The UAE has set out plans to ensure only its citizens can speak in Emirati dialect and wear national dress when filming social media content, in an effort to protect and preserve the country's identity.
The Federal National Council - the UAE's consultative parliamentary body - recently heard that a regulatory policy had been issued that would lead to a ban on non-citizens appropriating Emirati attire and vocabulary in online advertisements when brought into law.
Concerns were raised by members at the latest FNC session over non-Emirati content creators misrepresenting local culture and customs for monetary benefit.
The policy would not stop the general use of the Emirati dialect, nor its use in the media in general, and will only apply to social media posts made by content creators and advertisers, an official source told The National.
"The Emirati dialect is a rich vessel of vocabulary and meanings that store within its letters the memory of a nation," Abdulla Al Hamed, chairman of the National Media Office, posted on X.
"It is a mirror of national identity and an echo of the lives of our ancestors who wove the details of their daily lives in this homeland with its words.
"Preserving it is a national duty and a manifestation of loyalty and belonging to our cultural heritage and our pride in our roots that provide us with strength and inspire us to continue on the path of achievement.
"Therefore, the decision referred to in the Federal National Council, which is concerned with regulating advertising content, came to emphasise that anyone wearing the Emirati national dress in advertisements must be an Emirati citizen, as they are the most capable of conveying the true image of authentic Emirati customs and traditions.
"The decision comes at a significant time, when the use of Emirati heritage has increased in advertising contexts that may empty it of its profound connotations by non-Emiratis who are unfamiliar with the Emirati dialect and do not understand the symbolism of the Emirati national dress and its cultural dimensions."
He also said that the decision doesn't aim to limit the use of the dialect or the national dress but to frame their appearance in a manner that preserves its cultural status, especially in an age where the public taste is affected by influencers.
The policy marks a significant move with myriad consequences. Here, The National breaks down its implications.
Why has a dialect directive been introduced?
The measures are set to be introduced to protect national identity and make sure content using the UAE dialect or other national symbols reflects the country's cultural values.
Once the policy is implemented, the regulation would require any advertisements featuring the dialect or cultural symbols to be done by an Emirati citizen.
What is the difference between the dialects?
Across the Gulf and the Arab world, the official language is Arabic, but each country has its own dialect. A dialect is an offshoot of the language developed through the country's history and culture, and its history with its neighbouring countries.
Dialects can be categorised in groups sometimes because of their similarities, such as "Levantine Arabic" or "Gulf Arabic" but there is a palpable difference between Levantine dialects and Gulf ones.
The differences are usually informed by their different histories and cultures. Additionally, even within the countries themselves, there can be differences in the dialects between regions.
What are the key characteristics of the Emirati dialect?
Emirati Arabic is the native dialect of the Emirati people and serves as a key marker of national identity. Known for preserving ancient Arabic words, it reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted cultural and linguistic heritage.
Within the country, dialects vary by region, with Bedouin Arabic common in rural areas and more traditional in tone. In contrast, urban centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature modernised dialects influenced by globalisation and multicultural interaction.
Examples of the Emirati dialect include expressions such as "hayyak Allah" (a respectful greeting meaning 'welcome').
What will the ban on non-Emiratis using the dialect achieve?
"The decision to ban the use of the Emirati dialect by non-Emiratis in social media ads has several positive effects. First, it protects cultural identity," said Fahad Alotaiba, an Emirati social media influencer. "It reflects the leaders' commitment to protecting and promoting Emirati cultural identity. Second, it enhances local communication."
"This decision can contribute to strengthening communication between brands and Emirati consumers, as advertisements using the local dialect may be more able to reach the emotions and interests of the Emirati audience," she added. "Third, it can increase awareness of local culture by focusing on the Emirati dialect. The decision can contribute to increasing awareness of Emirati culture among consumers. Overall, this decision has a positive impact on Emirati society by strengthening cultural identity and improving the quality of local advertisements."
Jawan
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if you go
The flights
Flydubai flies to Podgorica or nearby Tivat via Sarajevo from Dh2,155 return including taxes. Turkish Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Podgorica via Istanbul; alternatively, fly with Flydubai from Dubai to Belgrade and take a short flight with Montenegro Air to Podgorica. Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Podgorica via Belgrade. Flights cost from about Dh3,000 return including taxes. There are buses from Podgorica to Plav.
The tour
While you can apply for a permit for the route yourself, it’s best to travel with an agency that will arrange it for you. These include Zbulo in Albania (www.zbulo.org) or Zalaz in Montenegro (www.zalaz.me).
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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What is a robo-adviser?
Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.
These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.
Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.
Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
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The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
