The United Arab Emirates is a riveting journey of an outright awakening, rebirth, and renaissance of a prodigious people. From treading over soft grains of sand to gliding over sophisticated ground and infrastructure, with soaring towers overlooking each bewildered eye. The history and progress of the UAE came to be with the blessings of the rich cultural heritage of the UAE, which developed over 125,000 years after being home to various and diverse civilizations.
Walking the streets of UAE today, the Emirati identity is integrated into everyone and everything, be it in their dress culture, architecture, cuisine, and much more! Therefore, bringing up the subject of the United Arab Emirates traditions and the cultural heritage of UAE inevitably summons the mention of the most important aspects of the Traditions of the UAE and all aspects that constitute their identity and culture, such as:
While the UAE serves as home to multiple cultures, religions, and faiths, Islam remains the predominant religion in the country, with the Islamic culture in UAE being heavily integrated in their practices and daily life, additionally gracing the cities and towns of the UAE with the tranquil beauty of Islamic culture and structures.
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Islamic culture in UAE
With Islamic culture and practices holding a massive influence over the culture and traditions of the UAE, we behold the captivating Islamic architecture and UAE culture dress that constitute the majority of the Emirati identity.
Mosques in UAE
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: A massive and captivating piece of Islamic architecture and one of the most admired mosques that proudly represents Abu Dhabi's religion and culture.
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Mosque of Light, Dubai: A fascinating piece of architecture representing Islamic culture in UAE within Dubai religion and culture.
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Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fujairah: The second largest mosque in the UAE, yet another wonder of Islamic culture in UAE.
Abu Dhabi Religion and Culture
Well known for being the cultural heart and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is bejeweled with mosques, adorned with the traditional clothing of its people, and adored by people from all over the world, making it a culturally and Islamically rich emirate embedded with the diversity of numerous nationalities, languages, and cultures.
Aside from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which showcases the Islamic culture in the Emirate, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum that showcases arts and works from all over the world in an attempt to shed a spotlight on unity and diversity, demonstrating the multicultural nature of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. |
Louvre Abu Dhabi UAE culture and traditions picture |
Dubai Religion and Culture | Dubai customs and traditions
Emerging through a vast desert, with each delicate grain of sand narrating a story and a piece of Emirati history, and presently infamous for being a tourist attraction for people from all around the world, Dubai is a contemporary city that exhibits Arab modernity through sky-high towers, intricate planning, and rich and diverse culture, while strictly preserving the historic culture, traditions, and heritage of the Arab Emirati people.
Dubai Creek UAE culture and traditions pictures |
Of the many destinations flowing with the representation of Dubai customs and traditions, Dubai Creek would be one of the oldest as it is embraced by heritage buildings graced with traditional-style wooden designs, as well as old-style markets “Souks” saturated with traditional jewelry, Arabian coffee, perfumes, and more! |
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Traditions & Cultural Heritage of UAE
To further show off the traditions and cultural heritage of the UAE, here are 3 UAE cultural facts:
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UAE Culture Facts (1): Falconry!
Did you know that falcons, while wildly fierce and dangerous, are a very respected and cared-for bird in the UAE?! falconry has become a very respected traditional sport practiced by the Emirati people for a very long time.
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UAE Culture Facts (2): Youla!
Youla is a traditional dance in the UAE, originating from the Bedouins when they came back from a victory in war, where men stand in two rows facing each other while holding significations of swords, spears, or rifles.
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UAE Culture Fact (3): Burj Khalifa!
This act may not be a very cultural one, rather it is a strong reason to visit the UAE! Burj Khalifa is not only a mere glass tower but rather a breathtaking wonder of being the tallest building in the world! That right!
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UAE culture dress
When speaking of United Arab Emirates traditions, one must not leave out the UAE cultural dress, as black and white is the most common wear in all the streets and occasions of the UAE.
Graced with black, the women of the UAE wear the “Abaya” a very important UAE cultural dress that is traditionally known to be black, however, modern-day abaya comes in numerous colors and designs, in addition to the “Hijab” which also comes in numerous colors and styles. Some women in the UAE wear the Burqa as well, but less commonly. |
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On the other hand, Emirati men wear the casual white “Dishdasheh” or “Thobe” and sometimes with a “Ghutra and Agal” for more special occasions, which are the most common UAE culture dress. For more special occasions, however, Emirati men are draped in “Bisht” a usually black cloak adorned with gold. |
The same UAE culture dress applies to the Dubai culture dress, the only difference being that the Dubai culture dress is comprised of a more diverse look given that Dubai is home to so many different cultures and ethnicities, each of whom brings a touch of their own culture to the Dubai culture dress. Such attires of men and women are not limited to the UAE culture dress, they are rather very popular in all of the Middle East.
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Different Cultures in UAE
Today, many cultures have set bases in the UAE aside from their own! Different cultures in UAE are welcomed, celebrated, and honored, and that comes as a response to the technological rise and growth of civilization that the UAE has witnessed, attracting people from all over the world to take part in the wonder that is the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE blends Islamic, Persian, and Arabian cultures, but it also embraces numerous cultures and ethnicities with a warm welcome. An example of different cultures in UAE would have to be Indians and Pakistanis who make up a huge part of the Emirati population.
Different cultures in UAE and different holidays are constantly celebrated, like what you may ask.
The Chinese New Year
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Cultural Food of UAE
The Emirati cuisine is like no other, the traditional food in the United Arab Emirates comes in various mouthwatering forms, shapes, and colors. And it is part of the United Arab Emirates traditions the Dubai customs and traditions to keep in mind for when you visit Dubai!
What to eat in UAE?
Al Harees |
Al Majbous |
Al Thareed |
Cultural Food of UAE |
Cultural Food of UAE |
Cultural Food of UAE |
Traditional food in the United Arab Emirates |
In the shortest of words, the Traditions of the UAE, the Dubai Customs and traditions, as well as the cultural heritage of UAE, cannot be possibly summarized in a few words. The United Arab Emirates is comprised of a profound culture that will render you bewildered as you look over all the aspects that make it what it is today;
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UAE culture dress
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Dubai culture dress
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Cultural food of UAE
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Different cultures in UAE
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Islamic culture in UAE
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Cultural heritage of UAE
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Traditional food in the United Arab Emirates
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And last but not least, the traditions of the UAE