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.
