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.
