A testimony I've taken I'd like to share
of a belief within of a great affair
of a day for which we should all prepare
when deeds shall be weighed on a scale so fair
when the trumpet shall be blown and we reappear
anticipating judgement at the skies we stare
The day our ablution will make us glare
The day high mountains like cotton will flair
alone... each on his own,, that day will bear
glad tidings and peace for those who care
those Who single Him out in worship sincere
To take partners with Him they do not dare
Obedience and respect their parents hear
In every good deed they want to have a share
Fornication and adultery they do not near
portions of their wealth for orphans volunteer
O Allah my Lord you are I proudly declare
the creator of the heavens and earth without wear
no rest did you take nor problems bare
The Bestower of bounties The Manifest The Near
The Creator of Adam from clay austere
The Lord of Noah and his arc which you did steer
The Lord of David and Solomon the extraordinaire
The Lord of Lot and Jonah who was punished severe
The Lord of Abraham who told his people to beware
the idols they worshipped brought no joy or despair
The Lord of Isaac and Ishmael who you did spare
The Lord of Joseph the handsome who was judged unfair
The Lord of Moses and Aaron the magnificent pair
The Lord of Jesus the son of the virgin, I swear
The Lord of Muhammad the honest and trustworthy heir
of the message preceded by thy prophets here
The Most Merciful to whom no other can compare
The All Hearing All Seeing who does not err
In You I believe and in your path I ware
Your assistance I seek in every situation and every lair
Your mercy your guidance: salvation here and there
I testify O Protector i'm aware i'm aware
O Most High O Enricher O Expediter O Delayer
Protect me O Allah from the evil of Satan's snare
Save me from the torment of hellfire's flare
and grant me heavens and trees that fruits they bear
To Muhammad thy prophet I send my peace and my prayer
Praise to you alone O Majestic King O Source of all care
-Mohammed Kazim
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Corporations in Muslim countries have religious duty
by: Mohammed Kazim
The holy month of Ramadan is characterised by the beautiful sound of prayer echoing from the tops of minarets, religious lectures hosted around the clock, and sincere generosity shown by so many people. The most anxiously awaited month in the year, it brings with it humility, charity and the tradition of honouring one’s family.
Muslims believe this ninth month of the Islamic calendar was specifically chosen by Allah to reveal to His Prophet Mohammed the verses of the Holy Quran. It is the month when Muslims believe the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are locked. However, what makes this month most unique in terms of daily life is the act of fasting. In this month, Muslims around the world refrain from food, drink, misconduct, and other worldly desires from sunrise to sunset in pursuit of attaining piety.
Individuals in the Muslim world are responsible for achieving the a state of piety, but corporations should be too. Although strict regulations have been introduced to govern corporate behaviour, we still witness ethical abuses by corporate executives and a decided lack of will on the part of regulators to rectify those abuses.
In order to build a trusted and socially responsible brand – and attain this “state of piety” – it is imperative that corporations use the holy month as a tool to evaluate themselves and to ensure that justice, diligence, respect and accountability are key elements of their operations.
Fusing these values with the corporate culture of business entities in the region would eliminate many widespread problems that have been subject to public scrutiny over the past few years. Some of these problems include delays in paying labourers their wages, medical malpractice due to negligence, and embarrassing standards of customer service.
First, corporations in the Muslim world should ensure that justice is the basis for their interactions with customers, suppliers, and employees. This entails abiding by contractual terms, consciously avoiding manipulative behaviour, and ensuring the quality of products and services.
The numerous complaints received by the Ministry of Labour about the mistreatment of labourers – including unpaid wages and harsh living conditions – are just one example of the lack of justice as a fundamental corporate principle.
Second, professions that offer services that are based on trust and affect the physical or financial well-being of their clients (such as doctors, brokers and engineers) are responsible for the appropriate level of due diligence. There should be no doubt of negligence or fault in these professions.
Multiple accounts of medical malpractice and unjustifiable consultant recommendations have occurred over the past few years due to carelessness or a lack of caution. In some cases, these errors led to death, permanent disability or bankruptcy.
Third, corporations should ensure that respect and accountability are characteristics demonstrated by all staff members. This element is especially crucial because it is the basis for social interaction. Respect and accountability as core corporate values ensure that tasks are completed accurately and promptly and that customers are treated properly.
In some cases, this will require paying higher salaries or providing special training, but the benefits are worth the expense. There have been many incidents where otherwise reputable business have mistreated their customers simply because of insufficient training.
Devout Muslims around the world spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan in prayer and worship, asking Allah to bestow upon them a state of piety to achieve the purpose of fasting for the entire month. There is no reason that this standard should not apply to people’s professional lives as well.
Ramadan has been an excellent time for corporations and individuals to review their values and ensure that they are characterised by justice, diligence, respect and accountability. As mosques recite the words “Allahu Akbar” glorifying the Creator’s greatness to mark the arrival of Eid, the question we’re left with is: have we attained piety?
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National
The holy month of Ramadan is characterised by the beautiful sound of prayer echoing from the tops of minarets, religious lectures hosted around the clock, and sincere generosity shown by so many people. The most anxiously awaited month in the year, it brings with it humility, charity and the tradition of honouring one’s family.
Muslims believe this ninth month of the Islamic calendar was specifically chosen by Allah to reveal to His Prophet Mohammed the verses of the Holy Quran. It is the month when Muslims believe the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are locked. However, what makes this month most unique in terms of daily life is the act of fasting. In this month, Muslims around the world refrain from food, drink, misconduct, and other worldly desires from sunrise to sunset in pursuit of attaining piety.
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil) (or attain piety)
The Holy Quran [2:183]
Individuals in the Muslim world are responsible for achieving the a state of piety, but corporations should be too. Although strict regulations have been introduced to govern corporate behaviour, we still witness ethical abuses by corporate executives and a decided lack of will on the part of regulators to rectify those abuses.
In order to build a trusted and socially responsible brand – and attain this “state of piety” – it is imperative that corporations use the holy month as a tool to evaluate themselves and to ensure that justice, diligence, respect and accountability are key elements of their operations.
Fusing these values with the corporate culture of business entities in the region would eliminate many widespread problems that have been subject to public scrutiny over the past few years. Some of these problems include delays in paying labourers their wages, medical malpractice due to negligence, and embarrassing standards of customer service.
First, corporations in the Muslim world should ensure that justice is the basis for their interactions with customers, suppliers, and employees. This entails abiding by contractual terms, consciously avoiding manipulative behaviour, and ensuring the quality of products and services.
The numerous complaints received by the Ministry of Labour about the mistreatment of labourers – including unpaid wages and harsh living conditions – are just one example of the lack of justice as a fundamental corporate principle.
Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
The Holy Quran [5:8]
Second, professions that offer services that are based on trust and affect the physical or financial well-being of their clients (such as doctors, brokers and engineers) are responsible for the appropriate level of due diligence. There should be no doubt of negligence or fault in these professions.
Multiple accounts of medical malpractice and unjustifiable consultant recommendations have occurred over the past few years due to carelessness or a lack of caution. In some cases, these errors led to death, permanent disability or bankruptcy.
Soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers: Soon will ye be brought back to the knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye did.
The Holy Quran [9:105]
Third, corporations should ensure that respect and accountability are characteristics demonstrated by all staff members. This element is especially crucial because it is the basis for social interaction. Respect and accountability as core corporate values ensure that tasks are completed accurately and promptly and that customers are treated properly.
In some cases, this will require paying higher salaries or providing special training, but the benefits are worth the expense. There have been many incidents where otherwise reputable business have mistreated their customers simply because of insufficient training.
Fear Allah (or be pious) wherever you are. Follow up a bad deed with a good deed (rectify) and it will blot it out. And deal with people in a good manner (with respect)
The Prophet Mohammed [Sunan al-Tirmidhî]
Devout Muslims around the world spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan in prayer and worship, asking Allah to bestow upon them a state of piety to achieve the purpose of fasting for the entire month. There is no reason that this standard should not apply to people’s professional lives as well.
Ramadan has been an excellent time for corporations and individuals to review their values and ensure that they are characterised by justice, diligence, respect and accountability. As mosques recite the words “Allahu Akbar” glorifying the Creator’s greatness to mark the arrival of Eid, the question we’re left with is: have we attained piety?
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National
Three Steps to Restore the Arabic Tradition of Thought
by: Mohammed Kazim
After attending the Friday sermon last week at the neighbourhood mosque, I felt as though I had been detached from the world. I could not stop thinking about the points highlighted by the imam. “Proactive thought,” he said again and again through the course of the sermon. It made me realise that a lot of our actions in society are performed as a matter of habit rather than with attention to their significance.
The process of thought and reflection, along with educated reasoning before performing an action or formulating an opinion, is not only something our culture has boasted about for many centuries, but also an important point emphasised in Islam. However, in recent times, with busy lifestyles and demanding jobs coupled with the easy availability of the necessities of life, this process of thought has begun to disappear from our society.
Many people today are constantly running away from thought and reflection by keeping themselves busy with work or indulging in some kind of entertainment or hobby. As a result, many follow trends blindly and form beliefs based on popular consensus rather than a calculated thought process. This gives birth to a form of ignorance which is detrimental to a society’s intellectual development and parasitic to our intelligent and rich culture.
The lack of conscious decision making and opinion formulation in our society has led to irresponsibility and disastrous outcomes such as domestic abuse, adultery, personal bankruptcy and corporate embezzlement. In addition, it has also contributed towards the lack of credibility of and trust in professionals and individuals across the region.
In order to revive a diligent thought process, it is crucial that individuals understand its roots in the culture and value for civilisation. I believe this revival can be achieved by following three steps, which I believe are supported by Quranic verses.
The first step towards educated reasoning is attaining knowledge. Knowledge forms the basis for thought and is a foundation upon which opinions can be built. It is the key to understanding and participating in a thought process. Knowledge also confers instant credibility when used appropriately.
The importance of education was further emphasised in Islam by putting education before all matters and placing it in the first words of the Quran that were revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The next step towards reviving an intelligent thought process is to understand its significance. Why this is important can be seen from an Islamic and cultural perspective. In Islam, thinkers and scholars are exalted and described as the ones who truly fear Allah (Quran 35:28). Islam has also repeatedly praised those who think and contemplate the wonders of Allah’s creation of the heavens and the Earth and has described them as men of understanding and their reward as gardens of paradise under which rivers flow (Quran 3:191-195).
The extensive amount of praise and reward for reasoning and contemplation is actually directed toward the end result of this thought process, which is a conscious testimony that has earned the Islamic nation superlative praises (Quran 3:110).
Although Islam had a significant role in encouraging thought and contemplation, Arabs were also known for their determination, which resulted from a form of conscious reasoning. Their love for poetry and the perfection of the Arabic language was to some extent sparked by their will to communicate these beliefs accurately. This led to the establishment of devout morals and manners driven by conscious efforts which earned Arabs respect and credibility.
Finally, the third step towards reviving thought and contemplation is communication. Thoughts and ideas should be shared between people of different backgrounds, dialogue should be facilitated and communication should be promoted. This exchange of ideas allows for more understanding of the big picture and the ability to perceive others’ perspectives.
The exchange of thoughts and ideas also causes a firmer understanding of what may be an initial framework for a belief. This concept is beautifully summarised in this excerpt from the Quran:
Initially, I had wished these three steps were laid out to me by the preacher on Friday instead of the passion-filled sermon that had no basis for verification. But as I thought more about it, I was grateful that I had the opportunity to research and formulate an opinion of my own.
A friend once told me: “Sometimes I take time off to think and I go for a walk.” It’s about time we also added more value and credibility to our decisions and opinions even if it means we need to take time out to take a walk, metaphorically or otherwise.
Let’s attain the appropriate knowledge, understand the significance of thought and be able to communicate with others. Let’s think.
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National
After attending the Friday sermon last week at the neighbourhood mosque, I felt as though I had been detached from the world. I could not stop thinking about the points highlighted by the imam. “Proactive thought,” he said again and again through the course of the sermon. It made me realise that a lot of our actions in society are performed as a matter of habit rather than with attention to their significance.
The process of thought and reflection, along with educated reasoning before performing an action or formulating an opinion, is not only something our culture has boasted about for many centuries, but also an important point emphasised in Islam. However, in recent times, with busy lifestyles and demanding jobs coupled with the easy availability of the necessities of life, this process of thought has begun to disappear from our society.
Many people today are constantly running away from thought and reflection by keeping themselves busy with work or indulging in some kind of entertainment or hobby. As a result, many follow trends blindly and form beliefs based on popular consensus rather than a calculated thought process. This gives birth to a form of ignorance which is detrimental to a society’s intellectual development and parasitic to our intelligent and rich culture.
The lack of conscious decision making and opinion formulation in our society has led to irresponsibility and disastrous outcomes such as domestic abuse, adultery, personal bankruptcy and corporate embezzlement. In addition, it has also contributed towards the lack of credibility of and trust in professionals and individuals across the region.
In order to revive a diligent thought process, it is crucial that individuals understand its roots in the culture and value for civilisation. I believe this revival can be achieved by following three steps, which I believe are supported by Quranic verses.
The first step towards educated reasoning is attaining knowledge. Knowledge forms the basis for thought and is a foundation upon which opinions can be built. It is the key to understanding and participating in a thought process. Knowledge also confers instant credibility when used appropriately.
Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?
Quran 39:9
The importance of education was further emphasised in Islam by putting education before all matters and placing it in the first words of the Quran that were revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Read! in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher …. He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not
Quran 96:1-5
The next step towards reviving an intelligent thought process is to understand its significance. Why this is important can be seen from an Islamic and cultural perspective. In Islam, thinkers and scholars are exalted and described as the ones who truly fear Allah (Quran 35:28). Islam has also repeatedly praised those who think and contemplate the wonders of Allah’s creation of the heavens and the Earth and has described them as men of understanding and their reward as gardens of paradise under which rivers flow (Quran 3:191-195).
The extensive amount of praise and reward for reasoning and contemplation is actually directed toward the end result of this thought process, which is a conscious testimony that has earned the Islamic nation superlative praises (Quran 3:110).
Although Islam had a significant role in encouraging thought and contemplation, Arabs were also known for their determination, which resulted from a form of conscious reasoning. Their love for poetry and the perfection of the Arabic language was to some extent sparked by their will to communicate these beliefs accurately. This led to the establishment of devout morals and manners driven by conscious efforts which earned Arabs respect and credibility.
Finally, the third step towards reviving thought and contemplation is communication. Thoughts and ideas should be shared between people of different backgrounds, dialogue should be facilitated and communication should be promoted. This exchange of ideas allows for more understanding of the big picture and the ability to perceive others’ perspectives.
The exchange of thoughts and ideas also causes a firmer understanding of what may be an initial framework for a belief. This concept is beautifully summarised in this excerpt from the Quran:
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair of) a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other
Quran 49:13
Initially, I had wished these three steps were laid out to me by the preacher on Friday instead of the passion-filled sermon that had no basis for verification. But as I thought more about it, I was grateful that I had the opportunity to research and formulate an opinion of my own.
A friend once told me: “Sometimes I take time off to think and I go for a walk.” It’s about time we also added more value and credibility to our decisions and opinions even if it means we need to take time out to take a walk, metaphorically or otherwise.
Let’s attain the appropriate knowledge, understand the significance of thought and be able to communicate with others. Let’s think.
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National
Glorious Obsession
Glorious Obsession
by: Mohammed Kazim
Thought contemplation reflection perpetual
a collision of emotions my mind's attire
rumination a desire for a special individual
no description in words for how i admire
her composition the progression of love gradual
her presence.. my body and my soul require
smiles sighs erruption of emotions consensual
yearning..craving.. a fusion of our flaming fire
intangible yet so splendid this obsession mutual
the jealous and heinous to undo this conspire
do they know not that we're beyond that sequel?!
efforts so useless to them my advice is retire
dedicated envy to part loved ones habitual??
cowardly and sly yet unshaken we stand higher
a passion.. a longing.. a yen for her effectual
these feelings I will yell from every tower & every spire
to make known to them that this bond is continual
that no dent can they make in our forted empire
Allah's protection I beg from evil so luctual
His justice I await on a day for them so dire
impatient ardent athirst for sanctuary spiritual
an existence incomplete until in my arms i acquire
my angel my peace my shelter my haven my ritual
my glorious obsession who makes my life entire
by: Mohammed Kazim
Thought contemplation reflection perpetual
a collision of emotions my mind's attire
rumination a desire for a special individual
no description in words for how i admire
her composition the progression of love gradual
her presence.. my body and my soul require
smiles sighs erruption of emotions consensual
yearning..craving.. a fusion of our flaming fire
intangible yet so splendid this obsession mutual
the jealous and heinous to undo this conspire
do they know not that we're beyond that sequel?!
efforts so useless to them my advice is retire
dedicated envy to part loved ones habitual??
cowardly and sly yet unshaken we stand higher
a passion.. a longing.. a yen for her effectual
these feelings I will yell from every tower & every spire
to make known to them that this bond is continual
that no dent can they make in our forted empire
Allah's protection I beg from evil so luctual
His justice I await on a day for them so dire
impatient ardent athirst for sanctuary spiritual
an existence incomplete until in my arms i acquire
my angel my peace my shelter my haven my ritual
my glorious obsession who makes my life entire
My Country .... My People
This poem was written in 2005 for the National Day. It was when HH Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE & Ruler of Abu Dhabi, announced the establishment of the Federal National Council
My Country .... My People
By: Mohammed Kazim
A pen i hold hoping to convey
accurately what lies in my heart if i may
the happiness and satisfaction i feel today
is a result of your wide generosity ray
unlimitted is the affection that you portray
spread out for all like a magnificent buffet
For your path oh Emirates I strive each day
hoping to benefit you always without delay
I wish i could express my feelings of dismay
for those who mask you with a false display
34 years have you nurtured us without sway
YET they live their desires and continuously stray
Oh my people let's not our Lord betray
let's remember the Provider of this wonderful bouquet
let's use free time wisely to repay
Allah's amazing bounties which he can decay
people before us He has punished blazing away
their wealth, their families, now nothing do they weigh
let's renew our faiths and Allah obey
and resist satan and all things astray
Let's stand in fear, lines in an array
in front of Allah, the Most Gracious, and pray
5 times without fail prostrating everyday
eyes with tears of joy we obey we obey
let's unite in purpose and each other survey
correcting our faults as we progress on our way
our deeds will not go forgetten as we return to clay
He promised us gardens under which rivers lay
Oh Khalifa like a father you spoke to us this holiday
your words arose a feeling of loyalty in an elaborate way
May the changes you propose benefit us tomorrow and today
I'm certain Blessed Zayed would be proud of you as we are day by day
I pray to Allah your obstacle path to defray
through which i hope you will comfortably sleigh
Thank you Zayed for constructing the legacy relayed
following it we hope to benefit humanity the same way
A pen i put down hoping to have a matter conveyed
i hope my words were not merely a cliche
My Country .... My People
By: Mohammed Kazim
A pen i hold hoping to convey
accurately what lies in my heart if i may
the happiness and satisfaction i feel today
is a result of your wide generosity ray
unlimitted is the affection that you portray
spread out for all like a magnificent buffet
For your path oh Emirates I strive each day
hoping to benefit you always without delay
I wish i could express my feelings of dismay
for those who mask you with a false display
34 years have you nurtured us without sway
YET they live their desires and continuously stray
Oh my people let's not our Lord betray
let's remember the Provider of this wonderful bouquet
let's use free time wisely to repay
Allah's amazing bounties which he can decay
people before us He has punished blazing away
their wealth, their families, now nothing do they weigh
let's renew our faiths and Allah obey
and resist satan and all things astray
Let's stand in fear, lines in an array
in front of Allah, the Most Gracious, and pray
5 times without fail prostrating everyday
eyes with tears of joy we obey we obey
let's unite in purpose and each other survey
correcting our faults as we progress on our way
our deeds will not go forgetten as we return to clay
He promised us gardens under which rivers lay
Oh Khalifa like a father you spoke to us this holiday
your words arose a feeling of loyalty in an elaborate way
May the changes you propose benefit us tomorrow and today
I'm certain Blessed Zayed would be proud of you as we are day by day
I pray to Allah your obstacle path to defray
through which i hope you will comfortably sleigh
Thank you Zayed for constructing the legacy relayed
following it we hope to benefit humanity the same way
A pen i put down hoping to have a matter conveyed
i hope my words were not merely a cliche
How young Emiratis can put us all on the fast track
By: Mohammed Kazim
We all know the stereotype: the average Emirati cannot work and lacks motivation. But let’s examine the bigger picture.
Since the formation of the UAE, the federal Government has protected Emiratis by giving them priority for jobs in both the public and private sectors. The Emiratisation programme requires companies to hire and train a quota of UAE nationals.
The programme might be considered essential for a young country in which its own nationals are a minority, and often lack the experience or knowledge to perform certain tasks; but it has led to inefficiency, to young Emiratis being in the wrong jobs, and to an induced over-reliance on the system. This manifests itself in some Emiratis as either laziness, or a lack of passion or drive for what they do.
As I see it, there are three main issues here. The first is the socio-economic background of many young Emirati professionals who join the corporate world seeking self-development, and because they want to contribute to the nation-building process. They are not driven to work by necessity, and need incentives other than money; that is already available to them.
The second issue is the absence of a respect-driven disciplinary system that would hold UAE nationals accountable to deadlines and professional standards, while taking into account cultural perceptions.
The third issue is the lack of trust in Emirati employees – a perception within some elements of the expatriate community, based on a few bad experiences they may have had, that Emiratis are not diligent. This lack of trust from mentors and colleagues further alienates Emirati employees and destroys their motivation to excel.
Expatriates interact most frequently with young, educated Emiratis, often new graduates and the first in their families to hold degrees.
We all need mentors in the early stages of our professional development. The key ingredients that define our early self-confidence are the trust our mentors have in us and the tools we are provided with. We feel we cannot betray that trust, so we strive to deliver using those tools.
The developmental psychologist Erik Erikson described this "trust versus mistrust" phenomenon as the first stage of a human being’s social development from infancy to adulthood. Similarly, a fresh graduate or a young employee can be compared to an infant in the corporate world.
To optimise Emirati potential and enhance teamwork, managers – both national and expatriate – need to learn how to revive that desire in Emiratis to contribute to the nation-building process. That desire, along with respectful disciplinary measures, trust in Emiratis’ competence, and a little mentoring, would yield fascinating results.
Which brings me to this month’s Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi – an event with a genuinely global profile that brought an influx of visitors to the UAE.
Forget for a moment the visually stunning Yas Marina circuit, the infrastructure that supports it, and the world-class development going on around it. For me, the truly impressive part was what was happening in the grandstands, full of motor-racing enthusiasts and others there just to have a good time.
Amid the sea of red Ferrari caps bearing the logo “Mubadala – Abu Dhabi” were a large number of young Emirati men and women in national dress. Their job was to help the crowds and to educate them about the event, and about the UAE in general. Representing their country, the level of service and hospitality these volunteers demonstrated surpassed all expectations.
I had a conversation with one of them, a young Emirati professional called Safeya, who works for one of the event sponsors and had joined up with Takatof, the flagship social volunteering programme of the Emirates Foundation. When I asked her what had persuaded her to do this, she told me: “All it took was a little trust and the desire to contribute to my country.”
Seeing Safeya, elegantly dressed in her abaya and volunteer ribbon, waving the UAE flag with pride as guests left the grandstands, made me realise the passion that Emiratis have to offer. If this passion is channelled correctly, we can enhance teamwork and build a nation with quality and dedication.
The question is: are you ready to leave your comfort zone, abandon the stereotype, and trust us?
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati healthcare analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National Copy (Original)
Al Arabiya Copy
We all know the stereotype: the average Emirati cannot work and lacks motivation. But let’s examine the bigger picture.
Since the formation of the UAE, the federal Government has protected Emiratis by giving them priority for jobs in both the public and private sectors. The Emiratisation programme requires companies to hire and train a quota of UAE nationals.
The programme might be considered essential for a young country in which its own nationals are a minority, and often lack the experience or knowledge to perform certain tasks; but it has led to inefficiency, to young Emiratis being in the wrong jobs, and to an induced over-reliance on the system. This manifests itself in some Emiratis as either laziness, or a lack of passion or drive for what they do.
As I see it, there are three main issues here. The first is the socio-economic background of many young Emirati professionals who join the corporate world seeking self-development, and because they want to contribute to the nation-building process. They are not driven to work by necessity, and need incentives other than money; that is already available to them.
The second issue is the absence of a respect-driven disciplinary system that would hold UAE nationals accountable to deadlines and professional standards, while taking into account cultural perceptions.
The third issue is the lack of trust in Emirati employees – a perception within some elements of the expatriate community, based on a few bad experiences they may have had, that Emiratis are not diligent. This lack of trust from mentors and colleagues further alienates Emirati employees and destroys their motivation to excel.
Expatriates interact most frequently with young, educated Emiratis, often new graduates and the first in their families to hold degrees.
We all need mentors in the early stages of our professional development. The key ingredients that define our early self-confidence are the trust our mentors have in us and the tools we are provided with. We feel we cannot betray that trust, so we strive to deliver using those tools.
The developmental psychologist Erik Erikson described this "trust versus mistrust" phenomenon as the first stage of a human being’s social development from infancy to adulthood. Similarly, a fresh graduate or a young employee can be compared to an infant in the corporate world.
To optimise Emirati potential and enhance teamwork, managers – both national and expatriate – need to learn how to revive that desire in Emiratis to contribute to the nation-building process. That desire, along with respectful disciplinary measures, trust in Emiratis’ competence, and a little mentoring, would yield fascinating results.
Which brings me to this month’s Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi – an event with a genuinely global profile that brought an influx of visitors to the UAE.
Forget for a moment the visually stunning Yas Marina circuit, the infrastructure that supports it, and the world-class development going on around it. For me, the truly impressive part was what was happening in the grandstands, full of motor-racing enthusiasts and others there just to have a good time.
Amid the sea of red Ferrari caps bearing the logo “Mubadala – Abu Dhabi” were a large number of young Emirati men and women in national dress. Their job was to help the crowds and to educate them about the event, and about the UAE in general. Representing their country, the level of service and hospitality these volunteers demonstrated surpassed all expectations.
I had a conversation with one of them, a young Emirati professional called Safeya, who works for one of the event sponsors and had joined up with Takatof, the flagship social volunteering programme of the Emirates Foundation. When I asked her what had persuaded her to do this, she told me: “All it took was a little trust and the desire to contribute to my country.”
Seeing Safeya, elegantly dressed in her abaya and volunteer ribbon, waving the UAE flag with pride as guests left the grandstands, made me realise the passion that Emiratis have to offer. If this passion is channelled correctly, we can enhance teamwork and build a nation with quality and dedication.
The question is: are you ready to leave your comfort zone, abandon the stereotype, and trust us?
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati healthcare analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National Copy (Original)
Al Arabiya Copy
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bridge the gulf between peoples of the Gulf
by: Mohammed Kazim
Driving down Sheikh Zayed Road, I could not help but notice a new flag adorning the streetlights alongside that of the UAE: the flag of Bahrain. It was there to honour the marriage of the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to the son of the King of Bahrain.
Such relationships between GCC member states are not a new phenomenon, and can be traced back to a time before formal boundaries were known in the region. In fact, the intermingling of fellow “Khaleejis” occurred at many levels and for a plethora of reasons which range from maintaining peace and political stability to improving trade relationships and distribution networks.
Forms of collaboration between the inhabitants of the Arabian Gulf involved business partnerships and joint ventures, political treaties, loans and credit purchases, as well as marriages. Keep in mind that all this happened at a time when travel wasn’t as simple and convenient as it is today, and communication not as developed.
However, Khaleejis would still manage to congregate during travel for business, pilgrimage and education. For example, Khaleeji merchants who operated in India would frequently meet in Mumbai and Khaleeji students in Iraq or Egypt would spend time together. This level of collaboration was integral to the success of many prominent business families and for the development of society.
As these businesses and political powers were passed down to newer generations and borders began to play a more important role, the maintenance of these interstate relationships slowly faded. More regulation was introduced and the movement of labour and resources was to some extent restricted.
Then the discovery of oil created an entirely new lifestyle and introduced enormous wealth to the region. Every country was deeply focused on developing itself and businesses started benefiting from agency laws that restricted “foreign” institutions to using local distributors and sharing profits with them.
Despite its many advantages, this system also introduced another setback for Khaleeji integration. With these indirect barriers and the sudden emergence of wealth, new mentalities also evolved. With businesses and social activities focused locally, integration gradually ceased to be the norm. Intermarriages, in many cases, were frowned upon, and inter-GCC business partnerships became anomalies.
More recently, the need to diversify economically and to reinvest Khaleeji oil wealth in the region became paramount. At this point, most of the GCC countries had focused on developing the institutions required for economic activity, such as infrastructure needs, regulation and foreign direct investment. Prominent political and business figures, through the GCC, pushed for more flexibility and free movement of resources across boundaries in the region.
Consequently, business entities that had initially operated in only one country found ways to expand into neighboring GCC states. Today this can be witnessed in many industries, from Emaar Properties building cities in Saudi Arabia to the Al Futtaim group operating malls in Bahrain.
Although we have begun to see a revival of this Khaleeji integration recently, there has clearly been a shift in how it is perceived: witness my surprise at the Bahraini flag on the streetlights. Suddenly, the family not living on my street or the person from another tribe is considered “foreign”. Khaleejis have begun to forget the essence of what historically led to business success and made trust, loyalty and humility intrinsic elements of their personalities.
As I write this in Riyadh, sitting at a table with Saudis and Qataris, I look around to note with surprise that we are the only “integrated” table. As did our grandfathers, we have also met in pursuit of education in a foreign country. However, I think to myself, why are we not bonding in the way that previous generations did?
To maintain the integrity of the region and improve trade and business networks, it is incumbent upon every Khaleeji citizen to actively encourage and support integration and to fight this new perception of unfamiliarity. Although we have seen Emirati initiatives, Kuwaiti initiatives, Saudi initiatives and so on, we have yet to see true Khaleeji initiatives (which were very apparent with early merchants in the region). The recent recovery in GCC business collaboration is evident, and it should be further encouraged.
The time has come for every Khaleeji to rekindle the relationships with their brethren and collaborate in every aspect of life. The GCC today is ideally set up to allow for this integration. Only when every young entrepreneur thinks on a Khaleeji scale, every Khaleeji parent supports his or her son or daughter to be part of other Khaleeji families if they choose so, and every Khaleeji country facilitates this integration, will we be able to relive what our grandfathers had and more.
Only then will we benefit from the unlimited doors that will be opened through improved networks and integrated mentalities. That’s when every Khaleeji flag will be seen as a norm on our streetlights and greeted with pride rather than surprise. Let’s mingle, let’s unite, and let’s take that Khaleeji initiative.
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National Copy
Driving down Sheikh Zayed Road, I could not help but notice a new flag adorning the streetlights alongside that of the UAE: the flag of Bahrain. It was there to honour the marriage of the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to the son of the King of Bahrain.
Such relationships between GCC member states are not a new phenomenon, and can be traced back to a time before formal boundaries were known in the region. In fact, the intermingling of fellow “Khaleejis” occurred at many levels and for a plethora of reasons which range from maintaining peace and political stability to improving trade relationships and distribution networks.
Forms of collaboration between the inhabitants of the Arabian Gulf involved business partnerships and joint ventures, political treaties, loans and credit purchases, as well as marriages. Keep in mind that all this happened at a time when travel wasn’t as simple and convenient as it is today, and communication not as developed.
However, Khaleejis would still manage to congregate during travel for business, pilgrimage and education. For example, Khaleeji merchants who operated in India would frequently meet in Mumbai and Khaleeji students in Iraq or Egypt would spend time together. This level of collaboration was integral to the success of many prominent business families and for the development of society.
As these businesses and political powers were passed down to newer generations and borders began to play a more important role, the maintenance of these interstate relationships slowly faded. More regulation was introduced and the movement of labour and resources was to some extent restricted.
Then the discovery of oil created an entirely new lifestyle and introduced enormous wealth to the region. Every country was deeply focused on developing itself and businesses started benefiting from agency laws that restricted “foreign” institutions to using local distributors and sharing profits with them.
Despite its many advantages, this system also introduced another setback for Khaleeji integration. With these indirect barriers and the sudden emergence of wealth, new mentalities also evolved. With businesses and social activities focused locally, integration gradually ceased to be the norm. Intermarriages, in many cases, were frowned upon, and inter-GCC business partnerships became anomalies.
More recently, the need to diversify economically and to reinvest Khaleeji oil wealth in the region became paramount. At this point, most of the GCC countries had focused on developing the institutions required for economic activity, such as infrastructure needs, regulation and foreign direct investment. Prominent political and business figures, through the GCC, pushed for more flexibility and free movement of resources across boundaries in the region.
Consequently, business entities that had initially operated in only one country found ways to expand into neighboring GCC states. Today this can be witnessed in many industries, from Emaar Properties building cities in Saudi Arabia to the Al Futtaim group operating malls in Bahrain.
Although we have begun to see a revival of this Khaleeji integration recently, there has clearly been a shift in how it is perceived: witness my surprise at the Bahraini flag on the streetlights. Suddenly, the family not living on my street or the person from another tribe is considered “foreign”. Khaleejis have begun to forget the essence of what historically led to business success and made trust, loyalty and humility intrinsic elements of their personalities.
As I write this in Riyadh, sitting at a table with Saudis and Qataris, I look around to note with surprise that we are the only “integrated” table. As did our grandfathers, we have also met in pursuit of education in a foreign country. However, I think to myself, why are we not bonding in the way that previous generations did?
To maintain the integrity of the region and improve trade and business networks, it is incumbent upon every Khaleeji citizen to actively encourage and support integration and to fight this new perception of unfamiliarity. Although we have seen Emirati initiatives, Kuwaiti initiatives, Saudi initiatives and so on, we have yet to see true Khaleeji initiatives (which were very apparent with early merchants in the region). The recent recovery in GCC business collaboration is evident, and it should be further encouraged.
The time has come for every Khaleeji to rekindle the relationships with their brethren and collaborate in every aspect of life. The GCC today is ideally set up to allow for this integration. Only when every young entrepreneur thinks on a Khaleeji scale, every Khaleeji parent supports his or her son or daughter to be part of other Khaleeji families if they choose so, and every Khaleeji country facilitates this integration, will we be able to relive what our grandfathers had and more.
Only then will we benefit from the unlimited doors that will be opened through improved networks and integrated mentalities. That’s when every Khaleeji flag will be seen as a norm on our streetlights and greeted with pride rather than surprise. Let’s mingle, let’s unite, and let’s take that Khaleeji initiative.
Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi
The National Copy
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