Culture of the United Arab Emirates

The culture of the United Arab Emirates is part of the culture of Eastern Arabia. It began with a small tribal community and grew when many people from other places arrived in the mid-20th century. Today, Emirati culture mixes Arabian, Islamic, and Persian traditions, with additional influences from East Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

Islam plays a big role in shaping daily life, including architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle. In cities like Dubai, people enjoy both old traditions and new modern ways of living, seen in festivals, arts, and many social events.

Interesting places include Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Emirate of Sharjah was honored as "The Cultural capital of the Arab World" by UNESCO in 1998 and later as the "Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014" by the OIC.

History

Main article: History of the United Arab Emirates

See also: Demographics of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has a long history going back over 125,000 years. People lived there, moved through it, and traded with others. Artifacts show that the area was once home to the Magan people, who traded with towns along the coast and miners from inland areas. There is also evidence of trade with the Harappan culture from the Indus Valley, as well as with places like Bactria and the Levant. Many pieces of jewelry and other items have been found that tell us about these ancient trades.

Arabic culture

The United Arab Emirates' official language is Arabic, but many people also speak English because of the country's many different cultures and its busy economy. Other languages like Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Mandarin are spoken by people from places such as Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China.

People who are from the UAE usually speak Gulf Arabic, which is similar to the language spoken in other countries in the GCC and Iraq.

Naming conventions

In the UAE, a person's full name includes "bin" (for boys) or "bint" (for girls), meaning "son of" or "daughter of," followed by their father's name and then the family name. After marriage, women keep their own family names, and children use their father's family name.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of the United Arab Emirates

The architecture of the United Arab Emirates is shaped by Islamic architecture and Arabian styles. A key feature is the "barjeel", a tower-like design that shows Persian influence. Traditional buildings used simple materials suited to the local climate and lifestyle. Nomadic tribes used portable tents for winter shelter, while inland homes were made from stone with roofs from palm tree leaves. Coastal areas often used fossilized coral mixed with sarooj or a seashell-based lime and chalk.

Many traditional buildings, including homes, schools, mosques, and government offices, had a central courtyard. This design helped control the temperature in hot weather and provided privacy, showing how important comfort and space were in the past.

Lifestyle

Clothing

Main article: Clothing in the UAE

Many people in the United Arab Emirates wear traditional clothes. Men often wear a long white robe called a kandura, and women wear a loose, flowing dress called an abaya. These clothes help people stay cool in hot weather and follow the country’s religious beliefs. Brightly colored clothes with silver or gold designs are popular for special events like weddings. One traditional dance, called the Khaleeji or Al Ayyala dance, involves rows of women moving slowly and swaying their hair.

Diet

Main article: Emirati cuisine

Food in the UAE mixes many traditions. People eat meat, camel milk, fish, and dates. Spices like cinnamon, saffron, and turmeric are used in many dishes. Vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes are common, along with locally grown mangoes. Special meals might include camel meat for celebrations. A popular dish is Harees, made from wheat, meat or chicken, and salted water, often served during Ramadan or festivals. Other favorite foods include fouga, kabsa, and luqemat. Because the UAE has people from many places, you can also find dishes like shawarma.

Greetings and social customs

When visiting someone’s home, guests are greeted by shaking hands and saying “As-salamu alaykum,” meaning “Peace be upon you.” The reply is “Wa alaykum as-salam,” or “And upon you be peace.” Men may touch noses as a greeting, while women shake hands and may kiss on the cheek. It’s polite to greet older people or special guests first. When drinking coffee, the host serves it from right to left, starting with the most important guest. The coffee pot, called a dallah, is held in the left hand while serving with the right. These traditions show the importance of respect and hospitality in Emirati culture.

Literature

See also: List of Emirati writers

Poetry

Emirati poetry has three main periods. The oldest form is oral poetry, often told by Bedouin people and passed down through generations. It includes stories about spirits called jinn. In the middle of the 20th century, as people moved to cities, their poetry changed. Today, many poets are educated and write about many topics, including patriotism, family, and love.

Drama

Drama is less popular than poetry in the UAE. There are two kinds: one written in the local Emirati dialect and another in standard Arabic, which more people can understand. Both types add unique ideas and creativity to the country’s culture.

Fiction

Short stories became popular in the UAE in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Journalism helped grow writing in the 1970s and 80s by publishing these stories. The novel, a longer form of fiction, is less common. The first Emirati novel, Shahenda, was written by Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi.

Music, dance, and film

Main articles: Music of the United Arab Emirates and Cinema of the United Arab Emirates

The UAE is part of the Arab khaleeji tradition. Yowlah, a type of music and dance, was named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. Famous singers like Mehad Hamad perform songs about the desert. Traditional dances include young girls swinging their hair and men performing dances that mimic battles or hunting, sometimes using props like weapons.

Sports

Main article: Sport in the United Arab Emirates

Football is the most popular sport. Teams like Al-Ain, Al-Wasl, and Al-Sharjah are well-known. The UAE national team has played in the FIFA World Cup. Falconry is also important and is recognized by UNESCO. Many people train and care for falcons as valued companions. Camel racing is a traditional sport. Today, robot jockeys race the camels instead of children, following government rules.

Holidays

The UAE celebrates many holidays, including Eid Al-Fitr, which ends Ramadan, Eid Al-Adha, and Arafah Day. The UAE National Day on December 2 and 3 celebrates the country’s formation. Other holidays are New Year’s Day, Commemoration Day to honor those who served the country, the Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid).