United Arab Emirates

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.

The homes and societies in the United Arab Emirates are patriarchal. The father has always had the role of making important decisions and he is the primary wage earner in the home. The women also play an important role in the family. Traditionally, women in the United Arab Emirates have stayed home to raise their children, and provide the daily duties of a typical housewife. However, more women are beginning to abandon the traditional homemaker role and take on careers. For example, in the year 1999, twenty women were allowed to join the police force in the emirate Ajman, granted they wear the traditional headscarf, the hijab.

Children in the UAE are showered with love and affection by the parents and are usually brought up in strict households where rebellion is not tolerated. Children must learn how to behave properly and treat elders with respect. Modesty is encouraged, especially for the young girls in the home as in previous Muslim Arab societies.
The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, however, the country is not limited to only one language. English, Urdu, Hindi and Persian are also spoken throughout the country.

The United Arab Emirates houses several events annually that celebrate the country's distinct culture. Most of the holidays are determined by the citing of the moon and are determined usually the day before they take place. Holidays include: New Years, Eid al-Fitr, Lailat al Qadar, Eid al Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashoora, Prophet's Birthday, Lailat Ma'raj, and National Day. Eid al-Fitr, Lailat al Qadar, Eid al Adha are three holidays that have been celebrated since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Camel racing, boat racing, and falconry are traditional sports of the United Arab Emirates, however, western sports such as golf, football, tennis, rugby and horse racing are currently popular throughout the country.

Dance and music are important to the citizens of the United Arab Emirates. National holidays and weddings are two occasions where people are welcomed to dance and sing in traditional performances. Unlike many western societies where men and women dance together, the sexes are separated from each other during these occasions. Women dance the traditional dance called the na'ashat. During this dance each women sways side to side while placing her right hand on her chest. Men perform the ayyala, which they hold sticks or swords simulating battle to the beat of drums.

Education is extremely important to the Emiratis. The adult literacy rate is 80% and is amongst the highest in the entire Arab world. This number is quite impressive considering the fact that the literacy rate was less than 50% before the establishment of the federation. Children between the ages of six and twelve have mandatory primary education. Primary and secondary educations are offered free throughout the country and women are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these educational opportunities. Abu Dhabi currently has a Cultural Foundation where people are able to attend cultural events, take classes, perform research and access historical documentation.

The United Arab Emirates has very little poverty, even though there are wealth differences between each emirate. Abu Dhabi, for example, is the wealthiest emirate and devotes its' wealth to helping the poorer emirates.

The religion of Islam plays a major role in the daily lives of the Emiratis. There is no surprise in hearing people greet each other "Asalaam Alakum," the traditional Islamic greeting shared throughout the world by devote Muslims. The Adhan, Islamic call to prayer, is commonly heard throughout the country's streets five times daily during the times of prayer. The Shariah, or Islamic law, is the basis for the United Arab Emirates' social and political control. The Shariah has the most serious source of legislation in the country and has been made apart of the constitution. During the Islamic month of Ramadan, government offices are opened only six hours during the day. Bars and pubs are closed until 7:00 p.m. every night, nightclubs are closed during the entire month, and restaurants are closed during the day and open all night. Eating in public during Ramadan, whether a person is Muslim or non-Muslim, is illegal. Smoking or drinking is also prohibited during the day. People who violate these rules can be jailed or fined for a maximum of one month, or fined up to 2,000 dirhams.

Homosexuality is forbidden in Islam and is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Gays and lesbians can incur jail time in the emirates if caught. Dubai, for example, allows gay travelers, however, homosexuality is frowned upon in the region. Alcohol consumption is considered a major sin in Islam; however, most of the emirates permit the buying and drinking of alcohol in private locations. However, if one is found drinking in public or caught driving drunk, they will either be fined or jailed. In the emirate of Sharjah, the government does not tolerate alcohol consumption anywhere in the state. If someone is found drinking they will be lashed just as in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Despite the United Arab Emirates' unification throughout the country, each emirate shares its' own unique accomplishments and individuality. Abu Dhabi was once only a few hundred mud shacks and forts sprinkled throughout the land, now it is the largest of the United Arab Emirates' federation as well as the wealthiest. In 1941, the ruler of Dubai convinced the British to use their main port whenever they were traveling from Britain to India. This simple persuasion established the city of Dubai as one of the most important trading centers in the world today. The emirate of Sharjah is the home of the King Faisal Mosque, which can hold 3,000 worshippers. Saudi Arabia donated money for the construction of the building in exchange that the emirate prohibit alcohol consumption.

Once called Julfar, the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah once belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. The city is now the main provider of milk, poultry, fruits, and vegetables for the other emirates. Umm al-Qaiwain, a fairly small emirate and the home to 35,150 people, has been known for its occupation of fishing and cultivation of dates, now the city hopes to gain more tourists by constructing "Dreamland," the world's largest aqua park. Historically in the emirate Al-Fujairah, the citizens made their wages by fishing and farming, however, tourism of the clean beaches, swimming, surfing, yachting and deep-sea fishing have currently been the city's source of income. Ajman is the smallest emirate and the most poor. The city of Ajman is wedged between Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain and is the least attractive emirate.

The beauty of the United Arab Emirates shines through the country's unique culture, religion and intelligence. The beautiful customs, traditions and focuses of the Emiratis remain vibrant and seen through the country's achievements. The federation of the United Arab Emirates continues to grow into a thriving Middle Eastern wonder as well as an oil factory for the world.

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"United Arab Emirates." Emirates. 08 Oct. 2006 .

United Arab Emirates
Country Report

By Celin Childs
October 17, 2006
Modern Middle East