Altarabichi 1

Noureddin Altarabichi

Ms. Oberdan

DRE 098

October 8, 2017

Cultural Differences Between Dubai and Charlotte

Researchers describe cultural relativism as the notion that an individuals beliefs,

practices, and values should be understood in the context of their place of origin, rather than

resorting to judging them against one another. In reality, it encourages the appreciation of

diversity and differences that exist viewed as strengths a weakness. Every locality boasts of its

own unique culture forged around persons inhabiting these areas and the shared history that they

may have. Dubai, for instance, is a city in UAE known mainly for its ultramodern architecture,

luxury shopping, and artificial offshore islands. Charlotte, on the other hand, is a major city in

North Carolina known for its rich history and post-Civil War Museums. Thus, may differences

exist in these two cultures, Dubai and Charlotte, particularly in religion, clothing and

relationship.

Islam is synonymous with the Emirates vibrant culture as the two are intricately

intertwined. Islam and the culture found in this region are interrelated as the Muslim population

actively follow the Quran as Gods word. Issues of daily living are all centered around the

religion as it provides strict guidelines on how individuals here should treat each other and

behave. Adherence to Islamic holidays such as the holy month of Ramadhan is common here

with the Islamic country marking it with prayer and fasting. On the flipside, the earliest settlers

to arrive in Charlotte were Christians intent on spreading their religion to all who were residents

of this enclave. It is from these first pioneers that the towns Christian majority traces its roots.
 Altarabichi 2

Presently, the Christian influence is seen in Christianity being the dominant religion in Charlotte.

It is also important that individuals enjoy freedoms related to religion in the United States and

the reason why religion plays a reduced role in how people run their lives. Thus there are clearly

difference in the religion of Dubai and charlotte.

Due to the influence of Islam in UAE, Dubai is quite conservative, and its residents are

subscribing to a strict code of conduct while charlotte doesnt have a strick code to follow.

Women are strictly expected to cover their heads with a hijab (headscarf) while in free and are

not supposed to be in public without the supervision of their husband or older male relative. All

this is as per the Quranic teachings the Arabs here hold dearly. Men are expected to behave in a

dignified manner and avoid esoteric practices such as dressing in elaborate jewelry. By so doing

they will be avoiding vanity and material wealth that may adversely affect their piety. Moreover,

the state only permits heterosexual marriages with cohabitation, sex before marriage, adultery

and ity homosexualcounting as grievous offenses.

As the opposite of Dubai, Charlotte embraces the freedom to determine one's course as its

guiding principles. Individuals can dress as they please and it is common to meet people donning

expensive jewelry. The city embraces a happy-go-lucky approach to life with people enjoying a

broad range of rights in leading their life of choice. The nightlife is alive in Charlotte with many

restaurants and discotheques working round the clock to see that all their needs are fulfilled met.

Additionally, there is an active Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender with same-sex

relationships common in the city. Same-sex marriages are also a common sight in the city as it

struggles to embrace its legalization in the State of North Carolina. Therefore, there are clearly

differnces in Marriages and relationships between Charlotte and Dubai.

 Altarabichi 3

According to Unity in Diversty No custom is good or bad, right or wrong in itself;

each one must be examined in light of the culture as a whole and evaluated in terms of how it

works in the context of the entire culture (Light and keller). Consequently, Dubai and Charlotte

are two cities with cultures that are worlds apart. It is these differences that elucidate the beauty

that is there in cultures around the world. These differences seek to strengthen the culture as

autonomous entities capable of standing on their own.

 Altarabichi 4

Works Cited page

Light, Donald and Suzanne Keller. "Unity in Diversity." Reading and Writing about Contemporary Issues.

Ed. Kathleen T. McWhorter. 9th ed. Vol. CPCC Custom Edition. New York: Pearson Education,

2014. 449-452. Print.