Special Features
About UAE
The United Arab Emirates is amongst the most dynamic, regal and profound federations to ever be established. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajmah, Umm al-Quaiwan, al-Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah are the seven stars that make up the United Arab Emirates’ universal royalty. Although each emirate has it’s own unique identity, all of the emirates share much of the same rich culture, emphasis on education and distinct religion of Islam. These three major influences have had a significant effect on the Emiratis and have become apart of the centralization of their daily lives.The discovery of oil in the year 1966 in Dubai, and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, marked the beginning of the creation of a grand kingdom. Although the United Arab Emirates is a relatively new country, early human settlers dating as far back as 3000 B.C once occupied the land. The United Arab Emirates is currently one of the most liberal societies in the Middle East and amongst the wealthiest in the entire world. Unique food, exuberant lifestyles, and traditional Islamic customs make up much of the Emiratis culture, deriving from when underground aquifers located beneath the land were occupants of the terrain.
Although there is an array of different styles of dress in the United Arab Emirates, Islamic dress has always served as the dominant fashion criteria in the federation. Many of the males of the United Arab Emirates wear the dishdasha, a traditional loose fitting white garment that is very comfortable in the hot emirate’s climate. Women usually wear long abayas to cover their bodies and the traditional hijabs to cover their hair. The women of the country often wear Nikabs, face coverings, when they leave their homes to go out into the public. This ruling of women’s dress was specified when the Qu’ran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, and is the sole purpose as to why this form of dress has become dominant in the lives of the women of the United Arab Emirates.
Hospitality is very important in the United Arab Emirates. The tradition of hospitality was formed several generations before the establishment of the country, when travelers journeyed through the Arabian Peninsula and were welcomed with shade and coffee by the Arabs. Visitors of the United Arab Emirates are encouraged to never refuse refreshments offered or this will be taken as an insult to the host. Whenever guests visit, Emiratis usually greet them with fresh fruit juice, mint or black tea, as well as water or coffee. Generosity is also a characteristic of the Emiratis. If a visitor visits a home in the country and they admire an object in the home, it is not surprising for the host to offer their visitor the item.
