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.
