Culture
& the expat teacher
of the UAE. The call to prayer can be
heard five times daily. (Plus photo of
SZGM)
The federation of the United Arab
Emirates was formally established on
December 2, 1971 under the guidance
of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan (UAE’s first president) and HH
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
(Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai
respectively and Founding Fathers of
the UAE). National Day is celebrated
on December 2 each year.
Once you mention the UAE to many
Westerners, they automatically think
of Dubai. Dubai is one of the seven
Emirates that make up the United Arab
Emirates. The seven Emirates are Abu
Dhabi Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah,
Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
The native tongue of UAE citizens is
Arabic, however, a number of Emiratis
speak English. The traditional dress
for men is called a Kandura, which is
worn with a Guthra and igal. Women
wear an abaya and hijab. Some women
also wear a niqab, which is designed
to cover the mouth and nose, leaving
only the eyes exposed.
culture.
The local currency is the Emirati
dirham, which is also referred to as
AED.
UAE national symbols are the flag,
Dallah coffee pot, Arabian Oryx,
falcon, dhow and the palm tree. The
UAE flag is a national symbol for
the seven emirates. The colours red,
green, black and white are Pan-Arab
colours that represent the unity among
the emirates. Arabic coffee is served
from the Dallah coffee pot, which
is considered to be a strong symbol
of local hospitality. It is customary to
serve dates or another confectionery
with Arabic coffee prior to engaging in
any serious discussions at gatherings.
The Arabian Oryx is the national
animal of the United Arab Emirates,
Jordan and Qatar. Falconry is one
of the oldest traditions of the UAE.
It remains one of the most popular
pastimes among locals. Falconry is
traditionally related to hunting for
food in the past. The Dhow is a symbol
of early trade and water industry. The
palm tree is a symbol of sustenance. It
is one of the more recognised symbols
of the United Arab Emirates and is
lauded for its numerous attributes. It
is also the most highly valued tree in
the Arab world. It serves as a reminder
of the country’s history at a time when
food was not easily accessible.
To learn more about the cultural norms
of the UAE, check out previous issues
of Teach Middle East Magazine’s
Know Your UAE and In the UAE in the
After the Bell section of the magazine,
SMCCU and The Arab Culturalist.
Additionally, there are numerous
museums, heritage sites and festivals
that inform on and celebrate UAE and
Middle Eastern history, traditions and
Sources:
*Teach Middle East Magazine, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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