10 Questions with Elie Nasr

I’ve known Elie for 3 years now, with this great personality and enthusiasm I was fond in interviewing him to learn about his culture and thoughts about living in Dubai. He comes from an interesting background and here in this interview he shares his thoughts on what culture really means for him.

Do you think culture affects an individual’s personality? If yes, explain.

In a way, yes it does. Personally, I grew up in Dubai, which is a very multicultural city. I’ve been exposed to various nationalities and cultures. This has enabled me to gain an insight regarding different countries and the cultures in those countries.

What do you think are the three things that define your culture?

I’m originally Lebanese, Palestinian and Austrian, but I was born and raised in Dubai. I feel like Dubai is known for its internationalism, hospitality and exciting atmosphere!

Do you feel like your culture is well embraced in Dubai?

As someone who is originally Mediterranean and European, I feel like Dubai is the perfect place because it welcomes all nationalities. But If I were to just focus on my culture, both the European and Mediterranean are really accepted.

Are there any festive celebrations that you attend to in Dubai?

I do enjoy national day because it’s really an event where the whole city comes alive! You’ll see everyone on the streets laughing and really having a blast. The streetlights and cars are vibrant and loud, and for me that’s indicative that the country is booming. I mean it’s known for it’s exciting environment but I really do like national day because I feel like everyone is just so excited. I also love the Dubai International Film Festival because it brings together filmmakers, and movie stars, from all over the world. I think it allows moviegoers and fans of the cinema to witness different stories and cultures through the medium of film.

Is there something you would do different?

Honestly, no. I feel like everything happens for a reason and I couldn’t be prouder to call Dubai my home!

Dubai is a multicultural environment. Do you think people are culturally involved?

I can’t really talk about anyone but myself, but I feel that Dubai really allows us to take part in different cultural activities. For example the restaurants here offer a wide range of cuisines. Or many of the schools here are international. Dubai gives us all the chance to be exposed to different cultures, and it’d be such a shame if you don’t get involved, because you’d be missing out on obtaining knowledge from experience from other cultures.

How do you balance between traditional and modern culture, especially in a place like Dubai?

I feel like my own culture has been accepted in Dubai and Emiratis are always welcoming to other cultures. Dubai is always changing and due to those changes, the atmosphere is never stagnant. So as Dubai evolves, I feel like I go along with this evolution.

They say Dubai is an imitation of other cultures .Do you believe this is true?

I wouldn’t go as far as say that, because the Emiratis have their own culture that they are very proud of and love to share. However I would say that Dubai showcases different cultures.

In a place like Dubai, does it make more difficult to embrace ones culture?

No not all, I feel like because it’s international it allows individuals to become more exposed and not get a culture shock.

Have you experienced any disappointments in trying to embrace your own culture here?

Not at all! I actually think people are fascinated and interested by others who are mixed or who are foreign. As I was born and raised here, I have been exposed to other cultures and have never felt uncomfortable or ashamed of whom I am. I’m mixed but was born and raised in Dubai, and proud to be!

Other than your own culture are there any other ones that you find quiet interesting or those that have similarities?

People who have interesting ethnicities f