An appreciation of the Emirati Culture

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula's eastern coast. Abu Dhabi (Ababy), the biggest of these emirates, makes up more than three-fourths of the federation's total geographical area, is the hub of its oil sector, and has borders with Saudi Arabia on the eastern and southern sides of the federation. The port city of Dubai, which is the capital of the emirate of Dubai and is situated at the foot of the mountainous Musandam Peninsula, is one of the most important commercial and financial hubs in the area. It is home to hundreds of MNCs in a forest of skyscrapers.
The peninsula is also home to the minor emirates of Sharjah (Al-Shriqah), Ajman (Ajman), Umm al-Quwain (Umm al-Qaywayn), and Ras al-Khaimah (Ras al-Khaymah). The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, extends northward from the peninsula into Iran. The sole component of the union without a frontage along the Persian Gulf is Fujairah (Al-Fujayrah), the seventh member of the federation, which faces the Gulf of Oman.

Culture

The UAE was initially only a few primary pearling villages, but it has since developed into one of the world's most diversified civilizations. Since the majority of the population is Muslim, many laws are upheld. Emirati women wear abayas following Islamic customs. Pork is uncommon, and alcohol is not allowed in Sharjah. However, visitors will discover a permissive attitude toward Islamic culture throughout the UAE. Permission is required to purchase alcohol outside these authorized locations (primarily hotels). A stringent dress code must be followed, and exposing too much skin in public is discouraged.

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Different Social Protocols

The Khusmak, or Emirati kiss, is a distinctive and unusual method that Emiratis greet one another. It involves males touching noses. Other typical greetings include a firm handshake with the right hand and a friendly hug between people of the same gender. The opposing gender is frequently not greeted with a handshake or an embrace owing to religious observance. A quick nod with the palm on the heart and a grin is also often used as an alternate greeting.

Other behaviors are frowned upon in the UAE include:

• Taking photos of people—especially women—without their consent.
• Staring or gazing at women.
• Insulting Islam.
• Indecent dressing sense in public.

Furthermore, it is illegal and legal for anyone to demonstrate public affection.

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Traditions and Customs

Several customs and ceremonies are unique to the Emirati people. For example, the Arabic coffee pot known as the Dallah is offered to tourists in this country as a gesture of friendliness. It is considered rude and insulting to decline it when it is given to you as a welcoming gesture. Falconry is another enduring tradition in the UAE that exemplifies the Bedouin culture of the nation. The Falcon, also known as "Saqr," is considered a symbol of bravery, tenacity, character strength, elegance, and fulfillment. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital", famed for its desert safaris that provide visitors easy access to the bird, is one of the most well-known places for falconry.
In the United Arab Emirates, it is frowned upon and discouraged for couples to wed outside of their immediate family. The Laylat Al Henna sometimes referred to as the Henna night, is a significant custom that Arabs adhere to at their marriages. This exclusive event is only for the bride and her close female family and friends. It may be identified by the henna artist who uses beautiful henna designs on their hands. Henna selection is frequently used to gauge her family's socioeconomic situation.

Magnificent Architecture

Persian, Arabian, and Islamic architectural forms significantly influenced and inspired this region's architecture. It represents the United Arab Emirates and the Emiratis' rich cultural heritage and historical traditions. Local architects carefully evaluate the climatic conditions and use various materials to ensure that people have appropriate ventilation and seclusion. A "Barjeel" or "Windtower," a kind of Iranian architecture, is employed to generate natural ventilation. Due to the high volume of tourists that frequent these locations, the UAE's malls, and hotels have the most beautiful architecture.

Here are a few examples of structures in this nation with outstanding architecture:

• Dubai's Souk Madinat
• Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel
• Dubai's Burj Khalifa
• Dubai's The Dubai Mall
• Abu Dhabi's Etihad Towers

Theology

In the cities of the UAE, religion is vital, and all religious practices from all cultures are respected equally. In the nation, most people (about 76%) profess Islam, with more Sunni Muslims than Shia Muslims. The other minority faiths practiced in the country include Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Judaism.
There are rules in place to allow Muslims to practice their religion, and the nation is home to some of the most stunning mosques in the world. For instance, during Ramadan, working hours are cut by two hours. Additionally, since Sunday through Thursday are designated business days, Muslims may easily do their Friday prayers. Although the government views all religions equally, encouraging Muslims to convert to another faith is a serious crime. For example, there have been instances where individuals were expelled from the nation for giving Bibles to Muslims.

The UAE's art

Art, music, dance, literature, and theatre are just a few examples of the varied cultural expressions found in the UAE. This nation is home to several art museums and galleries that provide glimpses into the past and the future. Here, calligraphy is a well-known traditional art that uses Arabic words to create beautiful works. Nabati poetry, which charts individuals' lives and daily routines through time, and spoken poetry are two of the most well-liked forms of modern literature in the UAE.
In the United Arab Emirates, music and dance are equally important. During festivities, people still perform songs and dances that have been passed down through the years. One of the most well-liked dance styles in the UAE is stick dance, which represents traditional values like tribe togetherness. Another well-liked dancing style in the UAE is khaleegy, in which ladies rhythmically move their bodies and sway their hair to powerful musical beats. Compelling concerts by top-charting worldwide performers like Zayn Malik, Coldplay, Shakira, Linkin Park, etc., have also taken place in the United Arab Emirates.

Attire

Islamic writings promoting modesty and conservatism impact Emirati fashion, which is why both men and women dress in ways that conceal most of their bodies. The traditional attire for women in the Arab Emirates is called an abaya, a long, black cloak covering everything that saves the feet, hands, and face. Women frequently use it to conceal their hands and faces together with the niqab and gafaaz. Women cover their entire bodies and faces when they walk out in public with a burqa, an outer garment worn over their regular attire, to prevent skin exposure.
Men in the Arab Emirates typically match their Kandura, a long, loose-fitting robe that is naturally white, with Ghutrah. This traditional headscarf may be knotted in a variety of ways. The length of the Kandura is frequently used to gauge a person's rank; the longer the robe, the wealthier the wearer. Additionally, in areas like Dubai, some people, particularly young people, and foreigners wear more western clothes, such as jeans and T-shirts.

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Cuisine

Dates, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and other spices and ingredients are added to the food to enhance the diversity of UAE culture. The national dish of this nation is a Bedouin delicacy that involves cooking a camel and stuffing it with goats, sheep, and chickens. However, camel meat is typically saved for rare occasions because of its high cost. Other common foods in this nation include the following:
The UAE's cuisine is a product of a long history of shifting civilizations. Fish and seafood are a large part of the UAE diet because so much of the country is on the Persian Gulf coast.

• While most other meats are utilized in Muslim cuisine, with a preference for lamb, goat, and chicken, Muslims do not consume pig.
• Stuffed camel, is a national delicacy made from an old Bedouin recipe that has been altered over time. Sheep, goats, and chicks are stuffed inside the animal, customarily gently roasting for up to 24 hours over a pit of smoldering charcoal.
• Shawarma, spit-roasted meat, or mixed meats served with a variety of toppings such as tabbouleh, tahini, hummus, pickles, cucumber, or tomato, is one of the most popular dishes. Either a plate or a Taboon bread can be used to serve it (flatbread).
• Various spices and ingredients are added to the food, including almonds, pine nuts, dates, sultanas, cloves, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. A well-known meal called kabsa combines a variety of rice dishes with meats and vegetables spiced and prepared with various components.
• Harees is a popular meal frequently served during the holy months of Ramadan and Eid. Cracked wheat and slow-cooked beef with a porridge-like consistency are both ingredients in the dish.
• Maqluba is another special meal combining meat, rice, and veggies. It is prepared in a single pot and then turned over so that the bottom layer is on top. It comes with a straightforward salad and either yogurt or another sauce, such as tahini.

Conclusion

You are thus sure to love the rich history and culture of the UAE, whether it is because of the breathtaking architectural sights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi or the mouth-watering seafood provided there. Make sure your visa and transit requirements are met if you want to enjoy Dubai's beauty culture. We at Dubai Visit Visa Online are here to help you have an opulent and unwinding stay in the city of your dreams, Dubai. Dubai is a cauldron of experiences. Every visitor that ever paid a visit to Dubai returned with a camera roll filled with fun, exciting experiences and memories worth cherishing. 

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