UAE Says Emirati Dialect Off Limits for Expats in Media

A senior UAE official has shed light on the newly introduced policy allowing only UAE citizens to speak in the Emirati dialect on media channels. The move is aimed at safeguarding the national dialect and dress as symbols of Emirati identity and expressions of the country's cultural and historical heritage.

Policy Discussed at Federal National Council Session

The policy was a key discussion point during Wednesday’s Federal National Council (FNC) session.

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, underscored the importance of the regulation in a statement: “The policy was implemented in response to increasing instances of misrepresentation of the Emirati dialect and cultural symbols, particularly in advertising.”

Preserving a Nation’s Heritage

Al Hamed emphasized that the Emirati dialect serves as a “rich vessel of vocabulary and meanings that store within its letters the memory of a nation.” He further highlighted the significance of wearing the Emirati national dress, describing it as “a declaration of pride, a message of pride in heritage, and a living embodiment of a nation that celebrates its authenticity while looking confidently towards the future.”

Regulation on National Dress in Advertisements

The new regulation mandates that individuals appearing in advertisements while wearing the Emirati national dress must be UAE citizens. This ensures that the genuine image of Emirati customs and traditions is accurately conveyed. “The decision does not aim to limit the use of dialect or dress but seeks to frame their appearance within standards that preserve their cultural status,” Al Hamed explained.

Challenges in Media Representation

During the FNC discussions, member Naema Al Sharhan expressed concerns about the difficulties posed by rapid cultural changes and the spread of diverse media platforms. She noted, “While the Emirati dialect and local cultural symbols have gained prominence in daily marketing and entertainment, there are increasing signs of distortion in their presentation.”

Action Taken Against Misrepresentation

In response to Al Sharhan’s observations, Al Hamed acknowledged that violations in portraying the UAE’s identity have occurred in the past. He confirmed that measures have been taken against entities responsible for misrepresentation, although he refrained from divulging specific penalties.

Essential Measures to Protect Emirati Identity

Al Hamed highlighted a policy introduced three months ago, which prohibits anyone from discussing projects in the Emirati dialect unless they are an Emirati citizen and dressed in the national attire. This initiative aims to ensure that the correct identity is projected to the Emirati community.