'We're a living example of UAE's spirit of tolerance'

Dubai - With just one day to go for the UAE's 45th National Day, Khaleej Times speaks to prominent families to understand what being Emirati means to them and the importance of family-centric events to promote national values

The UAE's peaceful embrace of over 200 nationalities who live and work side by side towards the country's accomplishments has turned heads around the world.

Tolerance becomes the right word to describe the phenomenon. Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja and her husband Christian Peter, a Swiss national, are a living example of the country's peaceful blending of different cultures.

Having been married for slightly over a month, the pair will be celebrating their first national day together.

"For me, the word that sticks out about UAE is tolerance. We have many nationalities, races and religions living peacefully under one roof, and I think that's amazing," said Al Khaja, founder of D-Seven Motion Pictures.

Al Khaja, who became UAE's first female independent filmmaker, has been known for not being afraid to touch on taboo topics. Her short film Arabana focused on child abuse in the UAE, while Malal showcased challenges an Emirati couple faced after an arranged marriage.

Having the opportunity to voice her opinions is another factor of tolerance that the UAE displays. "I became a filmmaker because I like to voice what I do through my films and push boundaries, and I am amazed with the kind of tolerance there is."

As UAE is opening up more to other cultures and ways of life, Al Khaja said it is important for Emiratis to maintain a balance. "It is good to fit in with everyone else but with our forgetting who we are. We should embrace our identity and local dress. National Day reminds us of just that: our history and identity."

Such balance is reflected through Al Khaja's films that tackle social norms inspired by the UAE while having an international cast. "UAE is also an ideal environment for filmmakers because it gives a variety of options. I can make an Arabic film or an international film without having to travel."

For her, the country's astonishing achievements started since the union that happened in less than two years: another record the UAE broke. "It shows that leaders have a sense of togetherness, which still reflects until today."

From a foreigner's point of view

Peter, who has been in UAE since 2007, called National Day an "enriching experience" for everyone in the society.

He added that the UAE's integration of nationalities strikes a unique core of retaining cultural heritage, while pushing for becoming a global leader in all fields. For him, the UAE presents a living example to the world of how tolerance can contribute to a country's growth and development.

"Every year, the country goes through this constant recreation and re-identification. You see people here having a global dynamic which opens up minds to cultural understanding and appreciating people of different backgrounds and upbringing."

The limitless ambitions go back to the leadership and the people. Peter added: "People don't seem to believe that there is something you can't achieve. The country cultivates a society that encourages people to push themselves to those extremes."

When asked what the pair will be celebrating on National Day, they said, "Tolerance, respect and sense of peace," to which Peter added: "These qualities are a lesson that we can aspire to become better people through."

For the pair, it will be about bonding with their staff members and participating in different parades and activities around the country.

But will Peter be wearing the Emirati traditional dress? "Maybe" was his answer.

sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE