The Culture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
With roots in Eastern Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a rich cultural legacy. When foreigners began to settle in the UAE in the middle of the 20th century, the small tribal society that had previously called it home underwent a significant cultural shift. Reflecting a tapestry of traditions encompassing architecture, music, fashion, food, and everyday life, all backed by the precepts of Islam, Emirati culture embraces a lively combination of Arabian, Islamic, Persian, East African, and Indian Subcontinental influences.
The city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and Sharjah has been awarded esteemed titles such as “The Cultural Capital of the Arab World” and “Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014,” which emphasize the UAE’s rich cultural legacy.
Table of Contents:
- History of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Arabic Culture
- Architecture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Clothing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Emirati Cuisine
- Emirati Greetings and Social Customs
- Emirati Literature
- Music, Dance, and Film of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Sports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Emirati Holidays
History of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The fascinating story of human habitation, migration, and trade that spans an astounding 125,000 years is told via the archaeological discoveries made throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Magan people were among the area’s first settlers, and even the ancient Sumerians were aware of their lasting influence on the area’s history. Being skilled traders, the Maganites developed thriving networks that linked coastal settlements with interior towns that mined and smelted bronze.
Significantly, the cultural environment of the United Arab Emirates attests to significant trading connections with the renowned Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley, as demonstrated by the finding of elaborate jewelry and artifacts. Archaeological evidence also demonstrates the UAE’s critical position as a hub of early intercontinental commerce, indicating thriving trading links with far-off areas like Bactria and the Levant. These archeological finds are priceless reminders of the United Arab Emirates’s rich and varied cultural history, resonating through the ages with the sounds of its legendary past.
Arabic Culture
While Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the globalization of the economy has encouraged the use of English widely, which reflects the country’s multicultural and cosmopolitan nature. Languages like Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Mandarin thrive in the UAE’s multicultural fabric because of the country’s substantial expatriate community, which is composed of people from Iran, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China.
Name customs also reflect cultural differences, even though native Emirati speakers speak Gulf Arabic, which is similar to dialects spoken throughout the GCC and Iraq.
As children inherit their father’s surname, the custom of adding “bin” or “bint,” which mean “son of” or “daughter of,” respectively, to the father’s name emphasizes familial relations. In addition, after marriage, women keep their family names, which captures the complex interaction between tradition and modernity in the UAE’s dynamic cultural environment.
Architecture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) unique skyline and urban fabric are shaped by a rich tapestry of Arabian and Islamic influences, as seen by the country’s architectural environment. The wind tower known as the “barjeel,” which has Persian ancestry, is a defining feature of traditional Emirati architecture. Emirati architecture, which is skillfully tailored to the local environment and way of life, seamlessly combines simplicity with utility to reflect the region’s traditional traditions and customs. Every building showcases the creativity of regional workmanship, from inland stone homes with palm leaf roofs to the transportable tents that nomadic tribes have historically utilized throughout the winter.
The limestone combinations, known as sarooj, combined with fossilized coral stones and plastered with a mixture of chalk and water paste, perfectly capture the essence of the coastal dialect. Every Emirati home, school, mosque, and government building has a courtyard-based architectural design that acts as a cooling system and a private haven during the oppressive heat. Indeed, seclusion and ventilation are the two most important factors in UAE traditional architecture, which captures a timeless balance between environmental sensibility and cultural legacy.
Clothing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Adopting a practical yet traditional style, a lot of Emirati men and women choose the classic Kandura and Abaya, which are iconic garments that are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These traditional attires serve as a cool relief from the intense heat while also being in line with the Islamic values of the nation, which emphasize modesty and sun protection. In addition, the glamour of ornate ball gowns, adorned with intricate silver and gold details, lends a touch of extravagance to formal events, reflecting the region’s love of spectacle and festivity.
Embroidered gowns are a main attraction at special events like weddings and dances, bringing a kaleidoscope of colors and designs that represent energy and enthusiasm. A beloved cultural practice is the Khaleeji folk dance, in which women dance in synchronized rows, showing off the fluidity of their embroidered clothing as they sway to rhythmic beats. This highlights the fundamental relationship between clothing, identity, and collective expression in the cultural tapestry of the United Arab Emirates.
Emirati Cuisine
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a diverse range of culinary traditions that combine the Bedouin nomadic background, the wealth of Arabian Gulf fisherman, and the agricultural legacy of oasis farmers, creating a delightful mosaic. With a blend of traditional flavors and enticing spices like turmeric, saffron, and cinnamon, these many influences come together to create a complex tapestry of Emirati cuisine. Fundamental ingredients included in both traditional and modern Emirati cuisines include dates, seafood, camel milk, and locally grown veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. Mangos flourish in the rich soils of the northern emirates, while loomi, the region’s native dried lemons, add a zesty flavor to a variety of dishes.
Camel meat is still considered a luxury food to be enjoyed on rare occasions, even though other meats such as chicken, goats, and Houbara bustards are also readily available. Emiratis follow the dietary laws of Islam, which forbid them from eating pork and alcohol. They also celebrate cultural events and group feasts with foods such harees, fouga, kabsa, and luqemat. Furthermore, the UAE’s diverse culinary culture brings together Middle Eastern street food favorites, most famously shawarma, which provide both residents and tourists with an enticing variety of tastes.
A standout example of an Emirati culinary success is the stuffed camel, which is cooked slowly over charcoal pits and symbolizes hospitality and celebration. Another beloved dish that resembles porridge and is associated with celebrations and social gatherings is harees, which adds flavor to the UAE’s rich cultural heritage with every mouthful.
Emirati Greetings and Social Customs
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attending a Majlis is not only conventional, but also a deeply embedded ritual rooted in hospitality and cultural etiquette. When visitors arrive, they follow a welcome procedure that typically begins on the right side of the room and moves to the left, unless there is an elderly guest who is given priority. Men greet each other in the traditional Emirati way by touching their noses, or khushmak, while women shake hands and give each other cheek or head kisses. It’s crucial to remember, though, that people of the opposite gender don’t embrace unless they have a deep family relationship.
After greetings, the host takes on the character of a polite Emirati coffee connoisseur, ceremoniously serving from the right side of the room to the left, giving special attention to well-aged or distinguished visitors. The coffee server, following tradition, presents the coffee cup to each visitor with their right hand while skillfully holding the dallah, or coffee pot, with their left. Whereas in a female gathering the server may choose to sit while providing hospitality, in a male gathering the server stays standing until the visitor indicates they have had enough.
The coffee cup is usually filled to less than halfway, as a token of respect and charity, and the temperature of the brew indicates its exclusivity and freshness. With each polite drink, guests appreciate the cultural subtleties of Emirati social norms by accepting and returning the coffee cup with their right hand.
Emirati Literature
Poems from the United Arab Emirates, a mainstay of the nation’s cultural legacy, travel through several periods, each influenced by changing social and educational contexts. Poetry that resonated with the traditional Arabic poetry style known as qaṣīdah began to develop in the early 1900s from poets whose literary talent blossomed despite their lack of formal education. However, a large portion of their contributions are still unrecorded because of the era’s poor printing skills and budget limitations.
Emirati poetry’s subject undercurrents changed as the UAE moved from rural to urban areas in the middle of the 20th century, mirroring the shifting social dynamics. Nonetheless, the period of Emirati poetry was ushered in by the post-oil contemporary generation, who were primarily university educated and included themes of love, religion, patriotism, and satire into their poetry. The popular and intellectual genres are both represented in Emirati drama, despite its lower popularity, and it adds a variety of viewpoints to the cultural landscape.
Journalism was essential in developing Emirati writers’ skills, especially in the field of short fiction, even if short stories were more popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although relatively unknown, “Shahenda” by Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi is a groundbreaking novel that highlights the emerging but still developing field of Emirati literature.
Music, Dance, and Film of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The cultural legacy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is woven throughout the rich fabric of the Arab khaleeji culture and is characterized by lively rhythms and enduring melodies. UNESCO designated Yowlah, also known as Al-Ayyala, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Yowlah is a painful representation of this history. Prominent individuals such as Mehad Hamad personify the United Arab Emirates’ musical legacy, enthralling listeners with patriotic hymns and poetic tributes to the desert. Traditional melodies and dances are timeless throughout generations, with every step and note bearing witness to the tenacity of Emirati culture.
Young females with billowing clothes dance to the beat of old songs, their hair falling to the beat. In the meanwhile, men perform with such passion that they seem to be channeling the spirit of their ancestors, performing hunting excursions and conflicts. The UAE’s rich cultural diversity and enduring spirit are demonstrated by these traditions, which are still thriving today.
Sports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have an undeniable passion for football, which has captured the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Football teams in the United Arab Emirates, such as Al-Ain, Al-Wasl, Al Nasr, Al-Sharjah, Al-Wahda, and Shabab Al-Ahli, have passionate fan bases and illustrious histories as consistent winners in their respective regions. The United Arab Emirates’ historic qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 1990 was a turning point in the nation’s athletic history, as they joined Egypt as the global football representatives of Arab football. In addition, their victory in the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup, which was held in Abu Dhabi, cemented their dominance in the football scene of the area.
Outside of football, falconry is the most beloved symbol of Emirati culture and is included as a culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since falcons are regarded as noble companions, falconry represents a strong bond with family and heritage. The International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and other organizations like the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital demonstrate the sport’s continued importance in Emirati culture and the devoted support it has.
The UAE’s long-standing custom of camel racing has also evolved from a recreational activity to a sanctioned sport, with strict rules protecting the wellbeing of the animals as well as the competitors. Camel racing continues to enthrall audiences and preserve the spirit of Emirati tradition for future generations, with modern racetracks dotted throughout the desert terrain, from Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi to Nad Al Sheba in Dubai.
Emirati Holidays
With several festivals and cultural events honoring important dates in the country’s history and religious calendar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a dynamic cultural mosaic. Celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha, which falls during the Hajj pilgrimage, are associated with group prayers, eating, and charitable deeds.
During the Hajj season, Arafah Day is commemorated. It has great spiritual significance. December 2nd and 3rd is UAE National Day, a celebration of the emirates’ unification that stands for pride in the country and togetherness. Commemoration Day and New Year’s Day, which are devoted to remembering the heroes of the United Arab Emirates, provide opportunities for introspection and contemplation.
In addition, the UAE’s celebration calendar is enhanced by the Islamic (Hijri) New Year and the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid), which represent the country’s dedication to custom, faith, and togetherness.
| Date | Arabic | English |
| January 1 | رأس السنة الميلادية (Ra’s as-Sana al-meladiah) | New Year’s Day |
| Zil Hajjah 10 | عيد الأضحى (Eid-al-Adha) | Day of the Sacrifice |
| Muharram 1 | رأس السنة الهجرية (Ra’s as-Sana al-Hijria) | Islamic New Year |
| Rajab 27 | الإسراء والمعراج (Al-Isra’a wal-Mi’raj) | The Night Journey |
| December 2 | اليوم الوطني (Yawm al watani) | National Day |
| Ramadan 29 / 30 Shawwal 1 | عيد الفطر (Eid-ul-Fitr) | End of Ramadan |
Source: https://bit.ly/4aDvNyN
