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.
