Be kind.
The United Arab Emirates is possibly most famous for its emirate Dubai. With its cloud gracing skyscrapers and consumer culture, the opulent emirate attracts tourists from all over the world – including myself.
Perhaps one of the most famous attributes of Dubai is its grand opulence and level of hospitality. The state offers a multitude of lavish hotels – one of which I was lucky enough to stay in. Le Meridien was exquisite not only because of its proximity to the beach and the Jumeirah Beach Walk, but also for its impeccable service – something Emiratis know a thing or two about.
It wasn’t that each employee courteously addressed me as “madam” or that they were exceptionally speedy when retrieving plug adapters or blow dryers upon my beck. Rather, it was their overall attitude. They seemed happy to serve their customers, a quality reminiscent of Southern hospitality. After visiting the Emirate’s many malls (my favorite being the spacious and glamorous Mall of Emirates,) I inferred that an economy catering so heavily to consumerism must have great service in order to thrive.
Unfortunately, many tourists alike take advantage of these slightly submissive and accommodating employees. One night, I couldn’t sleep due to a hotel guest who screamed at a cowering employee in the hallway. The self-entitled guest felt that his room wasn’t cleaned properly and saw to it to punish a passing employee. Seeing the wealthy man wield his power over the seemingly helpless employee showed me the importance of kindness. For, in that moment, I saw the effect of no kindness – an embarrassed, sad-faced young man and his aggressor, who not only looked bad, but also made someone else feel worse.
