News Brief 7 - Betrothal (Not Mine!)

Dear Everyone,

This will provide an insight into the customs and traditions among at least one “family” in the UAE.

A young Emirati woman I know who is college educated and employed full-time in a professional position had her fourth child, a boy, a few months ago. Within the last two weeks, her sister had a baby girl. When I saw her recently, I asked about her baby and her sister’s new baby.

She smiled and produced photos of the two babies together. Her baby was wearing a traditional dishdash (robe that most Emirati males use for daily wear). Although the babies were side by side in the photo, the baby boy was slightly to the front and placed so that neither baby could see the other’s face.

She told me that it had been decided that these two babies will marry when they are old enough. The explanation was that there are so few Emiratis in this country and so many expats from numerous countries living here, the Emiratis had an obligation to do what they could to “build up” their people.

We were interrupted before I could make (delicate) further inquiries but I hope to pursue the conversation in the future and learn if the consideration of birth defects, etc., among offspring of first cousin marriages came into the decision.

I learn something new almost every day I’m here. It keeps life interesting and exciting.

Enjoy your day,

Pat