Giiiiiiiiiirl do I have a story for you. From my very own personal experience let me break it down to you. I am Iranian-American and my amazing hubby is Saudi-American. If WE can make it work, you guys can too! Now don’t get me wrong, there definitely will be obstacles, but if your can persevere and overcome them TOGETHER that is all that matters. I had a huge culture shock because I knew nothing about the Khaleeji culture when I met him. I had to learn Arabic, learn the Saudi way, learn how to make kabsa and margoog lol etc, but my husband had to do the same in terms of getting to know my Persian culture as well. We celebrate both cultures. Also him and I are totally different sects religiously but we have learned to talk about things and listen to each others sides. But girl it was HARD. Especially in the beginning. It felt like we were always clashing because both of our cultures are so strong and have a long history, it was almost like a fight on whose culture was better LOL every time. But with time and patience on both sides we agreed to be neutral. Also, our families didn’t aren’t close, so that was another obstacle, and to be honest still is, but we are both respectful to each others families. Like I am not close with my sister in law or mother in law, but when we text and see each other everything is cordial and polite and we have a good time. But it’s up to you to be confident about yourself and your relationship and don’t stop to think about the naysayers. If you and your partner are happy, respectful to each others cultures and families, then that is all that matters.I promise you guys he isn't married lmao but it's taken two years because we started as just friends. The actual friendship part lasted 8-10 months i would say. I was so set on marrying from my nationality because i just didn't want to deal with the culture clashes or any other things that i never saw him that way which kind of makes sound like a witch but i just couldn't deal with it lmao. Sorry for the confusion everybody.
I am 100% willing to assimilate to his culture and follow their traditions of course for the sake of our children and for his family. I don't plan creating tension just because of it. I knew when i accepted to be in a relationship with him that i am going to have to put my cultural and religious differences in the back row but i've also been clear that i'm not willing to convert to sunni islam and he's fine with that Alhamdulillah. It's just the family thing moving to whole a different country which scares me so much. What if i don't adapt well? What if his family can't stand me?
Also my hubby was good friends Sultan bin Rashid Al Nahyan and knew brother Hamdan who overdosed in DC. Everyone knows the person who sold him the c that night. Everyone in DC does and he is a Palestinian guy. Everyone hushed it up though. From all the stories I hear about Emirati men and what they do, it is absolutely disgusting. I told my husband straight up he can’t be friends with Sultan, his brother, anymore. Sultan was a good guy but honestly a lot of the Al Nahyans have serious drug and sex problems.