UAE Customs and Traditions
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Islam being the predominant religion in UAE the local customs and traditions of UAE is influenced to a great extent by this religion. However it does not make UAE a closed society. It seeks to promote the best in its traditions and customs so that the nation becomes vibrant and attractive to all the people.
Politeness and courteous behavior is very much visible while dealing with guest of any kind. While enjoying food with other people of UAE one is supposed to eat with the right hand. The aromic and sugarless coffee forms a very important part of the customs of UAE. There are generally two reception rooms in the houses as part of UAE custom. These reception rooms called majlis are separate for men and women. During the Eid special sitting arrangements are made in the majlis and an age hierarchy is generally maintained. As the majlis comes to an end incense burners are brought and rose water is also sprinkled in each guests head.
As part of wedding custom in UAE the bride is lavished with all sorts of traditional oil and perfumes and she expected to rest at home for forty days before the wedding so that only her family members can see her. On the night of Laylat Al Henna the brides hand and feet are decorated with henna. The family members and relatives sing and dance traditional songs and express their joy. The marriage is more of contractual in nature rather than being religious. The groom also needs preparation for his marriage but as compared to the bride it is very less.
Although 96% of the population follow Islam it is tolerant to other religious communities. One can get alcohols in restaurants and hotels and the local population can also drink it in restaurants. However they are not supposed to appear drunk on the road. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sitting at a café or restaurant. As part of the local UAE custom the men wear the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red-checkered headdress known as a gutra. Women in UAE wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes and they also wear a headscarf in the public. However the foreign tourists and followers of other religions can wear any cloth that they like. They can even wear bikini in the beaches. But in public places they are expected to respect the local custom and tradition of UAE and maintain modesty in public appearance.
Although Arabic is the official language of the country communicating in English is not a problem in UAE. Even sign board of business establishments and restaurants appear in both the language. Thus the tolerant culture of UAE is reflected in all the local customs and tradition of UAE.