Gulf States Grapple with Growing Tensions Between Migrant and Local Communities

Migrants vs. Locals: A Growing Culture Clash in Gulf States In a region where expatriates outnumber locals, a simmering culture clash is brewing in the Gulf states. The tensions between migrants and locals have been escalating over the past few years, with recent developments highlighting the complexities of this issue. The controversy began to unfold two years ago when a Subway fast food restaurant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inadvertently sparked a national scandal with a job advertisement that called on Emiratis to work for Subway. The ad was placed by the Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group, a large Dubai-based company trying to comply with new UAE rules requiring companies with 50 staff or more to have at least 10 Emirati employees in their workforce by the end of 2026. "This is an insult to our people," said Dr. Ali Al-Ali, a prominent Emirati economist and social commentator. "We are not just looking for jobs; we want meaningful employment that reflects our skills and qualifications." The "Emiratization" rules aim to reduce dependence on foreign labor and promote the integration of nationals into the workforce. However, critics argue that these regulations often lead to tokenism, where companies hire locals in low-paying positions without providing them with opportunities for career growth. "This is a classic example of 'window dressing,'" said Dr. Sarah Al-Mansoori, a sociologist at the University of Dubai. "Companies are more concerned about meeting quotas than actually integrating nationals into their workforce." The controversy surrounding the Subway job advertisement highlights the deep-seated issues between migrants and locals in the Gulf states. With millions of expatriates living and working in these countries, there is a growing sense of resentment among locals who feel that they are being marginalized and excluded from opportunities. "The influx of foreign workers has created a culture of dependency," said Dr. Al-Ali. "Locals are struggling to find employment, while foreigners are taking over the workforce." The Gulf states have long relied on migrant labor to drive their economies, but this reliance has come at a cost. The region's demographics are changing rapidly, with locals making up only about 20% of the population in some countries. As tensions between migrants and locals continue to escalate, governments in the Gulf states are struggling to find solutions. In Saudi Arabia, for example, foreign companies will no longer be eligible for government contracts unless they have a local headquarters. "This is a step in the right direction," said Dr. Al-Mansoori. "However, it's just one part of a larger puzzle that needs to be addressed." The culture clash between migrants and locals in the Gulf states is complex and multifaceted. As governments continue to grapple with this issue, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to find solutions that balance the needs of both groups. Background: The "Emiratization" rules were introduced in 2022 as part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign labor and promote national integration. The UAE has one of the highest expatriate populations in the world, with foreigners making up about 85% of the workforce. The Gulf states have long relied on migrant labor to drive their economies, but this reliance has come at a cost. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Al-Ali believes that the government should focus on creating more opportunities for nationals, rather than just meeting quotas. Dr. Al-Mansoori suggests that companies need to do more to integrate locals into their workforce and provide them with career growth opportunities. Current Status and Next Developments: The Gulf states are continuing to grapple with the issue of migrant labor and national integration. Governments in the region are exploring new initiatives to promote national employment and reduce dependence on foreign workers. As tensions between migrants and locals continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether governments will be able to find solutions that balance the needs of both groups. *Reporting by Dw.*