Dubai Women's College hosts a seminar on the emergence of the UAE national identity in Dubai since 1970

The research was presented by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Career Services Chair at DWC, who discussed the role historical, economic, social, religious and national variables had played in the construction of a distinctive UAE national identity in the post oil discovery period.

Bilkhair's sociological analysis also examined the interactions between social and cultural themes, strategies and discourse out of which the notions of identity, historical community, local culture and homeland were created, shifted and reconstructed in Dubai.

"Little is known about Dubai's socio-cultural evolution and its rich history," she said. "As a UAE national who witnessed much of this recent dynamic evolution, it is vital to recognize the direct conflicts facing the national identity when contrasted with the demographic reality of Dubai and the UAE," Bilkhair noted.

This type of research facilitates the establishment of future socio-political mechanisms and fosters social harmony, religious tolerance and encourages integration among the different groups vis-à-vis nationalism and citizenship. The seminar was attended by several people from Dubai School of Government, visitors/scholars from Australia, and DWC students and staff members.