UAE’s pluralistic culture helps adopted children

DUBAI // Parents who have adopted say the UAE’s multicultural environment has helped their child adjust.

They praised the support of the local community and the appreciation received from Emiratis.

Ester Benbrook, 38, who adopted a son two years ago, said she had received positive comments from passersby.

“I think Dubai is very open to adoption. The only comments we got were all very positive,” said the Slovakian, who also has biological twins.

“The thing about being in Dubai, a multicultural city, is it makes adoption common and normal.

“I have had comments from ladies enquiring about my son, as he looks different because he is from Ethiopia. Once I tell them he is my son and I have adopted them, they say ‘mashallah’.

“In my home country, where it’s not common to adopt a child from a different race, I get very bizarre comments.”

A M, who has adopted a son, said there wasn’t a stigma around adoption in the UAE.

“I’ve had much nicer conversations and smiles on the streets when I am walking with my son in UAE from Emiratis and expatriates than I’ve had back home.

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