Social Customs and Life in UAE – All Arab countries are unique in their lifestyle and traditions. Life in UAE is hectic and engaged especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a kingdom of different Arab States that lie on the Arabian Peninsula’s right. These states are as follows.
- Abu Dhabi (Capital)
- Dubai (Commercial Hub)
- Sharjah
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al-Khaimah
- Ajman
Festivals and Holidays:
Emirate National Day:
Emiratis celebrate their national day on 2nd Dec every year. They are very patriotic and passionate about their progressing country. This day endeavors the spirit of a union of all the seven states. UAE nationals, People from neighbor Arab countries, and Expats celebrate this day with massive fireworks, commemorations, parades, and dance parties. The govt declares a holiday on this memorable day.
New Year Celebrations:
One of the major holidays found in Arab nations is the new year. UAE also shares its part on new year’s verge. Dubai is well-known for fireworks, new year receptions, and parties.
Eidain:
Eidain refers to the two religious celebrations that make up Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. These both events are very close to their hurts. According to the Lunar calendar, all the Islamic states, Arab countries, and Muslims worldwide celebrate these Eids.
Ramadhan:
Ramadhan is the holy month of Muslims all over the world. There are several barriers for the Expats and the people from other religions. This whole month is sanctified to the fastening as per their religious belief. Eating in public during the day and fasting time is counted as a sin and against religious norms. According to the state laws, if you are an Expat or a foreigner, you must respect it with true spirit.
Miraj Night:
This night is observed on the 27th of the Rajab, the 7th month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar.
Arafah Day:
This day falls on Final Month Dhu Al Hijjah of the Lunar Islamic calendar. This holy day constitutes the second day of Hajj Pilgrimage and proceeds Eid ul Adha.
Meelad:
This day is celebrate as the birthday of the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This is observe on the 12th of Rabbi ul Awwal, the 3rd month in the Islamic calendar.
Social Customs and Life in UAE:
Social customs and life in UAE is complex to describe. Although most Emiratis are under cultural displacement, most are still following their former social customs and values. All the Arab countries have their traditional legacy.
Henna Tattoos:
Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia Inermis. Emirati women wear Henna tattoos on their hands and feet at special events like weddings.
Falconry:
Falcon is the national bird of the UAE. Emirati men endure this old tradition with true letter and spirit. Emirati Shaikh buy costly Falcons from all over the world to keep this tradition vibrant. People from all the Arab countries share their part of this ancestral discipline.
Traditional Arabic Dance:
This cultural tradition is still alive in some areas of the State. Numerous occasions, including weddings, celebrations, and special days, also witness it.
Camel:
Camel is still considered a symbol of Arab tradition. Several years back, and still Camel is used by the locals for meat and milk. These Arab States were once a desert valley, and Camel is the most suitable animal for the people living in deserts. So it is still an intrinsic part of UAE culture in many ways.
Arabic Traditional Dress:
Although Arabic traditional dress varies in the Arab countries, It still has similarities. You will mostly see UAE residents in their native and traditional clothing. Cultural fusion and shift have influenced this tradition, but it is still prevalent.
Life in UAE:
In the major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, people remain more hectic and engaged. Dubai is well known as the city under construction. There is always a rush in the life of UAE natives. On weekdays, people are mostly engaged in their work, meetings, conferences, and other day-to-day activities. They don’t forget to add value to their lives in their spare time and weekends.