The UAE has many distinct cultural events that are unique to the area. Some of these are centered around religion while others are centered around the entirety of the community. Now lets take a look at how people in the UAE live their lives.
MAJOR CELEBRATIONS-November 30th: Commemoration Day, a way of honoring those who have given their lives for the country.
-December 2: National Day, a day to celebrate the union forming between the six emirates in 1971 and the last emirate in 1972. This celebration lasts two days. -Eid al-Fitr: This is an Islamic holiday that is celebrated in three days and begins two days after the start of the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. -Arafah Day: This day is the night day of Dhu al Hijjah. This is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar. -Eid al-Adha: The final day of the three day celebrations that began with Eid al-Fitr. -Hijri: The beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar that was originally initiated by the Prophet Muhammad when he migrated to Medina. |
(Etihad Airways, 2017)
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Social Structure
The social class in the UAE is divided up, having Emirati nationals separate themselves from the immigrant population. The sheikh families in power hold the highest positions in society. After that, merchants are the next level down on the social sphere. The middle class tends to place after that and at the lowest level are people with low incomes like farmers and settlers.
Family is a big part of UAE culture as well due to the values of Emirati tribal kinship. Children are a big part of UAE families and typically live in the neighborhoods. It is a tradition for marriages to be arranged by the parents and it is sometimes looked down on if an Emirati marries someone that is not in their ethnic group.
Women also play an equal role in UAE society. They are allowed to participate in the military and are given opportunities for education that are only increasing.
Family is a big part of UAE culture as well due to the values of Emirati tribal kinship. Children are a big part of UAE families and typically live in the neighborhoods. It is a tradition for marriages to be arranged by the parents and it is sometimes looked down on if an Emirati marries someone that is not in their ethnic group.
Women also play an equal role in UAE society. They are allowed to participate in the military and are given opportunities for education that are only increasing.
Social Customs
-Long and steady handshakes are common. However, Arab men and women can refuse to shake hands with the opposite sex due to religious reasons.
-People tend to maintain eye contact with people of the same sex, and you should not make eye contact with a woman or compliment her on her looks.
- High quality gifts are a must, but you should avoid giving alcohol, pork and knives.
-It is polite to greet people by standing up once they enter the room.
-People tend to maintain eye contact with people of the same sex, and you should not make eye contact with a woman or compliment her on her looks.
- High quality gifts are a must, but you should avoid giving alcohol, pork and knives.
-It is polite to greet people by standing up once they enter the room.
Food
Many dishes form the UAE diet. People often eat with their right hand. In fact, locals in the UAE may not use their left hand at all while eating or even place it on the table. Dining in the UAE can be very formal and there are wide variety of dishes to choose from. The UAE is known for stuffed camel, falafel (mashed chickpeas that are deep fried and served on bread), hummus, and shwarma (seasoned meat). |
(Visit Dubai, 2015)
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