A conversation about racism in the Middle East with Abeer Sinder, Aziza Sbaity and Ubah Ali


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

The death of an African-American in police custody, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25, triggered a renewed push to confront racial discrimination that reverberated around the world.

From New York to Paris and Melbourne to Beirut, protesters took to the streets to demand action against systemic racism. The event also sparked much discussion, triggering uncomfortable but important conversations.

In order to raise awareness on such issues in the Middle East, The National invited three women of colour to share their own stories and thoughts.

Abeer Sinder is a beauty vlogger from Saudi Arabia. Ubah Ali is an activist and student from Somaliland who resides in Beirut, where she currently attends The American University of Beirut. And Liberian-Lebanese champion sprinter Aziza Sbaity is dubbed the “fastest woman in Lebanon.”

In a discussion with The National's Saeed Saeed, each of them recounts various forms of racism they've experienced over the years, and discuss how societies can evolve to be fairer.

Racism is kind of in our language," Sbaity says. "The word 'abd' – basically means slave – and the way that it is used in the Arab world basically means a black person.”

Sinder adds: “We have all experienced it – micro-aggressions or full-blown cases of racism. It happens in our world and people have to address it and try their best to be better.”

Ali, whose activism has raised awareness around the plight of some domestic workers in Lebanon, said the recent wave of anti-racism protests encouraged her to raise her voice.

"Seeing this worldwide movement has encouraged me to speak up about this issue,” she said. “Domestic workers need to live with dignity.”

See the full discussion in the video above. 

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Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott

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Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw

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Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock

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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

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The 24-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur).

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli).

Standby player: Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC).

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

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Rating: 3/5