Arab Spring: What now?
The Arab Spring is not over yet. Tahrir square is protesting again. Tunisia and Libya are both unsettled...
The buzzword in the Arab world nowadays is ‘change’. There has been a shift from criticising the Israel-Palestinian issue to protesting against internal state hegemony.
The Arab Spring is not over yet. Tahrir square is protesting again. Tunisia and Libya are both unsettled and there are ever more crackdowns across Syria. King Hamad of Bahrain will be addressing his nation today. And, women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have taken to the wheels.
Historically, this change, among others, was due. Socio-economic development in the region and the unjust polarisation of economic wealth across the spectrum, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, had made this change inevitable. And, as the boat rocked, the once sleepy waters stirred some monarchies and civil societies towards recognising that ‘change’ is here.
What has dispensed this year is not phenomenal, but can be termed encouraging. Economic packages in KSA, Bahrain and Qatar, concessions in Bahrain, strong emiratisation goal setting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and KSA’s refusal to accept International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans for a beleaguered Egypt, are indicators of self empowerment, dictated by the people.
Regionally, the GCC requires steep investment in Human Capital Development and persuasive programmes for women’s empowerment. Social issues that need immediate remedial measures include better quality of education across genders, more colleges and encouragement of innovation among the youth.
Making the most of the Arab Spring
As an expatriate living in Dubai, I have felt that regional adoption of western products and ideas are not always beneficial. Stakeholders should be aware of the perils associated with imported ideals that are non-reflective of local cultures and history. The Arab world can seize this time to initiate dialogue within communities, strengthen the local or district councils, encourage historical learning for knowledge bank creation and inculcate a sense of patriotic pride. Especially, the GCC should use its vast economic wealth for sustainable evolution of its societies through investments in renewable energy and products.
Within the UAE, constructive social change began before the Arab Spring descended on the region. Government and society led initiatives recognising social issues have already been discussed at strategic forums and are being addressed by policy makers. Sustainable energy usage, mainstreaming quality education, culture protection from a non-tourism perspective, encouragement of arts and gender diversity in government and corporate sectors are all affirmative actions.
Last year’s Abraaj led celebration of entrepreneurship has been key in encouraging innovation and enterprise development across GCC. Grassroots organizations like CareZone, Baraka Ventures, The HUB-UAE, Bokashi-Dubai & Goodgate among others are working alongside volunteer groups like PCRF (Palestine relief), Dubai for Acumen & Salaam Pakistan to contribute towards positive dialogue and action in mobilising both local and expat communities.
Across the Arab world, social and print media is ripe with journalists and activists, questioning mainstream thought that is has become redundant with time. Arab societies understand that the region is in flux and voicing the concern will determine action.
Organic growth within councils, addressing and seeking solutions internally will strengthen the youths and governments.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is an excellent mechanism to drive Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) growth using local sourced product and peoples.
The Arab Spring is an opportunity for everyone really, not just for society, but more so for the governments.
The only element of fear is the corruption of goodwill and intent by foreign vested interests dictated by the oil starved developed economies.
The Arab Spring is not over yet. Tahrir square is protesting again. Tunisia and Libya are both unsettled and there are ever more crackdowns across Syria. King Hamad of Bahrain will be addressing his nation today. And, women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have taken to the wheels.
Historically, this change, among others, was due. Socio-economic development in the region and the unjust polarisation of economic wealth across the spectrum, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, had made this change inevitable. And, as the boat rocked, the once sleepy waters stirred some monarchies and civil societies towards recognising that ‘change’ is here.
What has dispensed this year is not phenomenal, but can be termed encouraging. Economic packages in KSA, Bahrain and Qatar, concessions in Bahrain, strong emiratisation goal setting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and KSA’s refusal to accept International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans for a beleaguered Egypt, are indicators of self empowerment, dictated by the people.
Regionally, the GCC requires steep investment in Human Capital Development and persuasive programmes for women’s empowerment. Social issues that need immediate remedial measures include better quality of education across genders, more colleges and encouragement of innovation among the youth.
Making the most of the Arab Spring
As an expatriate living in Dubai, I have felt that regional adoption of western products and ideas are not always beneficial. Stakeholders should be aware of the perils associated with imported ideals that are non-reflective of local cultures and history. The Arab world can seize this time to initiate dialogue within communities, strengthen the local or district councils, encourage historical learning for knowledge bank creation and inculcate a sense of patriotic pride. Especially, the GCC should use its vast economic wealth for sustainable evolution of its societies through investments in renewable energy and products.
Within the UAE, constructive social change began before the Arab Spring descended on the region. Government and society led initiatives recognising social issues have already been discussed at strategic forums and are being addressed by policy makers. Sustainable energy usage, mainstreaming quality education, culture protection from a non-tourism perspective, encouragement of arts and gender diversity in government and corporate sectors are all affirmative actions.
Last year’s Abraaj led celebration of entrepreneurship has been key in encouraging innovation and enterprise development across GCC. Grassroots organizations like CareZone, Baraka Ventures, The HUB-UAE, Bokashi-Dubai & Goodgate among others are working alongside volunteer groups like PCRF (Palestine relief), Dubai for Acumen & Salaam Pakistan to contribute towards positive dialogue and action in mobilising both local and expat communities.
Across the Arab world, social and print media is ripe with journalists and activists, questioning mainstream thought that is has become redundant with time. Arab societies understand that the region is in flux and voicing the concern will determine action.
Organic growth within councils, addressing and seeking solutions internally will strengthen the youths and governments.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is an excellent mechanism to drive Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) growth using local sourced product and peoples.
The Arab Spring is an opportunity for everyone really, not just for society, but more so for the governments.
The only element of fear is the corruption of goodwill and intent by foreign vested interests dictated by the oil starved developed economies.