Western celebrities' Arabic culture clash

Rapper Nicki Minaj performed in Dubai last December [Loybuckz Captures]

Western celebrities - from pop singers to rappers - often visit the United Arab Emirates for either work or pleasure. And almost as often, these appearances spark controversy because of their general lack of knowledge of local cultural traditions and Islamic laws.
During the recent Formula 1 event in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, several Arabic and Western singers were invited to perform, including Jay-Z, The Muse, and the British electro legend Depeche Mode. Jay-Z was notable not just for his performance, but for his inability to stifle his swearing.
In addition, some people consider Jay-Z's music as sexist because of the names he uses to describe women in his lyrics. Others describe his music as aggressive.
"I'm not allowed to go to these concerts and I choose not to," Salama al-Nuaimi, an Emirati national said. "A lot of drinking takes place and that goes against our religion - also I don't want to encourage sexist music."
Despite frequent controversies, whether over the language, dress or just the fact they represent an entirely different world, foreign performers continue to receive invitations to Gulf countries and they continue to come.
"I don't see any harm in sharing other cultures through their performances," said Mashael al-Absi, a Bahraini national. "Also, we have lots of fans who appreciate Western celebrities."

I'm not allowed to go to these concerts and I choose not to. Salama Al Nuaimi, an Emirati national

The period of Western domination over the Gulf has long since ended. However, it sometimes appears that Western countries are spreading a form of Western cultural domination to the detriment of the GCC states - Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain - all Islamic states that govern according to sharia law.
GCC stands for the Gulf Cooperation Council, which was founded in May 25, 1981 whose main objective is to promote coordination and unity between member states. These countries share similar religious and political systems as well as similar customs and traditional beliefs.
Sharia law is a legal system that covers all aspects of life, and is based on the Quran, the holy book of the Islamic religion. 
All of the GCC states have experienced tremendous economic growth and urban development in recent years, allowing them to attract foreign workers and tourists from around the world.
In the UAE itself, foreigners account for over 88 percent of the population and according to the World Economic Forum's 2011 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, it is ranked 30th among 139 countries for tourism.
But, of course, the workers and tourists from the West don't always know about the culture they are working in or visiting.
"Some western celebrities don't have any knowledge of our culture or Islamic laws," said Suhaila Al Mansoori, an Emirati national. "Since they come for business which is to sing or do whatever and get money."

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