We are young digital natives reaching out across seemingly impenetrable national, social, political, ethnic, and sectarian barriers, employing the freedom created by media platforms to demand and create our own civil discourse.

Podcast: Interview with Mira about culture, materialistic globalization, technology and life in the UAE

October 17th, 2008Esra'a (Bahrain)

When we conducted our previous podcast, where several American high students asked us questions in order to learn more about the Middle East for their Global Studies class, some students didn’t have a chance to ask their questions. So I’m now giving others the opportunity to answer these questions as a continuation of that series.

Even though these these podcasts are directed towards these students, they are in fact for everybody, and will probably be of interest to people who actually live here too.

On Today’s show is Mira Al Hussain from the UAE, who is also an author here.

This podcast includes:

  • How technology has influenced people’s lives in the UAE.
  • Materialism and globalization within the country.
  • The environment, and whether it’s of any importance to the government or locals.
  • UAE life and society in general; what it’s like to live there.

    • I had so much fun with Mira creating this podcast because it’s the first time I feature anyone from the UAE. It’s super interesting and I encourage anyone who is remotely interested in the Gulf to listen to it at our podcasting site.

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE.

    Retweet Share on Facebook Environment, Interviews, Podcasts, Society, UAE
    Report this post Print Trackback Follow RSS

    3 Responses to “Podcast: Interview with Mira about culture, materialistic globalization, technology and life in the UAE”

    1. #1 Simon Columbus - October 17th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

      Thank you, Esra’a and Mira, for sharing your views on some really important topics with us. It’s really been a pleasure to listen to you! Like this very much.

      I got to say that social conservatives really worry about the same topics in Dubai as they do right here in my neighborhood. I found it very interesting to hear about this problems in combining modern technology and traditions. In Germany, the leaders of the state of Bavaria used to call this “Laptops and Lederhosen” (traditional Bavarian men’s clothing, really something nobody would wear in daily life). You should arrange a competition for the best Arab equivalent of this! (Eid and iPod? Burqa and BMW?)

      Also I was very interested in hearing your thoughts about the position of arts, culture and journalism in the Middle East and how it is an effect of the consumerist society. This is something I think you maybe should do a whole podcast about, maybe also with some artists from the region.
      Something what came to my mind listening to your discussion was that maybe the Arab societies really lack a place for Bohemians. Especially in the Gulf states it doesn’t seem as if there was a place for independent artist. What you said about your problems to fund MEY, Esra’a is part of this problem, isn’t it?

      And Esra’a, can’t you please come to a conference near my home? Not only because I need to meet you, but also because I want to see you in some debates. Really, I enjoyed this podcast very much :)

    2. #2 Esra'a (Bahrain) - October 19th, 2008 at 2:57 am

      Especially in the Gulf states it doesn’t seem as if there was a place for independent artist. What you said about your problems to fund MEY, Esra’a is part of this problem, isn’t it?

      Yes that’s exactly it. It’s quite unfortunate because this region in particular has a lot to spare, but it’s being wasted by the billions… in this region it’s more important to compete for who has the biggest mall than who has the best and most constructive idea. Social and intellectual entrepreneurship is not encouraged or empowered.

      And Esra’a, can’t you please come to a conference near my home?

      I’d love to go everywhere, unfortunately my financial situation doesn’t allow it.

      I get so much criticism each day that I am a graduated student who has yet to get a job despite financial needs, even though I’ve had plenty of offers. Generally all of them were horrid jobs that contribute nothing of worth to society, and frankly I’d rather starve and be homeless while practicing my biggest passion than be wealthy by doing something useless and depressing. Either way I wish I didn’t have to choose between these two, but my society with its lack of appreciation, resources and recognition forces me to.

      One day, soon, this will be different. I hope MEY will be an example of that.

    3. #3 Simon Columbus - October 20th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

      frankly I’d rather starve and be homeless while practicing my biggest passion than be wealthy by doing something useless and depressing.

      That’s exactly why I want to meet you. Passion. I’ll really have to see how I can manage to bring you here.

    Feel free to take part in our discussions and debates. Please be respectful and aware that what you say is only your opinion and may not agree with other points of views. Absolutely no hate speech or defamation will be tolerated. Be smart and comment smart. Read our comment policy to find out how not to annoy us.