the UK for 22 years, you will certainly have a very western attitude and demeanour (sp?!) and that attitude will differentiate you from the other indians who are here. It has been a huge eye-opener here for me, cos I've never before come into contact with people who are deferential through up-bringing, culture, whatever... but here, yes.
My main fear in living here is that it changes me into a person who expects that attitude from certain people - an the moment I'm embarassed to be called ma'am, but I'm sure that's exactly the kind of thing that helps the "Jumeirah Janes"' inflated egos!
Last edited by Lyds; Sep 27th 2008 at 8:36 am. Reason: not having read all the thread and being way too chatty for my own good.
Sep 27th 2008, 10:50 am
#26
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
Hi there! I've got a year-old daughter and from what I've seen it's all a bit wierd...
Most women have nannies (even the stay-at-home mums!) and the nannies are usually indian, sri-lankan or philippina - so you may be mistaken for a nanny on occasion. I apparently stick out like a sore thumb as a complete newbie here cos I'm english and pushing my own buggy around!
I don't think you will be treated badly at all though, simply because you won't come into that much contact with the emirates - they seem to keep themselves to themselves - and certainly won't be the maid/nanny to an emirate family!
The one thing you may have to unfortunately expect is that in anything like road accidents, medicals, etc... indian/philippino/sri-lankan people are treated less favourably than emirates and even westerners - sorry, I hate to say it - white westerners. I've been told that if an emirate is in a road accident, it's never his fault, but if an indian is in a road accident, it's always his fault.
There are a good few things that sit uncomfortably on our shoulders, that are so used to equal rights and opportunities! Still, it's an interesting experience. Also, you will probably socialise with other ex-pats, so it's just like england... but not!
As for mother and baby groups - there are loads! They mainly concentrate on the various malls in Dubai, but each community has something going on... and you get talking to so many random people that you're sure to rock up to a coffee morning or some such! If you do end up in Dubai, even if it's just for a trial run, feel free to contact me.
I hope this helps!
----
I've just read another one of your posts and - ok, all this may come out wrong and sound dreadful, but please just bear with me - having been in the UK for 22 years, you will certainly have a very western attitude and demeanour (sp?!) and that attitude will differentiate you from the other indians who are here. It has been a huge eye-opener here for me, cos I've never before come into contact with people who are deferential through up-bringing, culture, whatever... but here, yes.
My main fear in living here is that it changes me into a person who expects that attitude from certain people - an the moment I'm embarassed to be called ma'am, but I'm sure that's exactly the kind of thing that helps the "Jumeirah Janes"' inflated egos!
Most women have nannies (even the stay-at-home mums!) and the nannies are usually indian, sri-lankan or philippina - so you may be mistaken for a nanny on occasion. I apparently stick out like a sore thumb as a complete newbie here cos I'm english and pushing my own buggy around!
I don't think you will be treated badly at all though, simply because you won't come into that much contact with the emirates - they seem to keep themselves to themselves - and certainly won't be the maid/nanny to an emirate family!
The one thing you may have to unfortunately expect is that in anything like road accidents, medicals, etc... indian/philippino/sri-lankan people are treated less favourably than emirates and even westerners - sorry, I hate to say it - white westerners. I've been told that if an emirate is in a road accident, it's never his fault, but if an indian is in a road accident, it's always his fault.
There are a good few things that sit uncomfortably on our shoulders, that are so used to equal rights and opportunities! Still, it's an interesting experience. Also, you will probably socialise with other ex-pats, so it's just like england... but not!
As for mother and baby groups - there are loads! They mainly concentrate on the various malls in Dubai, but each community has something going on... and you get talking to so many random people that you're sure to rock up to a coffee morning or some such! If you do end up in Dubai, even if it's just for a trial run, feel free to contact me.
I hope this helps!
----
I've just read another one of your posts and - ok, all this may come out wrong and sound dreadful, but please just bear with me - having been in the UK for 22 years, you will certainly have a very western attitude and demeanour (sp?!) and that attitude will differentiate you from the other indians who are here. It has been a huge eye-opener here for me, cos I've never before come into contact with people who are deferential through up-bringing, culture, whatever... but here, yes.
My main fear in living here is that it changes me into a person who expects that attitude from certain people - an the moment I'm embarassed to be called ma'am, but I'm sure that's exactly the kind of thing that helps the "Jumeirah Janes"' inflated egos!
Don't worry nothing you have said sounded remotely wrong to me I totally understand and I am not part of the PC brigade! ; ) I prefer people to say things how it is rather than sugar coat it. I understand that the UAE will be an eye opener, I just fear that as my son is so young he doesn't pick up on this 'bad' behaviour towards other people and see it as normal, I would be horrified if he didn't treat everyone with respect, rather than tailor it differently to different people.
Thank you also for the offer of being able to contact you, it is very appreciated! #
Sep 27th 2008, 11:12 am
#27
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
And I also think that it is vastly exaggerated to say that in the event of an accident it is always the 'Indian's fault'. In our case, 2 accidents in the last 14 years and we rightly got the green slip (i.e. not our fault)
Last edited by IndieG; Sep 27th 2008 at 11:15 am.
Sep 27th 2008, 11:16 am
#28
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
I have never been mistaken for a nanny, but even if I was, so what? What's wrong with being a nanny?!
And I also think that it is vastly exaggerated to say that in the even of an accident it is always the 'Indian's fault'. In our case, 2 accidents in the last 14 years and we rightly got the green slip (i.e. not our fault)
And I also think that it is vastly exaggerated to say that in the even of an accident it is always the 'Indian's fault'. In our case, 2 accidents in the last 14 years and we rightly got the green slip (i.e. not our fault)
MM, xx
Sep 27th 2008, 11:33 am
#29
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
yes, I feel the same about my daughter - I want her to be polite and respectful to everyone she meets.
I do think that this place is better for small children than in the UK though - ok, it's hot, but it really is so safe and people really love children. It can be a bit overwhelmig at first, because people will come up and cuddle your kid, play with him/her (even if they're eating! grrr!)... or even ask to take photos!
The downside is that dubai is all about consumerism and I'll make a point of leaving before she can be influenced by it!
As for the nanny thing, there's nothing wrong with that! I was just saying that there is a certain presumption that certain nationalities do certain jobs - all vastly stereotypical, of course!
Heck, I've only been here 10 days proper (not including 3 weeks earlier on in the year) so am still learning! Saying that, I've been talking to all sorts of people and the stories are all pretty similar.
I do think that this place is better for small children than in the UK though - ok, it's hot, but it really is so safe and people really love children. It can be a bit overwhelmig at first, because people will come up and cuddle your kid, play with him/her (even if they're eating! grrr!)... or even ask to take photos!
The downside is that dubai is all about consumerism and I'll make a point of leaving before she can be influenced by it!
As for the nanny thing, there's nothing wrong with that! I was just saying that there is a certain presumption that certain nationalities do certain jobs - all vastly stereotypical, of course!
Heck, I've only been here 10 days proper (not including 3 weeks earlier on in the year) so am still learning! Saying that, I've been talking to all sorts of people and the stories are all pretty similar.
Sep 27th 2008, 11:37 am
#30
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Re: The treatment of Indians by the Arab hosts
I have never been mistaken for a nanny, but even if I was, so what? What's wrong with being a nanny?!
And I also think that it is vastly exaggerated to say that in the event of an accident it is always the 'Indian's fault'. In our case, 2 accidents in the last 14 years and we rightly got the green slip (i.e. not our fault)
And I also think that it is vastly exaggerated to say that in the event of an accident it is always the 'Indian's fault'. In our case, 2 accidents in the last 14 years and we rightly got the green slip (i.e. not our fault)
Regarding the accident, that's good to hear!