Monday, April 20, 2015

Insight Dubai: Day Two

Monday!

Almost in the swing of things, we started off with a lovely breakfast before heading out.

That morning, it even sprinkled! Super rare, super cool. I liked it. A lot.

Fast forward> Buses, campus, buddy, orange group-> We made personal flags that represented each of us! It was a cool opportunity to give some thought into. Some girls weren't too sure so they used their own country's flag or made a variation of it, which was pretty neat.
It's interesting, because we connect even subconsciously to particular things in the world around us, and it's only when we're around those from different countries really that we consider our own.

Flag of Wales. Because who doesn't want a dragon on their flag?


My variation, I have since tossed but:
Large book because to me, knowledge is vital.
White pages for peace, because being angry won't get you anywhere and I've had to work on that throughout my entire life (I'm going to blame it on the red hair, ok?) One on page I created a family crest/shield.
This symbolized not only my European origins (a lot of that), but also my family today because I think the idea of family is important and it's definitely a help-meet in my life today.
On the other page, was a lotus flower from my days in China, and it symbolized beauty, for finding the pretty and happy things in life. Because let's face it, life can suck- but there's always a silver lining.
*This was based off some of my treasured values and priorities. So what's your flag?



This was the day we discussed Shar'iah law, and mainly covered the idea of child custody. Like I mentioned in the last post, tradition is struggling in some aspects of the Dubai life. Shar'iah law stems from both religion and culture and is used there today.
*The law shares similarities from other religions and cultures

We had a speaker on the topic, who is at the forefront of debate about child custody. The brand document, the Q'uran- about 300 out of the 6666 are considered legalities whereas the rest are about morals.
*Today, translation and interpretation has a huge effect. An example includes where it says "child" may imply boy or girl, but in some positions it does state "male child" where that may refer to male heir, so that could include a grown uncle, or any living male relative, no matter how far off they are.



In debates, the scholars gather to discuss such topics and they are connected to work on the the mechanism for the modern times. More is being brought to questionability and special circusmtances. After all, UAE because a federation in 1961 and it's grow 40000% in 40+ years.
These scholars are around "to keep in mind what is right, what is wrong"
*Head of state has the ability to reverse laws> not so that anything contradicts, but in the case that it is in the best interest of the nation.

So, to the case: the mother, who is revered in the culture, gets priority over a child. If not her, another woman. A father or male relative cannot raise their daughter without a woman there.
A case can go to a judge for an exception of the rules. Some of it applies as it does in the states- they decide if one is unfit, they decide who is a better parent, they give the child to family (father's mother is first choice) if neither parents are capable.
But they can't deny the parents' right to be in their child's life. In the UAE, family is a high priority and greatly respected.



Fun fact: In many government offices, they need at least one female on the board of directors.
Fun fact: women have been voting since 1991
Fun fact: women could inherit before women in the UK could inherit
Fun fact: house expenditures come from the man, not the women (children are not around for any sort of grocery shopping, just the parents do it)

Wills and inheritance: one doesn't usually decide as much. Stems from the man. He may will up to a third of his belongings but law dictates who gets what otherwise. Most likely, if there's something they really want to give to a particular person, it's best to give it to them while they are still alive.
Wife gets part, kids get part, and so on. It is very detailed law that is over 14 centuries old but it still seems to work well.

Since the growth of Dubai, the big problem is learning how to adapt: they want to preserve the good of the past, but they also want to adapt.



Gender relations are widely considered one of the biggest issues they are trying to resolve.Gender discrimination is an interesting topic, and to them it's really a point of perspective. They don't think they are being discriminatory, they are not trying to be rude, but it has a different form of understanding in their culture. Everything has a place, even when other cultures are calling them discriminatory. If you talk to them, you will learn that they are very kind and wonderful people. I haven't met anyone mean there. But some ideas don't make sense to them in their culture or religion.

An interesting topic is the idea of plural wives. My buddy's father has two wives. But it's not as easy as one might think. The law dictates that plural wives is for time of necessity- when women need to be cared for and there aren't enough men. The maximum is five wives. Today, if they already have one, they need to present evidence to why they need another wife, as well as share proof they can afford another wife. In addition to all this, they also need the other wife/wive's approval in a written agreement.

Additional facts from the day include:

For the evening was some sight-seeing fun!

We got to go through the town towards their Heritage Village.
It was pretty empty for the day that sprinkled on and off. Half the shops were closed since it was after 5 PM, but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves! We saw some original art, traditional art, and a place for the winds! There are four different names.






On top of one of the buildings, enjoying the view! Steep stairs, so watch out!


Told you.



It was so great walking around and enjoying the stroll! And luckily, it didn't stop. We kept on walking and walking until we passed through what I non-racially title the Hindu street. I know there's a particular name for it, but the name has escaped me. People from India have settled in Dubai with their temples and stores and they are so friendly and it's awesome bargaining with them! They have treasures like fun emrboidered pillows, soccer jerseys, jewelry, and other typical tourist must-haves.

After that, we got to go on a boat ride! Not sure if this counts as a dhow as the one we used on Friday, but we'll swing with it. Fit about 10-15 girls at a time and we took our time enjoying the river! (Actually, not a river? Still not clear. Someone got offended when I called it a river but I think it's water that flows to the ocean. Miscommunication, but I'm guessing that's it!)







I believe it's for their prayers that the Hindus make flower chains/necklaces for loved ones. Not too clear on it still, I apologize. But they smell super sweet and I made great friends with the girl, R, who gave them to our group. She is such a doll!


Talk about views!

And after all of the fun sight seeing, shopping, and boating, we finally headed down (past a porsche police car and a mercedes-bentley), to dinner! It was on a beautiful patio with fun lights on the palm trees and right next to the war. It was a spectacular view and it was fun watching other parties enjoy hookah and seeing kids play around.




 Definitely good time for bonding, making friends, and chilling out in the evening. We all enjoyed ourselves vastly before we eventually made it onto the buses and off to beds.


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