My Kind of Community in Dubai: Egyptians

Dubai - If you're an Egyptian woman, the odds are you've been told, at least once, "you can dance, it's in your blood

Egyptians feel at home in the UAE
Known for our distinctive accents and loud voices, we Egyptians are easy to identify. We fancy a good laugh even in dark situations. With the current economic hitches Egypt has been experiencing, there is no better or safer haven for Egyptians than the UAE.
Here, Egyptians make up the largest chunk of Arab expatriates. According to the Egyptian Embassy, as of 2014, there are more than 400,000 Egyptians in the UAE. The UAE job market is a big draw. As is the freedom this country provides to residents to practice their faith.
These are factors that have made the UAE a "second home" for Egyptians, said Mohammed Alaa who's been in Dubai since 2002. "When we call the UAE a second home, we mean it. We have been living here knowing that our rights are protected. If, at any point, I face an issue, I know that I can make a complaint and get my rights back." He said Egyptians appreciate the living standards, convenience, high-quality education and health insurance available in the UAE.
The UAE also receives a lot of tourists from Egypt. Every month, an average of 5,000 Egyptians visit in search of career opportunities and stable lives; especially so after the 2011 revolution. The influx is not surprising given that Egypt's population exceeds 93 million people, making them the Arab world's largest community. More than eight million Egyptians live and work abroad.
The UAE has been a main diplomatic and financial backer of Egypt since the army's 2013 overthrowing of Islamist president Mohammad Mursi, following enormous street protests. Strategic historic and cultural ties between both countries go way back to the UAE's union in 1971. But despite Egyptians having a better life miles away from their homeland there's constant nostalgia that connects Egyptians to their country. That's why they seek out occasions to meet.
Restaurants and coffee shops are ideal places. The atmosphere is even livelier if there's a football game on. Football is hugely popular, and a very big deal for Egyptians. Popular spots for Egyptian gatherings in the UAE among other restaurants are Hadoota Masreya, Dar El Kamar, El3ezba, Grand Abu Shakra, Le Caire 1940, Farahat Restaurant, and Gad Restaurant. Apart from restaurants and cafes, there's also social media. In the UAE, there's no better method of connecting and expressing concern for Egyptians than on Facebook. One look online reveals a prominent presence across dozens of online groups.
The biggest community page 'The Egyptian Community in Dubai' has over 150,000 members. According to the page administrator, their largest event was held at Zaabeel Park last year, and drew more than 6,000 people! Parks are a favourite spot for Egyptian gatherings, and not least because we have a love for BBQ. Whether it's the convenient lifestyle or the limitless opportunities, Egyptians are here to stay in the UAE.
Next time you meet an Egyptian, fight the urge to crack a joke about their accents. They will laugh it off, but don't be surprised if they hold it against you. It takes us a while to let bygones be bygones.
Sick of being know only for belly dancing and pyramids
Let's face it. If you're an Egyptian woman, the odds are you've been told, at least once, "you can dance, it's in your blood." What doesn't help either is when the country has produced the Arab World's biggest names in belly dancing - Fifi Abdou, Dina or the latest Russian-Armenian belly dancer Safinaz, who migrated to Egypt to practice her skills before shooting to incredible fame and moving to films.
While belly dancing is practised in different parts of the world, it's mainly associated with Egyptians. Modern dance styles are said to have originated from the cabaret of Badia Masabani in Cairo during the 1920s. Masabani introduced choreographies and group performances that were influenced by western forms of dance, such as ballroom and ballet. She then changed the costumes to the common modern dance outfit that we know today, which is inspired by Hollywood glam: a beaded brassiere, skirt with bare midriff, veils and a lot of glitter. Many of her dancers went on to appear in Egyptian films, and had a great influence on the development of the Egyptian style.
Egyptian women shrug at being associated with the dance, given its bold moves and revealing clothes. Others take it as a sport since belly dancing can burn up to an average of 300 calories per hour. Studios across the UAE offer lessons and some gyms include belly dancing in their group classes for its ability to increase stamina and fitness levels. The most popular place in the UAE that Egyptians wait to buy traditional costumes from is the Egyptian pavilion at the Global Village, set to open on November 1. The pavilion displays different types of belly dancing costumes, and jalabiyas (traditional Egyptian attire for women).
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai