Examples Of Cultural Awareness: The United Arab Emirates

Cultural Awareness: The United Arab Emirates A countries culture depends highly on the people that inhabit the location. In order to understand the common norms and beliefs of a society, one must first consider the history of the people before looking at any other aspects. What is right and wrong to one country may be normal to another. The center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) defines culture as “the shared patters of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization” (Carla.umn.edu). The United Arab Emirates (also known as the Trucial States) is an example of multiple cultures coming together to create a prosperous nation despite

Established in 1971, the UAE is a constitutional federation. Since its institution, Sheikh Zayed Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan held the presidential seat until his death in 2006. Succeeded by Sheikh Zayed was the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the son of Sheikh Bin-Sultan. Presidential terms are five years and there are no limits on the amount of times a president can be re-elected. The Supreme Council of Rulers decides elections. Comprised of rulers of each of the seven emirates, each Supreme Council member cast one vote for the presidency. Government entities that make up the UAE’s political system are The Federal Supreme Council, The President and Vice President, cabinet, Federal National Council and the Federal Judicial Authority. Legislative and executive power rests solely with the Supreme Council, President and Vice President. The UAE’s constitution guarantees equal rights of all citizens in respect to their safety, security and social justice (gov.ae). Although elections are held, a state of hereditary family rule still exists. Emirates of the seven states and their families hold nearly all higher offices of government. Individual emirates have the authority to handle any issues not assigned within the constitution. Amendments were made in recent years to ensure fair treatment of all

Understanding the weapon systems, affiliations, size and strength of a country’s military is paramount to mission success. The UAE has a standard Army known as the Union Defense Force. Charged with protecting all land assets within the UAE, this force has 65,000 members. Some emirates maintain their own forces but the UDF is the standing land military. The country also host a small air force, navy and air defense equipped with weapon systems bought from multiple countries including the United States. Officers of the UAE forces are receive specialized training from prestigious military academies around the globe. The Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom, the Military Academy at West Point and the Military Academy of France are just some of the institutions where these officers receive their training. Staffed through compulsory military service, men ages 18-30 are required to receive military training. Women may volunteer as well but are not required to serve within the branches of military. Men with secondary education incur a nine month obligation while those without have two year terms of service. Ranked 60th out of 133 countries, the UAE boasts a $22 billion budget (globalfirepower.com). There are approximately 100,000 active personnel within the branches of the military. The UAE’s forces use weapon systems bought from foreign allies. These systems