Culture
The timeless values of Islam lie at the Heart of UAE's living
heritage, providing a strength and inspiration that touches
all aspects of everyday life.
Traditional
Clothing
The Arab national dress worn in Dubai and throughout the Gulf
is Adapted to the high temperatures and religious beliefs
of the region.
Men wear and ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known as
a Kandoura or Dishdasha which is usually made of white cotton,
although some darker, heavier material may be seen in winter.
A white crocheted skull-cap, the gahfia or tagia, is covered
by the gutra, which is a long white cotton cloth or sometimes
red and white woolen material in winter. The gutra is kept
in place by the igal, a double black woolen braid worn around
the crown of the head.
Women usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which
is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately embroidered
in gold, silver or colored thread. The thoab is worn over
trousers, sirwal and covered entirely by a black abbaya. The
hair is covered and the face may also be covered by a gishwa,
a thin veil.
Hospitality
Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized
virtues of the Arab World and the visitor is sure to be charmed
by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the peoples.
Family
life
The family is the most important institution in Arab society,
encompassing grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and more
distant relatives as well as the immediate family unit. Relationships
within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded
to the elder members.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the Holy Month in which Muslims commemorate the
revelation of the Holy Koran. Its timing is not fixed in terms
of the Gregorian calendar, but advances 11 days every year.
Ramadan is a month of fasting when, from dawn until dusk,
Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking. As a sign
of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from consuming
these items in public during daylight hours.
Religious
Festivals
Eid Al Fitr is a feast which marks the end of Ramadan and
is celebrated from three days. The celebrations start after
prayers in the morning, and gifts are exchanged.
Eid Al Adha is a festival of sacrifices and marks the end
of Haj (the pilgrimage that all Muslims should make to Mecca
at least once in their lives). It lasts four days.
Traditional
Sport
The sport of falconry is among the many traditional pastimes
which are still practiced in Dubai. It is a unique partnership
between man and bird and it is not unusual to see a hooded
falcon being trained on its owner's gloved wrist.
The Ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable
following-and substantial purses for champions.
Life
Style
Expatriates and foreign visitors-both male and female-can
enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle in UAE. There is virtually
no crime, the city is clean, there are few traffic jams, apartments
and villas are modern, spacious and surprisingly to many,
the climate is not only tolerable but also extremely pleasant
for most of the year.
There are many clubs and societies in UAE. Freedom of worship
is allowed to all religions, and Christian churches have existed
in Dubai from many years. Foreign newspapers, magazines, films
and videos are readily available. Alcohol may be consumed
at home, in hotels and on licensed club premises. Women can
drive and move about unaccompanied.