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.
