The culture followed by the people in united Arab Emirates(UAE) is “EMIRATI”. 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 word Emirati is an English word derived from a combination of the word emir, which is an Islamic leader, and the English suffix -ate. It gradually came to mean the United Arab Emirates. The demonym Emirian has a similar root except with the suffix -ian being added to the emir. Rarer Emirian demonyms and adjectives include Emiri and Emiratian, both of which are unofficial and informal alternates.
One major thing to know about Emirati culture is that the people from the UAE thrive on their hospitality. Emiratis are extremely friendly and welcoming people, so when greeting friends, they tend to use fairly long greetings, with praises to God, in addition to hugs and kisses. This is only done in between men. When it comes to Emirati women, one should not try to shake their hand unless she puts out her hand first and definitely avoid embraces and kisses.
RELIGION & BELIFS:
Religion is a massive part of Emirati culture and customs and visitors should be highly respectful of it. Many of the customs seen in the UAE are derived or identical to customs in Islam and visitors should always show regard to the religion. This is done by dressing appropriately when visiting mosques, not eating during Ramadan fasting hours, respecting prayer times and showing admiration and respect for this interesting religion. A visit to the UAE is a great opportunity to learn more about Islam and its customs as well.
CUSINE:
Emirati cuisine (Arabic: المطبخ الإماراتي) is the local traditional Arabic cuisine of the United Arab Emirates. It is part of the Eastern Arabian cuisine and shares remarkable similarities with cuisines from neighboring countries, such as Omani cuisine and Saudi Arabian cuisine, a well as influences from different Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines .Emirati food is delicious and visitors should definitely take some time to indulge themselves in Emirati cuisine. UAE locals are big on eating and often say praises to God before and after their meals. Some of the more common delicacies Emirati people enjoy are dates and camel milk. It’s important to know that locals do not consume alcohol and when having dinner out with an Emirati friend it’s best to pick a spot where alcohol is not served. Additionally, never serve pork to locals, or any Muslims for that matter, as it’s against their religion to eat it.
 |
| KHUBZ |
As a major international hub, the United Arab Emirates today has a multicultural and variety of cuisines from different parts of the world Cuisine in the UAE emanates from a rich history of changing civilisations. Since much of the Emirates lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf, fish and seafood is very much a mainstay of the UAE diet. Muslims do not eat pork but all most other meats are used in the cuisine with a preference for lamb, goat and chicken. A national specialty is stuffed camel which is an ancient Bedouin recipe modified over the years. It involves stuffing the interior of the animal with sheep, goats and chickens then, traditionally, cooked slowly over a pit of burning charcoal for up to 24 hours.
 |
| Machboos with chicken - a popular Emirati dish. |
One of the most frequently eaten foods is Shawarma which is spit roasted meat or mixed meats served with a variety of ingredients such as tabbouleh, tahini, hummus, pickles, cucumber or tomato. It can be served on a plate or in a Taboon bread (flatbread).
The cuisine is augmented with various spices and ingredients including: cloves, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg or almonds, pine nuts, dates and sultanas. Kabsa is a popular recipe that involves a number of rice dishes with meats and vegetables containing various spices and ingredients.
 |
| Luqaimat is a famous traditional Emirati dessert. |
Harees is a beloved dish which is often served during Ramadan and the Eid festivals. The recipe involves cracked wheat and meat which is slow cooked and has the consistency of porridge. Maqluba is another favorite dish which incorporates meat, rice and vegetables which is cooked in one pot and turned over after cooking so that the bottom layer now appears at the top. It is served with a simple salad and yogurt or another sauce such as Tahini.
MUSIC AND DANCE:
As a visitor, this custom is not one to be careful with, but one to enjoy. Emirati music and dance is extremely fun and exciting and tourists are bound to love it. They can catch a glimpse of it in desert safaris or when visiting the UAE during national holidays, such as the UAE National Day on December 2nd. Emirati music comes from the time of the Bedouins and was sung by camel herdsmen and professional performers, in addition to being highly popular with pearl divers.
RAMADAN:
 |
| Ramadan Kareem |
Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar and is extremely important to Emirati people, as well as other Muslim cultures who reside in the UAE. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day during the month. This occasion moves around accordingly to the lunar calendar, but when visiting the UAE during Ramadan its crucial to know not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum in public. Aside from it being highly offensive to those who are fasting, it is also not allowed by law in the country.
Traditional Emirati Clothing for Men
Kandura:
The kandura (also referred to as a thobe) is a long-sleeved, ankle length garment. It resembles a loose-fitting robe or a long shirt. It is most commonly found in white (all the better to fight the sun’s rays!). Furthermore, it also comes in beige, yellow, lavender and blue, particularly in the winter season. Different countries in the Gulf have their own twist on this traditional dress. In the UAE, for example, the kandura has no collar and often has embroidery on the sleeves.
Ghutra:
The ghutra is a cloth headdress that Emirati men wear. Traditionally, it served a dual purpose of protecting the desert dwellers from both the sun and the sandstorms. The conventional ghutra for Emirati men is white. However, the current fashions have been influenced by the traditions of neighboring Gulf states as well. Today, you’ll also see Emiratis wearing ghutras in a red and white chequered pattern, inspired by the style in neighboring Saudi Arabia. The ghutra is held in place by the agal, a black cord that wraps around the head.
Traditional Emirati Clothing for Women
Abaya:
The traditional dress of a UAE woman is the abaya. It is important to note that the abaya is not really a dress. Instead it can be more accurately compared to a thin, flowing cloak that covers the body. Underneath, women wear their clothes (and in fact, often choose western-inspired styles, like jeans). That is part of the reason that the abaya is black. It allows the wearer to don brightly colored hues underneath, without revealing their inner garments to the public eye. Traditional abayas are plain black. Many modern styles incorporate embellishments and embroidery on the dark fabric, which adds a contemporary twist to the look.
Hijab:
The Hijab is a veil worn by Muslim women. It usually covers their hair, ears and neck. Hijab is colloquially a catch-all term to describe the various styles of head coverings for Gulf women. Hijab actually refers to a specific form of head wrap. One of the most popular styles of head covering in the UAE is the Shayla, which consists of a long, rectangular scarf that crosses over the shoulder.
Burqua:
In the Gulf, a burqua is a type of facemask. This differs from the burqua in other parts of the world, which refers to a head-to-toe covering garment. The mask is designed to cover a part of the woman’s forehead and upper lip, in a manner that resembles a horizontal H shape. At first glance, these burquas look like they are made of metal, but they are in fact made of metallic cloth. Generally, burquas tend to worn by members of the older generation, with it not being as popular a style among the youth of the country.
What should tourists wear when visiting the UAE?
There tends to be a lot of confusion regarding what is appropriate for tourists to wear when visiting the UAE. In general, there is no need for tourists to cover their hair when visiting the UAE. Despite some sensational news headlines, the dress codes are quite relaxed as well. Authorities only ask people to cover up in cases of highly immodest outfits. You can still wear shorts or a skirt an inch above the knee, or tops that bare your arms. Just try to keep in mind the amount of overall skin you are showing. For example, if you are showing your legs, try to wear a more modest top.
UAE Customs and Traditions
Henna Tattoos:
UAE culture and traditions are a huge part of Emirati life. The beauty ritual of painting the hands and feet with henna dye is an important part of the lives of Arabic women here. The women wear henna at any time but more especially at weddings and special occasions. Getting together for a henna party in the evening is a common social event for Emirati women.
The choice of henna tattoo reveals a great deal about the wealth of the family as well as the value placed on women. The tradition of henna is more than just decorative with a belief that certain designs protect the wearer against evil spirits by way of barakah, positive energy flowing from Allah.
Henna is widely available in traditional salons around UAE. It is a great experience and an opportunity to connect with the local women.
Falconry:
Another very important part of UAE culture is falconry which has been practiced by the Bedouin in the UAE for over 4000 years. The falcon is the national bird of UAE symbolising courage, strong will, determination, grace and pride. Falconry is one of the country’s oldest and most enduring traditions. The falcon was hunted for food in a land with a scarcity of food and resources. Over time the role of the falcon in traditional Emirati life has evolved from a food source into a respected and valued sport. Falconry’s revered status derives from a sense of courage, honor and nobility, all prized traditional Arab values. Values, with links to nature conservation, respect for animals and comradery among falconers. According to H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, falconry is a sport that teaches endurance, strength, and patience.
 |
| Emirati men with their Falcon |
“Falconry allows our children to enjoy the spell of the desert, imbuing them with the virtues of patience and fortitude, willpower and companionship, values that are just as important today, as they have been for generations,” says His Highness who is Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
This enduring UAE tradition can be observed by the public and visitors at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
Coffee and Tea:
Arabic coffee features highly in UAE customs and traditions. The Arabic coffee pot (Dallah) is a symbol of hospitality and is ubiquitous around the emirates.
Everywhere you go in the UAE the Dallah is a feature – in home decor , fabric, gardens and even as sculptures on roundabouts around the country. Offering Arabic coffee as a welcome to guests is a hugely important element of Emirati hospitality. They are a very warm, generous and engaging society and this tradition of sipping coffee is symbolic of that. Refusing the offer of this sweet, thick cardamom flavored liquid is perceived as rude.
After imbibing this treat, a light shake of the tiny coffee cup indicates to the host that is enough and ensures no offence is given.
Camels:
The camel is still an intrinsic part of UAE culture in many ways. This humble animal was the main food source for the Bedouin for thousands of years, both for its meat and its milk.
Today the camel still plays an important part in the lives of the people of the UAE, however, the meat is more of a delicacy now, served mostly on special occasions.
The camel’s milk interestingly is becoming very popular as an alternative milk source for the lactose intolerant. Also, many of its properties are known to contribute to fighting certain diseases such as diabetes, cancer, shingles and autism. The camel is rarely a mode of transport in modern UAE, however, Camel Beauty Competitions and Camel racing Events are popular.
To this day the use of camel wool in traditional weaving is still in practice by the older Bedouin generation.
0 Comments