Cultural Beliefs in the Middle East and the US

Abstract

This dissertation examines the cultural exchange between the Middle East and the United States of America. Initially it explores each region closely; their locations, history, and societies then it describes the main features of each culture: religions, languages, values, cuisines, attires, holidays and arts. Moreover, in order to link the two cultural regions, this research describes three important diplomatic ties between the US and the Middle East: the political, economic, and cultural relationships. Soft Power is then introduced into the topic. This latter is an essential part of the research, as it explains the American influential strategies used in the Middle East, these include: the American Cultural Products, Social Media, Exchange and Immigration Programs, the American Academic Institutions Abroad, and the American political values. Each strategy is provided with a proof from the Middle Eastern scene. The research then tackles the Middle Eastern’ side of the cultural exchange, through describing the effect of the Arab Muslim immigrants on the melting pot culture of the US. The research then narrows its focus on the city of Dubai, providing a deeper study on the American influence in the region. Dubai is first located, and its history and society are briefly described. Furthermore, an analysis about the Westernized culture of the city decides the significant points of the American influence in the region, including the influence on the architecture, and the influence on the society’s: dress, values, language, and traditions.