Culture of the United Arab Emirates

The Culture of the United Arab Emirates is part of the culture of Eastern Arabia."Country and Metropolitan Stats in Brief
MPI Data Hub Its historical population was a small tribal community that changed with the arrival of an influx of foreign nationals in the mid-20th century. Emirati culture is a blend of Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures, with influences from the cultures of East Africa and Indian Subcontinent. Islam has had a prominent influence on local architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle.

In the United Arab Emirates, the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of 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.

History

Artifacts uncovered in the UAE show a history of human habitation, transmigration and trade spanning over 125,000 years. The area was previously home to the Magan people known to the Sumerians, who traded with both coastal towns and bronze miners and smelters from the interior. A rich history of trade with the Harappan culture of the Indus Valley is also evidenced by finds of jewelry and other items and there is also extensive early evidence of trade with Bactria as well as the Levant.

Arabic culture

The UAE's official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken due to the country's diverse nature and economic globalization. Farsi, Hindi, Urdu and Mandarin are also widely spoken by expatriates from Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China.

Native Emirati nationals speak the Gulf Arabic, which is similar to that spoken in other GCC countries and Iraq.

Naming conventions

The first name is followed by “bin” or “bint,” which means ‘son of’ or ‘daughter of’, respectively, and the name of the father followed by the family name.

After marriage, women retain their family names, and children take the name of the father.

Architecture

The United Arab Emirates' 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.

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.

Lifestyle

Clothing

Many Emirati men and women prefer traditional Emirati clothes; the Kandura and Abaya.

Traditional clothing is designed for comfort in high temperatures and to keep with the Islamic religious beliefs in the country. Clothing that cover more parts of the body from the sunlight is preferred. Ballgowns are common in this area. Ballgowns are commonly adorned with silver and gold.

Colourful embroidered dressing is common during occasions such as weddings or dancing. A common dance in the Gulf Arab countries is the Khaleeji folk dance which entails rows of women in close proximity to one another who move in a slow fashion while rhythmically swaying their hair from side to side. The dress is an important aspect of this dance.

Diet

The Emirati diet is a mixture of a Bedouin diet (meat and camel milk), a fishermen's diet (fish), and a farmer's diet (dates). These foods, along with key spices, such as cinnamon, saffron, and turmeric, form the basis of both historical and modern Emirati cuisine.

Vegetables that are easy to grow, such as cucumbers

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