Austrian Author features the Great Progress of Emirati Women in 50 Years

The positive book, which excites with surprising facts, is a thrilling journey into the world of the women from One Thousand and One Nights. “Only those who know their past have a future “– based on this proverb, the book describes the progress of the native women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from the life of the Bedouins and their values, traditions and cultural idiosyncrasies to life today. The UAE were only founded in December 1971 and have been on a singularly rapid journey of development ever since, resulting in various advantages and disadvantages. Local women are affected the most by this fast journey through time. With much optimism and even more self-confidence, they accepted the support of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. Still, it is most of all the women who have to manage a balance between the values of the Bedouins, the principles of Islam, the traditions of the tribes and the capitalistic influences introduced by modernity. The book also includes a chapter on the Year of Tolerance 2019 and the meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Al Tayyeb of Al-Azhar University. High Heels on Golden Sand is a must-read for everyone interested in tolerance, a peaceful future and interreligious dialogue.

Verena Falkner, master’s degree in Intercultural Studies and a diploma in Intercultural Competence (specialisation: Economy and Law) from Paris London University Salzburg. She founded the cultural forum “Orient – Occident”, which she uses to inform others about traditions and cultural differences.