Comparison Of Interracial Marriage In Arab Emirates (Term Paper Sample)

Interracial Marriages in UAE
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Introduction
Emiratis are now more than ever open to marrying non-nationals. The case of interracial marriages among the Emiratis has been on the rise, and it is estimated that by 2005, about 25% of the Emiratis had married non-nationals. The challenge is that the children suffer greatly from discrimination. Many people argue that the increase in the rates is due to globalization, the rise of romantic love as well as reaction to the high cost of Emiratis marriages. The challenge is that the children of the mixed-marriages suffer discrimination. Some also argue that the increased interracial marriages will slowly dilute the Emiratis culture. Much research has been done on the interracial marriages both in UAE and other countries across the globe. Reporters (2013) discuss the challenges faced by interracial marriages highlighting the government restriction. Sandles (2010) looks at the restrictions on the marriages, Vinod (2015) and James (2013) investigates the interracial marriages on relation to Sharia law while Huff (2017) looks at how the interracial marriages have strengthened the UAE. However, the available literature fails to discuss whether interracial marriages are good or not. This paper will examine whether interracial marriages are good and if it should be encouraged.
Empirical Literature Review
Reporter (2013) discusses the challenges faced by interracial marriages in UAE. According to the reporters (2013), mixed marriages are not wrong, but taking the case of the Emiratis, half- Emiratis will be different in their country which places so much emphasis on being pure Emirati. Due to this emphasis, the federal national government discouraged mixed marriages and offered grants to the Emirati men so that they can marry their countrymen. While some say that mixed marriages are the source of the high divorce rates being experienced, reporter (2013) has a contrary opinion because according to him, divorce can exist anywhere. That is either in the mixed marriage or even in the arranged marriage.
Sandels (2010) under united Arap emirates discusses the restriction of mixed marriages that is marriage with foreigners. Under this publication, the Emirati men are not supposed to marry any foreigner, and if they have to, it should be the last resort. According to the publication, it should be put into law a restriction for the Emirati men marrying foreigners and that if one has to marry a foreigner, he must obtain permission from the ministry of interior. According to a research shown, it is evident that there is an increase of 16.7% of mixed marriages in the country. The increase of these mixed marriages is attributed to the Emirati women being expensive. Their parents and families require much making the men go out and look for foreigners. The publication concludes by urging the families to consider marriage as a method to bring two people together. This, they believe will be able to reduce the rate of mixed marriages.
Vinod (2015) brings into view that in Dubai and according to UAE, they go by the sharia law whereby marriage is the only way for a man and a woman to be in a relationship and have children. According to Vinod (2015), interracial marriages are not restricted in Dubai, and non-local are free to marry the locals. The challenge is, the rule and regulations keep changing the religion or culture. For example, a non-Muslim man is required to convert to Islam to marry a Muslim lady. UAE is a Muslim nation, and, if you are a non-Muslim who is an expatriate, you may have to plan your marriage in a church, or at your respective embassy. To marry a non-national, they are many restrictions, and you are required to submit many certificates including UAE medical fitness certificate. This all makes the process of mixed marriages a challenge in the context of the Emirates. Although it is allowed, it becomes more burdensome with a lot of processes.
Karis and Kallian (2013) investigate how interracial marriages have changed over time. The research work discusses the changes that have happened ranging from the cultural diversity, globalization, and changes on hard religious stands. The book has 12 chapters that talks about how interracial marriages survive, or some do not, it has also highlighted both the struggles and success of the couples.
Huff post (2017) addressing the issue of mixed marriages from an article of an Emirati commentator on Arab affairs concluded that they bring strength after strength to the UAE. According to him, a substantial number of talented Emiratis have been born to mixed marriages. Although it is argued that half Emiratis have mixed localities, huff post (2007) says that there are many half Emiratis who are very loyal to UAE and goes on to say that the UAE government is richer because of these particular individuals. And for the Emiratis born to foreigners, he says it would be unfair to question their loyalty.
James (2017) investigates the take of Sharia law on interracial marriages. Under this article, he stresses that an important consideration in mixed marriages is the impact on children and also the parties' rights in respect of children during the marriage and the event of a breakdown in the relationship. According to James (2017), in the event of a divorce under the sharia law and it entails a mixed marriage, the mother is usually the custodian of a child and is responsible for keeping, bringing up and taking care of the child. Following separation, if the child is to remain with the mother, she must not marry another man without the father's express consent to her retaining custody of the children if she does remarry. He goes on to say that under Sharia Law, the father is always th...