UAE Culture
Religion & Beliefs
The UAE is a predominantly Sunni Muslims country. Muslim people pray 5 times a day and the culture of UAE is derived from Islam, it is the base system for all social and political matter, and they call it Sharia Islamic law. However, the UAE is a multi-cultural and tolerant of others religions. Anyone is free to practice their own religion and UAE’s residents watch and see the diverse festive occasions. Like: Eid, Christmas and Diwali [9],[13].
Dress
The Emirati clothes play a significant rule in the history and heritage of the UAE. Emirati people consider it source of pride. Their clothes are made to specially suit the hot and dry climate of the UAE. The UAE clothes, for men’s they wear what is called "kandora" and it is a white cloak and under it they wear "wezar". And the women wear "abayaa" and "shella". it is a long black gown which is an elegant piece of attire used to cover the female’s clothing when they go out. The "abayaa" has many designs. And the "shiela" is a headscarf to cover the women's hair [13].
Dining & Food
The cuisine in the UAE has a very rich history of changing and it is influenced by their religion. For example, Muslims has food that is taboos, like pork and alcohols. And since the UAE is on the coast of the Arabian and Oman Gulfs, seafood and fishes considered a part of the UAE diet [14]. They also, eat other kind of meat like, lamb, goat and chicken. Because, the "Bado" live in the desert so, Livestock is very important. The most popular dishes in the UAE are the Harees, Machboos and Luqemat. And as I mentioned before UAE is a multicultural country. So, they have all kind of cuisines like Lebanese, Indian and Iranian [9]. And most popular snack is Shawarma. Also, Dining in the UAE is a very important social affair. Also, people in the UAE have to eat with their right hand. Thus some time they eat with their hand only and so Hand cleanliness is very important. And some families like to be seated on cushions on the floor where they eat from the same plate [9],[14].
Architecture
The architecture in the UAE is a reflection of the traditional lifestyles and the climatic circumstances. Their architecture is inspired by Islamic, Arabian and Persian architectures [15]. For example, the "barjeel" is inspired from the Persian architecture and it is used to cool the house in summer and it has become an identifying mark of traditional Emirati architectures [16]. Moreover, the building materials used to build the houses are simple, but strong and can endure the local living and climate in the UAE. Moreover, people living in the desert used to use Portable tents, which provided a shelter for them in the winter season. However, in Inland further houses were built. But, they were permanent houses built with stone guss, roofed with leaves of palm tree . However, in now a day most of the buildings are built in modern style. But, the UAE still treasure the old buildings and some of them became a tourism destination. Such as "Al Bastakiya" in Dubai.
Arts, Literature and poetry
Art and Poetry in the United Arab Emirates has a great influence on culture. Especially, that poetry has been part of its culture since the dawn of time. Also, it was used to express the lives and habits of changing civilisations over the centuries. Emirati poetics in their poetry they talk about many topics. But, the main topics are aresatire, chivalry, self-praise, patriotism, religion, family, and love. One of the most famous poetic is Ibn Majid, from Ras Al Khaimah. Today, the UAE takes a glory in the cultural past of Contemporary literature, poetry and performing arts, while still supporting and encouraging contemporary arts, literature and theatre [9],[14]. For example, if you visit Dubai you can find many art galleries, museums and Theatre. That shows an insight into the past as well as the future of how arts have developed. Also, the emirate of Sharjah was voted the Cultural Capital of the Arab World and the capital of knowledge.
Music and dance
The UAE has a long history with what is called the Arab “khaleeji” tradition. Which is a type of band that plays music using The Arabic oud and tubel. Singing and dancing are a must during wedding and celebrations. Thud, the male dance is called "Yowla". It is a done by using the sward or guns and moving it around. And for Young girls they would dance by swinging their long hair, it is called "naasha".
Society of the UAE
The Family in the UAE is considered the main key, since even before the union. Also, there is a lot of communication between family generations and children are raised to be kind and to have respect for elders.it is common in the UAE to have a large number of children. His highest Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid introduced ‘UAE National Charter 2021’. In which he said that our aim is to be one of the best countries in the world and this can only happened by strengthening families and he added, “Because family are the nucleus of society”. Moreover, in the UAE there are equal rights for men and women and sometimes women have more privileges then men do. In general the UAE has gender equality, and was the leading country in the Arabic region for equality. For example, men should not stare at women, it is considered disgraceful for women. Also, people from outside or non-Muslim should respect the culture and realign of the UAE, and do not kiss or cuddle in public. It is considered offensive for the Emeriti peoples [9],[14].