Category: Culture & customs

A multifaceted man, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa is a member of the Bahraini royal family. He is an artist, art collector, chairman of the Bahrain Arts Society, chairman of the National Council of the Arts, and he expertly balances his many responsibilities while still having a passion for travel and family.

The septuagenarian, who is acknowledged as one of the best artists in the Arab world, started his artistic career almost fifty years ago. Despite living in an elegant and beautiful environment, his artistic journey was fueled by a nomadic life that he led throughout the world. He started painting landscapes after receiving a scholarship from the Hastings College of Art and Design in Sussex, England. He captured the desolate surroundings of his beloved Bahrain on his canvas.

The start and the voyage “I enjoyed experimenting with color, sketching, and painting more than I did learning any other academic subjects in school,” he states. But the young artist made the most of his time studying in the UK by interacting with other artists and immersing himself in excellent art throughout the nation’s historic museums and art galleries.

Shaikh Rashid says, “I’m basically inspired by my surroundings.” The content of my artwork is primarily influenced by Bahrain’s unique light, colors, and atmosphere. I like to use these elements to create paintings, wall sculptures, and installations that combine my natural surroundings with modern and traditional architecture.

The 80s’ fleeting, figurative oil paintings gradually made way for the 90s’ abstract forms. The artist experimented with a variety of surfaces and materials as a result of this. Aluminum became a popular medium, requiring laborious work that required extraordinary patience and perseverance, first coating its façade with glossy lacquer paint before working on enamel.

Shaikh Rashid says he considers himself lucky to have participated in biennials, fairs, and prestigious group exhibits all over the world. ‘First Light’ at Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan (2023); ‘Tesselate’, Mario Mauroner Gallery, Vienna, Austria (2021); ‘Rashid Al Khalifa’, Opera Gallery, Dubai, UAE (2021); ‘Transverse Wave’, me Collectors Room, Berlin, Germany (2019); ‘Penumbra’, Saatchi Gallery, London (2018); Moscow Biennale, Moscow, Russia (2019); ‘Contemporary Istanbul’, Istanbul, Turkey (2019, 2021); ‘SCOPE’, Miami Beach, Miami, USA (2021); Art Brussels (2022); Art Geneve (2023); among others.

Shaikh Rashid and a few other artist friends started an arts club in Bahrain thanks to the support of friends and family. Thus, the Bahrain Arts Society was established, and it now serves as the engine of a flourishing art ecosystem in the Gulf country. Exhibitions are held for the benefit of the public’s viewing pleasure, promoting both Bahraini and foreign artists who possess talent. A thriving foundation for the creative arts has been established in Bahrain thanks to State sponsorship, stimulating discourse, and international exposure for artists.

Since its founding in 2010, Art Bahrain has supported numerous local, regional, and global cultural initiatives, art exhibitions, and educational programs. Bahrain’s contemporary art scene and its global integration have been greatly influenced by Shaikh Rashid’s vision. He claims that he used to have architectural dreams. Despite never pursuing his passion professionally, he is now actively involved in the Gulf island’s design and architecture scenes. He established the Rashid Al Khalifa (RAK) Art Foundation in 2020, allowing the public and global community access to his private art collection and historic family home. “The foundation’s concept is to provide a venue where people are motivated and inspired to pursue their interests in the arts,” he says.

It’s interesting to note that three carpets made by hand in Azerbaijan are on display at the exhibition. All of these drew inspiration from pieces in the ‘First Light’ exhibition that thoughtfully incorporated Shaikh Rashid’s designs to honor Azerbaijani heritage. Rashid is bridging cultural divides with his provocative artwork in a world of geopolitical unrest.

Shaikha Noor, the eldest daughter of Shaikh Rashid, is carrying on her father’s creative legacy in a uniquely individualistic manner. She is one of the co-founders of Noon by Noor, a luxury fashion brand. It is obvious that creativity is fostered and runs in families.

Christmas surprises for families back home have been prepared by Filipino residents in Dubai, who have prepared everything from Barbie dolls and cell phones to canned food and chocolate.

They adhere to the custom of balikbayan, or returning residents. Instead of spending the holidays at home, the majority of expatriate workers will pack cartons full of food, electronics, clothing, and sweets to open beneath the Christmas tree.

Many people gradually add to the box every few weeks after saving for months. In order to give their family and children a taste of what they enjoy in the UAE, they stock up and wait for sales.

With over 50,000 packages, weighing between 30 and 100 kg, shipped by freight to the Philippines between October and December, the Emirates is one of the world’s largest hubs.

“My kids have always been thrilled to open packages and see the clothes and chocolates inside,” said 45-year-old Sharon Toribio, a housemaid in Dubai.

“I purchase Ferrero Rocher or Toblerone during sales, and occasionally I include a cell phone so they’re delighted to find it.”

“I added groceries, meat or fish in cans, and sausage made from chicken or corned beef.

“I want them to appreciate what I’ve got in Dubai.”

A wish fulfilled
Ms. Toribo, a resident of the southeast town of Guinobatan, works as a part-time babysitter to supplement her income from three children in the 20–25 age range.

The family of Ms. Toribio will cherish this year especially.

Though the UAE resident will be in the Philippines in December for her first Christmas break in 14 years since she started working, balikabayan boxes are frequently sent because expatriate workers are unable to be at home.

She explained, “I didn’t go to the Philippines for a holiday for many years because I lost my job during the pandemic.”

“This year, I will be spending Christmas with my daughters as per their request.”

She includes household supplies in her box as well so her family can experience UAE goods.

Coffee, sugar, flour, pasta, detergents, and dishwasher soap are among the items I include. I know you can get these in the Philippines, but I still like to send them.

Santa’s elves LBC Express, a 75-year-old courier business in the Philippines, has hired more personnel, and its warehouses in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are now loading boxes.

Head of sales and marketing for LBC Express Middle East Allan Bautista remarked, “We are like Santa’s elves; this is a busy time for us.”

“The origins of Bagibayan can be traced back to the generations when Filipino immigrants sent gifts for their family members back home.

“A returning resident, or balikbayan, is someone who is returning home. This is what keeps balikbayan boxes in demand.

Depending on how far away the location is, the company can deliver 50,000 packages from the Emirates to more than 7,500 Philippine Islands in a duration of 30 to 60 days.

For boxes weighing 30 kg to 100 kg, the prices range from Dh115 to Dh370.

He stated, “We try to get the boxes home before Christmas Eve.”

“On average, it takes people two to three months to complete the boxes.

“Our busiest time of year is Christmas. Our largest market in the region and one of the largest globally is the United Arab Emirates.

Kristine Suico, 37, a resident of Dubai, purchased gifts for the family as well as Barbie dolls and pink dresses for her young daughter.

Shopping for Barbie memorabilia for her six-year-old child and her daughter’s friend is made easier by the variety of toys that are available.

“I explore the city to find the best deals. The hotel industry employee Ms. Suico stated, “There are a lot more options here in Dubai.”

“It’s less expensive than in the Philippines because I can buy wholesale goods in Dubai.”

She claimed that while packing the gifts, she feels at home.

“They love that gesture, and they get excited when they get a parcel that comes from me,” she remarked.

“This will be under the Christmas tree when they open their gifts at midnight on December 24. I won’t be there.”

Dubai Design Week, the premier design platform in the Middle East, kicks off tomorrow at d3. It is organized under the auspices of His Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the United Arab Emirates Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and The member of the Dubai Council. Additionally, it is in strategic partnership via Dubai Designing District (d3), a subsidiary of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture.

A key component of Dubai’s reputation as the Middle East’s center of design and creativity and an UNESCO’s City of Design is Dubai Design Week. Throughout the week, there will be debates, pop-up events, exhibitions, interactive workshops, and outdoors urban installations as part of the free programme.

Over 500 designers, architects, and creative professionals from more than 40 countries are expected to participate in Dubai Design Week, which is expected to have its most comprehensive and varied program to date.

Downtown Design, the main event of Uae Design Week, begins on Wednesday, November 8. Downtown Design, the premier fair for modern, high-quality design in the region, brings together regional and international architects, designers, and design aficionados to present the newest developments in the field of design. A carefully chosen assortment of well-known and up-and-coming companies, creators, and design studios are present at the event. In addition to a carefully designed networking agenda, it offers a platform for learning, researching design trends throughout the design profession, and networking through a series of seminars and masterclasses.

“We were overjoyed to see Uae Design Week start off at our worldwide creative environment for another highly profitable and inspiring edition,” stated Khadija Al Bastaki, the senior vice president of Dubai Designer District, a division of TECOM Group. People tend to ignore the various ways that design affects our life.

This exhibition honors in a public way the various ways that design has been applied and developed throughout its numerous fields, including furniture, interiors, architecture, and more. As it allows viewers to enjoy the range of talent throughout installations, displays, activations, workshops, and talks—including the fourth edition of d3 Architecture Exhibition—we are honored to be an integral component of this prestigious design showcase. Every Dubai Design Week event shows how quickly the creative sector in Dubai is expanding and how Dubai is maintaining its standing.

It took almost ten years to complete and is significant since it is the first Arabic-language resource on the nation’s geology.

A book that has been translated into Arabic for the first time provides insight into the UAE’s more than 600 million-year geological history.

The nation’s geological structure, notable events and eras, as well as its mineral riches, are all covered in the book, which took more than ten years to write.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure published The Geological Evolution in the UAE during over 600 million years of Earth history.

As the first reference on the nation’s geology to be published in Arabic, Khalid Al Hosani, director of the geologist and natural resources department in the Ministry, told The National that it represents an important milestone.

The detailed text, according to him, “depicts the nation’s geological development over a period of over 600 million years.

It compiles findings from numerous geological and geophysical investigations and surveys that the ministry carried out in collaboration with a number of specialized international knowledge institutions.

The book gives a thorough picture of the dynamic geological development of the UAE.

For geologists, researchers, and scientists in academia, government agencies, and the mining industry sector, it provides a trustworthy scientific resource with hundreds of geological maps and rich color drawings.

According to Mr. Al Hosani, the ministry and the British geological department are also collaborating on a study initiative.

The British geological survey is an agency of the government that uses organized surveying and research to increase geoscientific understanding of the UK’s land mass and continental shelf.

Mr. Al Hosani, the government and the organization inked a contract to work together on information sharing and research projects.

Studying the nation’s tectonic movements over many geological eras and its geological development is the main goal.

The author said, “This significant study effort needed extensive aerial surveys covering over 80,000 square kilometers.”

Additionally, it included deep seismic, radiological, gravity, geomagnetic, and surveys that provided crucial information regarding the deep structures of the Earth’s crust.

According to Mr. Al Hosani, the UAE’s mountain paths are another area of geological interest. He continued, “These surveys may present novel approaches for locating fresh oil and gas resources.”

These paths act as a national geological museum and are home to numerous rocks and unusual geological features.

They are a popular geotourist site and provide a unique perspective on the country’s geological and ecological alterations over time.

The 96-million-year-old “ophiolite” rocks, which are actually chunks of solid sea floor that have been driven upward and onto land, are among the things Mr. Al Hosani claimed to have discovered in these paths.

“These rocks contain potential treasures hidden from view and provide distinctive perspectives into the geological forces sculpting the earth.”

He claimed that because they provide a perspective of the shift from the edge of the continent to the deep ocean, they are also a popular location for geologists and researchers worldwide.

The Al Wathba Dunes Fossil Reserve and the Geopark in Sharjah will both be put out by the government for consideration by Unesco as World Heritage sites and Geoparks, respectively.

According to Mr. Al Hosani, “this is a part of the nation’s commitment to conserving natural areas and promoting geoscientific tourism.”

The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority has collaborated on the designation of the Sharjah Geopark.

He claimed that the national program for safeguarding of geological heritage and eco-tourism, run by the ministry, strives to maintain the country’s essential geological and cultural variety.

“The program is designed to promote ethical travel, raise environmental awareness, and create national and international alliances to protect geological heritage.”

 

In addition to seminars in Spain and the UAE, a show of Andalusian art will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

An investigation on the connections between Arabic and Andalusian cultures has been initiated by the UAE.

A number of cultural activities related to the project will highlight the joint history of Arabs and Spaniards.

The September premiere of “Andalusia: History and Civilization” will highlight the region’s contributions to global culture, the arts, and thought.

The celebrations, which will go through 2024, will include musical concerts and art exhibits.

The chairman of the “Andalusia: History and Civilization” committee, Mohammed Al Murr, stated that this initiative was born out of the UAE’s commitment to the world’s cultural legacy and its active participation in its protection, restoration, promotion, and global distribution.

It also aims to educate younger generations about the rich history of Andalusian civilization, including its contributions to humankind, culture, science, and society.

It also aspires to promote and improve the cohabitation and tolerance culture, which is the cornerstone of Andalusian civilization and is still relevant today.

One of the project’s attractions is an Andalusian art show that will open in November at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The effort will also include two cultural conferences that will highlight the finest of Andalusian literature, music, and art as well as the region’s contributions to science.

The initial of these will occur in Spain in September, and the second will take place in the UAE in February of 2024.

The National Library and Archives and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center coordinated the project.

The program’s organizers say one of its main goals is to highlight the long-standing historical connections among Spain and the Arab world.

Inigo de Palacio, Spain’s envoy to the UAE, said, “We knew that the endeavor would be able to capture the importance of the shared heritage and protect it with shared values.

Spanish still contains Arabic vocabulary, and famous buildings as the Alhambra castle or the Great Mosque of Cordoba serve as reminders of the common past.

The renowned House of Wisdom (HoW) has unveiled a treasure trove of rare titles as part of its involvement in the Sharjah Guest of Honour programs at the 65th Seoul International Book Fair, which runs from June 14 to 18. The emirate’s expansive pavilion aims to introduce Emirati and Arab cultures to Asian audiences via a carefully curated cultural showcase.

The focus of this rare books exhibition is on the close relationships and common tales that bind Islamic culture and its Korean counterparts. It includes a rich tapestry of prints, manuscripts, and ornamental gems. The exhibit’s thorough account of the travels and immigration of Arab and Muslim scholars who noticed a new home in Korea, accompanied by meticulous documentation of their journeys and interpretations of the literary and scientific innovations they encountered along the way, has also been an important attraction for book fair attendees, particularly history enthusiasts.

A stimulating panel discussion exploring the complex historical ties among Korea and the Arab and Islamic worlds was also organized by The House of Wisdom. The session, which featured Prof. Hee Soo Lee of Hanyang University’s Department of Cultural Anthropology, aimed to familiarize the Korean audience with Sharjah’s unique journey in fostering intellectual exchange as well as its efforts to foster a knowledge-based society by providing access to research and educational resources as well as futuristic libraries.

Exploring common values

“Our rare book exhibition as well as broader program emphasizes the breadth and longevity of cultural ties among South Korea and the Arab and Islamic world, which can be seen in our art, architecture, calligraphy, knowledge, and literature,” said Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW. In the coming years, we also hope to investigate fresh prospects for partnership that will promote communication and understanding.

The delegation of the HoW, headed by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasim, participated. The Library of the Republic of Korea, the Korea National People’s Museum, the National Hangul Museum, as well as the King Sejong Institute—which opened a new branch in Sharjah that will serve as the institute’s regional headquarters—were all visited by the chairman of the Department of Government Relations and the head of the Sharjah delegation.

 

If you haven’t been to Dubai, you haven’t had the chance to appreciate the wonderful fusion of grandeur and tradition. With its introduction to the meaning of elegance, flair, and magnificence, Dubai tourism ranks among the most stunning cities in the Arab world. Discover Dubai’s breathtaking skyline and the magnificent landmarks that represent its culture and religion.

Continue reading to learn how Dubai’s division of culture and tourism has aided in luring travelers from around the globe.

Dubai Culture

Due to its embracing of other cultures and traditions, Dubai exudes a cosmopolitan vibe. Over 200 different nationalities call Dubai home, and the city flawlessly incorporates its rich heritage and customs into every facet of life there. Discover the culture of the Emiratis, a distinctive blend of traditional Arab and Bedouin civilizations with strong African, South Asian, and Persian influences.

Dubai is an international hub in the middle of the desert, welcoming people from all over the world to call it home. Make the most of your trip by experiencing all of Dubai’s culture and tourism through its varied landmarks and customs, from Arabic coffees and spice to textiles and gold.

Dubai’s Architecture

You will be fascinated by Dubai’s architecture as a tourist. The older buildings in the city have typical Arabic architecture, which you will notice as you explore Dubai’s old town with one of our Dubai tour packages. In contrast, the city’s most recent constructions exhibit a fusion of contemporary luxury and Emirati culture. To offer you a sense of a traditional link, take note of how Dubai’s rich historical backdrop has been maintained in its current buildings and landmarks. On many of the Dubai monuments, the architects incorporated cutting-edge techniques like sustainability and an artistic allusion to earlier designs.

Dubai Shopping & Food Festival

You must go to Dubai at the Dubai shopping festival to get a full sense of its culture. Take part in a variety of cultural activities in Dubai, whose festivals draw tourists from all over the world who come to explore the city, shop at discounted prices, attend important sporting events, and watch spectacular fireworks. Watch some incredible cultural performances and take part in interesting leisure activities. During Dubai’s food festival, where you may sample regional cuisines and food events presented in shopping malls, you can also delight in cultural delights. Celebrate the variety of amazing foods and distinctive culinary flavors. Attending the various cultural festivals hosted throughout the year is a great way to learn about the traditional arts, music, and dance of the UAE while experiencing Dubai tourism.

Desert Safari and Adventures

Through its rocky terrains, Dubai’s department of culture and tourism promotes traditional and cultural lifestyles. Off-road vehicles and camels can be used to increase the excitement of your trip to Dubai. Camel rides in the desert, quad bike rides across the sand dunes, and overnight stays under the starry skies are all options. Experience an exciting night in the Dubai desert with wildlife viewing, a dance performance with barbecue, and the fun of donning traditional attire. Your desert safari in Dubai will be one to remember thanks to the varied cultural encounters and customary pursuits. Customized Dubai honeymoon packages from GT Holidays include thrilling excursions for you and your spouse.

Dubai Religion

Dubai is a hub for cross-cultural understanding and is home to numerous churches and temples, yet the majority of its population are Muslims. Since Islam is the recognized religion of Dubai, Arab and Islamic culture can be seen infiltrating every part of Dubai’s way of life. You will see that Islam plays a very significant role in every aspect of the city, from the architecture and music to the clothing and cuisine. Take a trip to discover the city’s historical sites and Arabian culture, including the Jumeirah Mosque, which is regarded as one of Dubai’s most impressive cultural attractions. Keep an eye out for the domes with elaborate geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and rudder motifs, which are examples of the traditional Fatimid style that comes from Egypt and Syria.

Cultural Differences

Dubai, home to 200 different nationalities, has long embraced the fusion of Emirati, Arabic, and foreign cultures, although it differs greatly from the western world. As a guest, you might experience a culture shock due to several cultural differences in Dubai. Locals will be seen moving about in traditional clothing, mosques will call for prayer, seeshas will be emitting fragrant odors, and Arabic will be spoken everywhere. You have to honor and uphold the local traditions and values as a tourist.

Aims to enhance Dubai Customs’ strategic services, including a unified trade platform.

Dubai Customs and the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) recently met to discuss ways to improve their customs services and increase profits from commercial activities. The unified trade system, the city experience, and the 360 services policy are just a few of the initiatives that Dubai Customs is working to improve strategic services through, according to Dr. Hussam Jumaa, Director of Services Innovation at Dubai Customs, and Anthony Mills, Executive Director of the Global Innovation Institute.

The goal of the policy is to aid government organizations in their endeavors to enhance services and realize the government’s vision by creating future services that put the needs of clients first, elevating government services to extraordinary levels of leadership. Dr. Jumaa highlighted Dubai Customs’ dedication to obtaining the finest outcomes in innovative and creative thinking, noting that innovation has turned into a pillar of their corporate culture.

Dubai Customs implements the most recent and significant global standards for innovation and creative strategy, creating specialist teams in all departments and industries to foster creativity, accept fresh ideas and inventions, and assess and mature them. In accordance with Dubai Customs’ 2021–2026 plan, the discussion with the Global Innovation Institute was successful and aimed to examine methods to develop and improve innovative customs services.

It is important to note that Dubai Customs made history by being the first customs institutions in the world and the initial government organization in the UAE and the Middle East to receive the Innovative The organization certification at the establishing level from the Global Innovation Institute.

The conference was a huge success overall, and Dubai Customs is eager to work with the Global Innovations Institute to continue developing and enhancing its client services.

With amazing sites like the towering Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the opulent Dubai Mall, Dubai is a vibrant and interesting city. You’ll be in the greatest position to take advantage of all that this UAE city has to offer if you familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs before your excursion.

It’s crucial that you are informed of the main rules and regulations before you travel to Dubai if you plan to venture outside of your chosen resort.

Here, we’ve included some vital details regarding Dubai’s laws, traditions, and culture that you must be mindful of before traveling.

Rules you should follow in Dubai

Being an Islamic country, the UAE has various local laws and customs that are related to the faith. To make the most out of your trip to the UAE, it is best to think about customs before you leave.

Alcohol in Dubai 

• To begin with, in Dubai, you need to be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol.
• When you’re out in public, it’s against the law to consume alcohol or even be drunk. The beach is part of this.
• Alcohol is only sold and consumed in hotels, resorts, taverns, restaurants, and clubs. As long as you consume it in the designated areas, there are many licensed and regulated establishments, so travelers rarely run into issues with the alcohol rules.

Additionally, visitors visiting Dubai are able to obtain a momentary liquor license good for up to one month. Visitors have to review the code of conduct documentation that will be given to them and make sure they are aware of all the guidelines on alcohol, including those pertaining to buying, transporting, and drinking it. You can now purchase alcohol from specific stores outside of any permitted facilities thanks to this license, which is free.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful drink with friends in a cozy bar or a bustling evening with music, Dubai is bursting with fantastic venues to enjoy a drink. To ensure that you are able to enjoy your drinks with no any hassles, be respectful of regional traditions.

Drug laws in Dubai

The same as in many other countries, drugs are prohibited in Dubai. Having illegal narcotics in your possession, or even just a trace amount in your blood, can land you in jail.

Furthermore unlawful is CBD oil. Despite being a widely accessible chemical in skincare and e-cigarettes made in the UK, it is illegal in the UAE. In addition to having these items removed from you, depending on how much you had in your possession, you might also face criminal charges.

What actions are deemed “offensive” in Dubai?

• Making inappropriate gestures or swearing while in public is considered rude and offensive whenever it occurs. 
• Although they are not prohibited, open displays of affection should be moderated or, if possible, avoided entirely because they are considered impolite in the United Arab Emirates.
• This is especially true of public kissing, for which many individuals have been detained.
  Sharing a hotel room: Unless you are married (extramarital sex is prohibited in the UAE and is penalized by law), it is forbidden to share a hotel room with someone of the opposing sex.
• Tourists are rarely prosecuted, yet premium hotels are more accepting of foreigners who are either dating or in a relationship.

The LGBT community and Dubai 

Sex among partners of the identical gender is prohibited in Dubai whether or not you are married because same-sex unions are not recognized there.

You run the risk of getting jailed for this, particularly if your behavior as a group is thought to be offensive and especially if it is done in public.

How to dress in Dubai 

The idea that tourists to Dubai must follow rigorous clothing regulations is a prevalent one. The bulk of people in Dubai are foreigners, who bring with them influences, inspirations, and fashions from all around the world. There aren’t many limitations on visitors’ dress in the city.

On the beach or beside the pool, wear a bikini or swimsuit is very allowed. But if you do decide to leave the hotel or the beach, remember to wrap up out of respect for regional traditions.You should only wear your swimwear at the beach or in the pool.

When in public, you should present a modest appearance. When exploring the city, women should cover their arms and legs and stay away from strappy tops and miniskirts. Long shorts and t-shirts are appropriate for men as long as they cover their shoulders and knees.

The fact that cross-dressing is forbidden in Dubai should also be noted.

Photography rules in Dubai  

While on vacation, you’ll want to take pictures, especially in this alluring city. In reality, using a smartphone to take pictures while exploring a new city is now simpler than ever. You are not permitted to take pictures of several structures and military facilities, so be aware of warnings and signs before starting your camera.

This goes beyond saying when it involves taking photographs of anybody in public, basically. You must also obtain permission before taking a photo of anyone and you must not take images of Emirati women.

Additionally, you should exercise caution when posting anything online since you risk legal action if it is thought to be disrespectful of the government or mocks the nation

 

When it pertains to what is and is not considered acceptable in Dubai’s culture, there is a lot of conflicting and false information available. Dubai is a thriving, multicultural metropolis where more than 100 different nationalities coexist together. Every year, millions of people visit Dubai, which is a true crossroads of cultures. Although the indigenous population is relatively tiny (about 15%), Emiratis are friendly, welcoming, and extremely tolerant of international visitors and residents. In exchange, it would be extremely welcomed if visitors visiting Dubai spent some time learning about the traditions and culture of the region.

UAE is a Muslim nation. The family is at the heart of the culture, which is founded on a deeply ingrained conviction in Islam. In Dubai, there are numerous mosques, and the lovely “adhan” call to prayer can be heard five times day. Although government agencies and several multinational corporations are closed on Saturday, the weekend officially begins on Friday. On Fridays at noon, mosques will be packed with worshipers gathered to hear a sermon. Though certain major retail establishments, including Carrefour, and the majority of large supermarket stores remain open as usual on Fridays, most retailers open about 2 PM. Although English is almost universally spoken and Arabic is the official language, all street signs are also in both languages.

Outside of the beach, it is more socially acceptable for women to eschew miniskirts, midriff-baring tops, and shorts, and for males to refrain from going shirtless or wearing shorts. For ladies, mid-length skirts or Capri pants with t-shirts or blouses are regarded as fairly appropriate. Typically, Muslim women throughout the Gulf States wear the “abaya,” a long, black robe. The “abaya” is a cultural habit rather than an Islamic necessity. Islam mandates that women cover their heads at all times and wear long, flowing garments that cover their arms and legs. Gulf men don a loose, usually white robes called a “dishdasha” and a headpiece called a “gutra” that has white or red checkered fabric. A black string holding the gutra in place is called an “agal”

Although Arabs are among the friendliest people on earth, tourists should nonetheless be aware of a few cultural customs when engaging with locals. Before snapping a picture of a local woman, it is essential to get her permission. Most likely, she will say no. Visitors should be informed that several Muslim women and men follow Islamic practice and refrain from shaking hands with people of the opposite sex. It is better to be patient and see if the other person offers their hand first, but this shouldn’t be interpreted as an affront. Typically, local guys may kiss cheeks or touch noses to meet other local males.

Public shows of affection between people of different sexes are strongly discouraged, however you will occasionally witness guys (often Asian expats) walking hand in hand with other men. This is only a gesture of friendship and a cultural standard. There are several rules to follow if you are given the opportunity to join a local family for coffee, tea, or a traditional meal. It is customary to take off shoes before entering a residence. It is impolite in Arab Muslim culture to point the bottoms of your feet in anyone’s direction when you are seated. The right hand should be used to eat and drink (and there will be enough of it! ), while the left hand is only for “unclean” activities like washing after using bathroom.

Both Muslims and non-Muslims in Dubai are obligated (by law) to abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan. All that is actually required is a little care and consideration for the host culture. The worst that could happen if a guest makes an error and eats, drinks, or smokes in public is that someone will politely remind them of the season and urge them to stop. Many malls now include restaurants that are screen off from visitors and open throughout the day in Ramadan for non-Muslims, even if the majority of eateries will be shut during the day (or serving take-out only). Additionally, eating and drinking are entirely permissible for non-Muslims.

Women are encouraged to dress a little more conservatively during Ramadan by refraining from wearing short skirts or sleeveless tops. During Ramadan, time seems to flow a little more slowly, and Muslim employees are required by law to work fewer hours per day. In general, tourists must exercise greater cultural sensitivity throughout the Holy Month, although after the fast-breaking each day, the city comes to life and is a great time to go if you want to get a taste of the local flavor.

Visitors should make the most of their stay to the United Arab Emirates to learn about the local culture even if Dubai is most known for its shopping. The Dubai Museum, housed in a former ancient fort, is a must-see for visitors of all ages and features displays of the desert, national costumes, weapons, and the pearl diving industry upon which Dubai was once formed. The Heritage and Diving Village has modest stores and eateries as well as exhibits showcasing Dubai’s marine past. The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, which also offers additional year-round activities like mosque tours and Arabic classes, offers cultural awareness programs and enlists young UAE citizens to educate tourists and locals about Dubai culture and history.