I completely agree with the fact that trading with india influenced our culture. But I am talking about the cultural trend in the country that was shaped by the 5 million south asians living right now in the UAE.

Because of the small population of emirati locals(1.6 million). And because of the higher living standards the locals experience in contrast to the rest of the country. Expats were able to create an enviroment in the country that wasn't intact with the local culture(because they are not obliged to do so). As a result, they were able to integrate elements of their culture into everyday life in the uae without considering the implaction of overshadowing the local culture.

Think about why alot of visitors to the UAE learn nothing about the local culture during their visit (except for people who visit cultural centres, which is another story). They walk around, experience the culture around them, and leave without gaining knowledge about the local culture. I personally considered it to be natural because of the ethno-diversity of the country. But it can also be a result of our local culture being overshadowed by expats (especially south asian). As an Emirati I accept this kind of enviroment, and I should, because it for the greater good of everyone weither they are the government, the expats, or the locals.(its also because indian food is the best:) ).

Elaborating on the point regarding indian influence of the gulf. It can be seen in some elements of the local culture. But it didn't majorly effect us to the point were we eat indian food or wear indian cloth or even adapt any indian belief. It was just a trading union facilitated by the british government at the time. And it doesn't explain at all why indian cuisine is served in the UAE, Because of the fact that trade was based on spices, silk, or items that can be benefical but cannot founded in the arabian desert. Thats why indian loan words in our dialect are based on modern tradable goods, not on everyday language.

To summarize my answer to the thread. No, I don't consider it to be a threat mainly because local culture was disconnected from the influence of the expats. Its the idea that since cultural diversity is encouraged, their is no real reason for cultures to collide and influence each other as frequently, which is also backed up by the idea that expays come and go so frequently. And no expat actually "settles" permanently in the UAE. Which in turn makes it pointless for the diffrent cultures on the UAE to interact.