Soul of the Emirates: A Journey into UAE Customs and Traditions

Summary

The customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates are closely related to the Islamic and Arab cultures. The cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates includes traditions, sports, and even food that are all specific to the country. Traditional food in the UAE includes Manakish, Fattoush, and Kunafa. Not to mention a large number of the customs and traditions of the UAE that must be respected.

The cultural heritage of UAE

The United Arab Emirates has a rich heritage that includes sports, architecture, traditions, occupations, arts, food, crafts, lifestyle, values, clothes, places with archaeological and historical importance, and even norms that are strongly embedded in Islam. The cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates is strongly related to Islamic and Arab culture and heritage.

Some of the most important characteristics of the Islamic and Arab heritage include hospitality, family cohesion, tolerance, and solidarity among all members of Emirati society. Also, there is pride and honor which are also an integral part of the heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

There are many heritage sites in the United Arab Emirates such as the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Government entities of the United Arab Emirates have always done their best to preserve the cultural heritage of the country. However, their mission did not only revolve around preserving this cultural heritage, but it also included creating awareness about it. This has been achieved through forming clubs, holding festivals and cultural events, establishing and even maintaining museums, establishing many heritage villages, and constructing and maintaining mosques since Islam is an integral part of the United Arab Emirates’ cultural heritage.

All Emirates have a minimum of one heritage village. Also, museums were the glue that held and preserved the culture of the United Arab Emirates. Not to mention the clubs that aim at conducting research on the heritage of the United Arab Emirates and even organize activities that aim at promoting awareness about the cultural heritage.

Moreover, there are annual festivals and events that take place in the United Arab Emirates such as the Qasr Al Hosn Festival which has the purpose of bringing alive the heritage of the country and also makes it possible for new generations to experience this heritage and value it.

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Dubai customs and traditions

As mentioned before, the customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates are strongly and directly linked with Islamic traditions and Arab culture. Being an Emirate of the UAE, the customs and traditions of Dubai are also linked to Arab and Islamic traditions.

This does not mean that there are no other religions and nationalities in the United Arab Emirates, but it only means that the law, customs, traditions, and rules are related to Islam.

Ramadan in Dubai

One of the most important traditions of Dubai is the holy month of Ramadan. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and they enjoy what is called an Iftar after the sun sets.

This happens every day for a month, one time each year. Iftar typically means the gathering of friends and family, where they enjoy food after not eating for the entire day. During the holy month of Ramadan, individuals can join in Iftar buffets that are served across Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE.

Ramadan is typically based on the lunar calendar, which means that the dates are not fixed and they change from year to year. The holy month of Ramadan ends with Eid al Fitr.

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Arabian Hospitality

Hospitality is an integral part of Emirati culture, as every day, Emiratis gather and sip coffee together. The aromatic coffee is typically made with cardamom, cloves, saffron, and cumin. It is poured from what is called a dallah pot into a tiny cup that is called finjaan.

They refer to coffee as gahwa. Emiratis usually enjoy coffee time with some dates and they might be relaxing in what is called the majlis, which is a very comfortable meeting spot that is used to host friends and guests.

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Poetry and Dance

Poetry is one Arabic tradition that goes back to the nomadic Bedouins. In the Bedouin culture, Bedouins tell stories, welcome guests, deal with current issues in society, and even entertain their guests and visitors by taking them on journeys across the desert. Poetry has two main types which are Nabati and Al-Taghrooda.

While the Nabati poetry is direct and very simple, Al-Taghrooda is usually chanted and it is performed between two people, back and forth. More often than not, poetry accompanies Al-Ayyala folk dance which is a traditional dance that is performed during celebrations and festivities. In the Al-Ayyala folk dance, men typically hold canes and they then dance in rows to drum. This aims at expressing unity.

Arabian Art

Art in the United Arab Emirates is based on Arabic calligraphy. Arabic calligraphy aims at using Arabic scripts for the creation of artistic patterns. Not to mention Arabesque and girih Islamic geometric patterns which are considered to be a big part of the UAE’s traditional art. Studios, galleries, performances, shops, and even cafes are found in these hubs that are very creative.

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Heritage District

In Dubai, one can find traditional villages along with wind towers and even courtyards. In these villages, one can also find weaving and pottery by local artisans. Also, at Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, one is able to learn more about local life. Not to mention that there are many galleries and museums in Dubai that one would enjoy visiting. One of these museums is Dubai Museum which is located in the Al Fahidi Fort.

Traditional Sport Activities

Motorsports, water sports, tennis, rugby, football, golf, and even desert adventures are considered to be a big part of the local culture in Dubai. However, one can choose to take part in some of the traditional Emirati heritage sports which typically originated from hunting and survival. These traditional sports include camel racing, falconry, and equestrian sports as well.

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Traditional food in the United Arab Emirates

When it comes to the traditional food in the United Arab Emirates, it is important to mention that it shares many similarities with other countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, and even Asia.

However, one can always find other international cuisines in the United Arab Emirates, due to globalization and its effect on all countries of the world. Emirati food typically includes fish, meat, and rice. As for the preferred beverages, Emiratis always choose between coffee and tea. As for the spices, Emiratis add cardamom, mint, and saffron.

The most famous Emirati dish is Shawarma, which is a wrap of chicken, beef, or lamb with vegetables and mayonnaise.

Also, there is Falafel, which is a vegetarian option for the ones who don’t eat meat. It is a wrap of deep-fried chickpea patty, vegetables, and dressing.

In addition to that, the most famous low-cal salad in the United Arab Emirates is Fattoush. This salad includes lettuce, diced tomatoes, garlic, lemons, onions, mint leaves, cucumbers, and olive oil. Some choose to add Levantine bread as well.

Plus, Fattesh is one of the popular Emirati dishes. It is a three-layer dish that includes bread, chickpeas, and stuffed aubergines. It is usually topped with tahini sauce and yogurt, and some choose to add parsley and pine nuts.

Furthermore, there is Manakish, which is made from a form of bread that is filled with cheese. Manakish are cooked in the oven and many choose to add spices, meats, and vegetables.

Machboos is one of the common main courses in the United Arab Emirates. It typically includes rice, a variety of meat, spices, and vegetables, all arranged in layers. Machboos is cooked in an oven. Some also add limes.

As for dessert, there is Kunafa, which is a sticky pastry that is made of sweet cheese. Kunafa is baked in the oven and it is then soaked in sugar syrup. Kunafa is known and eaten in many other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon. There is also Luqaimat which is very similar to donuts. They consist of deep-fried dough that is drizzled with date syrup.

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Traditions of the UAE

Being an Islamic country, the traditions of the United Arab Emirates are closely linked to Islam and to Arab culture as well. These traditions typically include:

Greetings

Emirati people are known for their hospitality, as they are all friendly. The way they greet one another is by using long greetings. They praise God, hug, and kiss. However, men are the only ones who greet one another in that way.

When it comes to Emirati women, one must wait for them to put out their hands first. When a woman puts out her hand, men can shake it, but they can never hug or kiss them.

Hospitality

United Arab Emirates locals are very friendly and hospitable. When they have guests or visitors, they serve coffee and dates to welcome them. Accepting coffee shows that people are polite and if guests or visitors have had enough, they can shake their cup from side to side.

Some might consider that refusing coffee, dates, or snacks is offensive. Also, removing shoes before entering an Emirati home is required, and guests and visitors must show appreciation for the meals that were served. Not to mention that visitors are called to shake hands with the host when they arrive and when they want to leave.

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Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important months of the year for Emiratis. Especially for the Muslim people who reside in the United Arab Emirates. During this holy month, Muslims are called to fast from dawn to dusk and they start eating once the sun sets.

The date isn’t fixed as they move according to the lunar calendar. No food, no cigarettes, no water, and no chewing gum are allowed in public. This is not allowed by the law in the United Arab Emirates.

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Body Language

There are some traditions in the United Arab Emirates that might make or break a relationship between locals and foreigners. Body language is very important as it can be a sign of polite behavior. For example, it is very polite to stand when another person enters a room. Also, sitting with the sole of the feet facing Emiratis is considered to be very offensive and rude. In addition to that, food must never be offered with the left hand. Plus, public displays of affection are both offensive and illegal in the United Arab Emirates.

Clothes

It is considered to be very offensive if Western men wear the national dress of the Emiratis unless men were tourists and they decided to go on a desert safari. Also, women must not wear whatever they like, they must be mindful of their clothes.

Women must always dress in a way that isn’t provocative when they visit a home in the United Arab Emirates.

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Family Bonds

Family is very important in many religions, and Islam is no exception. The United Arab Emirates locals are very close to their families, including grandparents, cousins, uncles, and aunts. Not only that, but they usually live in close proximity.

They might also share the same house. Family ties are of great importance in the United Arab Emirates, and respecting families is very crucial.

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