The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a diverse society. The country's historical population as a small tribal community that has changed with the arrival of other nationals, in the mid-20th century. The country was also part of the British Empire until 1971.Emirati culture is based on Arabian culture, with influences from the cultures of East Africa and Indian Subcontinent. The religion of Islam has had a prominent influence on local architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques, which are scattered around the country.The weekend begins on Friday due to Friday being the holiest day for Muslims; most Muslim countries have a Friday-Saturday or Thursday-Friday weekend. The city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Emirate of Sharjah was named "The Cultural capital of the Arab World" by UNESCO in 1998 and the "Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014" by the OIC.
VALIDATION OF THE UAE'S HERITAGE:
ARCHITECTURE
The United Arab Emirate's architecture is influenced by Islamic architecture and Arabian architecture. For example, the "barjeel" has become an identifying mark of traditional Emirati architecture and is attributed to Persian influence.
Emirati architecture reflects the traditional lifestyles and customs of the people. Building materials are simple, but well-adapted to local living and climate. For migrant tribes, portable tents traditionally provided shelter during the winter season. Inland, more permanent houses were built of stone guss with roofs made from palm tree leaves. Fossilized coral, cut in blocks, bonded with sarooj or a seashell-derived lime mixture, and plastered with chalk and water paste, was used extensively in coastal regions.
Emirati architecture reflects the traditional lifestyles and customs of the people. Building materials are simple, but well-adapted to local living and climate. For migrant tribes, portable tents traditionally provided shelter during the winter season. Inland, more permanent houses were built of stone guss with roofs made from palm tree leaves. Fossilized coral, cut in blocks, bonded with sarooj or a seashell-derived lime mixture, and plastered with chalk and water paste, was used extensively in coastal regions.
A courtyard architectural layout was commonly seen in the vernacular architecture of the UAE such as houses, schools, mosques, and governmental buildings. The courtyard was a thermal regulator in hot and humid weather but also had privacy functionality. Privacy and ventilation are important components in traditional architecture of the UAE.
VALUES:
- Respect for Heritage and Cultural Diversity: We respect the deep-rooted values and the rich heritage of UAE and seek to sustain them.
- Integrity and Transparency: We adhere to the highest ethical principles and work with integrity, transparency and accountability to create trust and credibility.
- Collaborative Work Environment : We support one another at work through cooperation and teamwork.
- Student Focus: We recognize that students are at the center of the university’s activities and ensure that our work contributes to continuous improvement in student success.
- Effectiveness in Decision-making: We focus on outcomes, base our decisions and plans on evidence and analysis, and develop and adopt efficient systems and procedures that support the university’s core business.
- Effective Communication: We are committed to effective communication, through a variety of communication methods, with all our stakeholders (staff, students, alumni, partners, vendors, and the local and international communities).
- Dedication to Knowledge: We are committed to world-class education and scholarship relevant to student careers and community needs.
EFFORTS OF THE UAE GOVERMENT IN PRESERVATING THE HERITAGE:
Government entities have taken and continue to take several measure not only to preserve the heritage but also to create awareness about it. It has achieved this through:
- holding festivals and events
- forming clubs
- establishing heritage villages
- establishing and maintaining museums
- constructing and maintaining mosques.
Festivals and events:
Annual festivals such as Qasr Al Hosn Festival, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Sultan bin Zayed Heritage Festival, Sharjah Heritage Days bring alive the UAE's heritage and gives the chance for the new generation to experience and value it. These festivals are very popular and draw huge crowds.
CLUBS:
Clubs such as Emirates Heritage Club and Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage conduct research on the heritage and organize activities to promote awareness about the heritage.
HERITAGE VILAGES:
Heritage villages are a complex of structures that include traditional houses, schools, markets and public spaces. It is like a replica of structures in the olden days. All emirates have at least one heritage village. The heritage villages offer a peek into the different aspects of the lives of Emiratis in the olden times. Read about the heritage villages in:
MUSEUMS:
Museums in the UAE have contributed a lot towards preservation of the culture of the UAE. There are several museums in the UAE. They display artwork, rare pictures, utensils, armoury, maritime equipment, currencies and other items from the olden times. Museums that have opened in original structures that served as forts or palaces in the olden days reflect the heritage of the UAE in a unique way.
New museums:
Several new museums such as The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Maritime Museum are coming up in Saadiyat Cultural District of Abu Dhabi.
Each of these museums will have a state of the art building. The Louvre and Guggenheim will exhibit unique collections from all over the world.
Each of these museums will have a state of the art building. The Louvre and Guggenheim will exhibit unique collections from all over the world.
Constructing and maintaining mosques
- General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments is the federal authority responsible for constructing mosques in the UAE. There are about 4818 mosques in the UAE open all day to call for piety, righteousness and peace.
- Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah is the oldest mosque in the UAE.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the grandeur of the Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid architectural styles. Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE, was laid to rest in the complex of the mosque.
- Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. It can hold up to 1,200 worshippers.
All these three mosques are open for visits by non-Muslims.
Cultural authorities:
- Ministry of Culture and Youth
- Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
- Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture)
- Department of Culture and Information - Sharjah
- Fujairah Culture and Media Authority
Culture and heritage:
To Know about the culture and heritage of the UAE on the official tourism portals of:
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