United Arab Emirates – Culture, Customs, Traditions

The present-day cultural aspect of the UAE dates back to ancient times. Since its location was ideal, it became connected to civilizations from East to the West through trade and commerce. These areas were inhabited by indigenous peoples called “Bedouins” who would move on camel caravans for trade and sustenance.

With the coming of Islam in the seventh century, it transformed the culture and the society into a form that still persists in the Arabian Peninsula. The historic Silk Road saw the Emirates as a major crossroad that helped shape cultural links between different communities that have contributed greatly towards the region’s identity.

In the UAE, Islam is more than just a religion; it is an integral part of Emirati cultural norms and societal structure. Cities are permeated with the sound of the prayer calls, and the country is dotted by mosques, which serve as holy places for prayers and local centres for interaction. Islam is integrated into all aspects of living, and it defines family relations and business affairs.

The whole country experiences a transformation in Ramadan. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between dawn and sunset and indulge in a path of spiritual growth, empathy, and gratefulness. Iftar, or the breaking of fast, is a ritual for people within families and friends where they meet and eat together to foster relationships and strengthen bonds.

The United Arab Emirates is multicultural and their language of choice is Arabic which holds together all the people in the UAE. Although most people can speak in English, especially in urban areas with a business background, Arabic represents the language of culture, heritage, and intimate conversations. The Arabic language with its complex calligraphy and vast vocabulary, mirrors the region’s poetic tradition.

Adab is an important aspect of Emirati culture, it refers to expressions of courtesy and respect used in daily communication. The greeting is usually accompanied by a warm hug and inquiries about each other’s well-being, which reflects the importance that is attached to interpersonal ties in Emirati culture.

National dress, or rather traditional attire in the UAE, is a manifestation of Emirati culture and heritage. Kandura refers to a long flowing white cloak for a man, whereas the Abaya is a woman’s black cloak. These are not only outfits; they reflect cultural pride and compliance with local customs and traditions.

Complex designs are another feature of the UAE garments that is characteristic to regions in the country. Embroidery and styles will differ depending on the emirate; thus, they create a visual narrative about the wearer’s heritage.

Hospitality, or more precisely ‘diwan’, is a characteristic that is deeply embedded in the Emirati culture. The Emiratis derive great joy from being hospitable by welcoming guests with open arms. They also show their hospitality by serving guests delicious meals and traditional sweets.

Majlis is an important part of a typical home setting among the Emiratis. Family members and their guests gather for discussions and story-telling while enjoying the fragrant Arabic coffee.

This commitment and dedication to traditional arts and crafts manifest in the UAE’s desire to preserve its cultural heritage. These crafts like camel bone carving, palm leaf weaving, and pottery often serve as tangible links with the rich past of the country. These artifacts carefully constructed using fine skill and rich design speak volumes about how life was lived by Bedouins in the deserts and what it took to live that way.

Al Fahidi, formerly termed the Al Bastakiya, is another place that serves as an illustration of the sustainability of traditional architecture in Dubai. Touring the wind-tower houses and narrow streets takes tourists back to the ancient times. It gives an opportunity to view the primitiveness and the efficiency of Emirati dwellings.

The UAE calendar has a lot of festivals and celebrations that are done in remembrance of their culture and religion. These include the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha festivals which are the concluding moments of Ramadan and the annual Hajj pilgrimage respectively. Communities pray, eat together and share among themselves during such occasions which reflect the element of unity and compassion.

Another notable event of emirati tradition in Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Festival that celebrates emirati music, dance, and crafts. The event gives locals and visitors an opportunity to submerge into the rich culture of the country.

The music and dances were very important in Emirati culture as they express happiness, festivity and also storytelling. The reverberation of traditional music encompasses various cultural activities and festivities where instruments like oud and tabla commonly complement the beautiful music. The Bedouin cultural legacy and the collective culture are demonstrated through a distinctively choreographed dance form called Al Ayala.

Meanwhile, the more contemporary art form of Al-Razfa depicts dancers holding swords representing power, solidarity, and the nation’s robustness.

Despite being modern and tech-savvy, the UAE has a keen awareness of their rich culture. Dubai has magnificent architectural wonders such as Burj Khalifa and Burj Arab, where modern design combines traditional influence.

Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Etihad Museum, among others, are critical in maintaining the country’s cultural legacy. They act as a bridge that connects people living in the present to the historical legacy of Emirati society and culture.

The cultural ethos of Emiratis fosters a close relation with their environment. Formerly seen as a challenging terrain, the country is now seen through lenses as sacred and with respect. The Al-Marmoom desert conservation reserve in Dubai illustrates the delicate balancing of modern development with environmental conservation.

The cuisine of the UAE is as rich as its culture. It is a combination of Bedouin traditions, Persian influences and Indian spices. The taste of the Emirati culinary experience is a symphony that reflects the multicultural identity of the country.

Al Harees: This traditional Emirati staple features slow-cooked meat, wheat and salt. It is an emblem of Arabian hospitality.

Majboos: Rice dish infused with spices and usually served with chicken or lamb.

Luqaimat: Sweet and deep-fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup or honey.

Arabic Coffee (Gahwa)

Hospitality through cardamom-flavored brew offered during parties and social gatherings.

Dates: Nature’s Sweet Bounty

Date Fruits: Dates are a standard gift for guests, symbolizing abundance and tradition.

Modern Culinary Scene: Fusion and Diversity

International Influences: The cuisine in Dubai is a blend of many cultures with Michelin-starred restaurants and a variety of street food markets.

Eid Celebrations: Festive Feasting

Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha: The grand feasts of the Islamic festivals portray Emirati hospitality and feature traditional dishes.

Food as a Cultural Bridge: Shared Stories

Emirati Hospitality: Offering to share a meal among a group is an excellent way of building friendship in a cross-cultural setting. You can experience this through the hospitality of the Emiratis.

Emirati cuisine is an exploration of the country’s history, geography and cultural heritage. Through experiencing the cuisine, you can enjoy the various aspects that make up this vibrant society.

The United Arab Emirates manifests itself as a cultural kaleidoscope, inviting observation and acknowledgement of its deep history. This rich combination of historical traditions, Islamic values, and recent developments makes for a multifaceted and yet harmonious tapestry of different cultures.

The visitors act as different strands of a tapestry that makes the Emirate’s cultural life full. So, explore the culture and traditions of this country that reflect the spirit of a nation that respects its past as it takes brave strides towards a bright future.