Culture of the U.A.E.
The U.A.E has a diverse and multicultural society. The country once had a small and ethnically homogeneous community. That was changed by the arrival of other ethnic groups and nationality’s. The first ethnic group to arrive was the Iranians in the early 1900’s; later the Indians and Pakistanis arrived in the 1960’s. There have been episodes of ethnic tensions reported, however they are only miner and in frequent.
There are many types of innovations and technology used in the U.A.E. One example is the use of computerized systems for businesses and trade. To develop their current infrastructure, such as the tallest building in the world --- Burj Khalifa; they use very advanced technology. The height of the tower led lift manufactures to develop a double-deck or twin elevator design to carry on with the construction of Burj Khalifa. The U.A.E has computers with high speed internet that make communications easier. The U.A.E has abundant cell phones as well.
There are many types of innovations and technology used in the U.A.E. One example is the use of computerized systems for businesses and trade. To develop their current infrastructure, such as the tallest building in the world --- Burj Khalifa; they use very advanced technology. The height of the tower led lift manufactures to develop a double-deck or twin elevator design to carry on with the construction of Burj Khalifa. The U.A.E has computers with high speed internet that make communications easier. The U.A.E has abundant cell phones as well.
One way diffusion is involved in the U.A.E is that there are many people who visit the U.A.E for business purposes. Those people interact with Emirate nationals and during those interactions there is a lot of sharing of ideas and views. Also through modern technology, ideas, sale of goods and behavior patterns can be adapted very quickly and easily.
Acculturation has affected the U.A.E drastically especially in the major cities. The native Emirati people are much fewer than people from other countries that have migrated to the U.A.E. Most of these migrants are from different ethnic groups and share a different culture. As a result of their arrival, dressing is not commonly traditional Emirati dressing anymore. Also, restaurants serve all types of food. This is a part of globalization. Since U.A.E is still growing fast economically, acculturation is most likely to increase. Arabic is the official language of the U.A.E, but Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu are commonly spoken. The native people of the U.A.E only make up 19% of the population. The Emiratis and local people speak Arabic. English is widely used due to the U.A.E being a multicultural society. The vast variety of expatriates from the West, Africa, or Asia contributes to English being commonly spoken.
Acculturation has affected the U.A.E drastically especially in the major cities. The native Emirati people are much fewer than people from other countries that have migrated to the U.A.E. Most of these migrants are from different ethnic groups and share a different culture. As a result of their arrival, dressing is not commonly traditional Emirati dressing anymore. Also, restaurants serve all types of food. This is a part of globalization. Since U.A.E is still growing fast economically, acculturation is most likely to increase. Arabic is the official language of the U.A.E, but Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu are commonly spoken. The native people of the U.A.E only make up 19% of the population. The Emiratis and local people speak Arabic. English is widely used due to the U.A.E being a multicultural society. The vast variety of expatriates from the West, Africa, or Asia contributes to English being commonly spoken.
Arabic is a sub-division Semitic language; which originated from Afro-Asiatic. During the spread of Islam in the 7th century, Arabic was made the official language of an empire that stretched out from Spain to Central Asia. However, many populations outside the Arabian Peninsula gradually abandoned their languages in favor of Arabic
Islam is the major religion practiced in the U.A.E by 96%. Islam is a monotheistic religion, in which followers worship God who is called Allah in Arabic. It is based on the teaching of Prophet Muhammad. People who follow Islam are known as Muslims. The holy book of Islam is the Qur’an. The two major division of Islam are Sunni and Shiite. In the U.A.E, 80% are Sunni Muslims and 16% are Shiite/Shia Muslims. Other religions practiced in the U.A.E are Christianity and Hindu that makes up the remaining 4%. The U.A.E government follows a policy of tolerance toward other religions. However, it is illegal to spread the ideas of any religion apart from Islam through any form of media. Despite that fact, there are about 31 churches throughout the country and 1 Hindu temple in the region of Bur Dubai.
Etiquette is an important aspect of U.A.E culture and tradition. In the U.A.E it is a cultural norm or expectation to show respect and courtesy to elders. When young men are in an elder’s presence, they are expected to listen more and speak less. When addressing someone it is expected not to use first names but to say “father of mother of (oldest son)”. Another cultural norm is Emiratis usually stand close to each other when they are interacting. Before entering a private house people are expected to remove their shoes. Before beginning a light conversation, it is expected to ask about the health of a person and his or her family several times. It is also a cultural norm to serve refreshments before serious matters are discussed.
In the U.A.E, sex segregation is a cultural value that is still evident in social life today. Women entertain friends in the home, while men are entertained in majils. Majils are large living rooms, which often have a separate entrance. The Islamic greeting --- Al-Salam Alaykom is the most appropriate when interacting. Men follow the Al-Salam Alaykom with a quick nose to nose touch, while shaking hands. Women greet each other by kissing several times on both cheeks. Another cultural value of the U.A.E is men do not normally shake hands with women in public. However, it is acceptable for men or women to hold hands in public. In Arab culture, including the U.A.E, honor is very important and is to be protected at all costs. The societal focus in their culture is age and wisdom as opposed to youth and beauty for the Western values. Wealth in the Arab culture is respected. An important cultural value of the U.A.E is family. Family is number one and the father is held in a higher light Shame to the family is avoided as much as possible and it is looked down on. The whole family takes gossip, insults, and criticism to heart. Making religion the center of your life is an important cultural value. The Emirati’s honor their cultural values and norms, even with their tolerance of other social customs of the different ethnic groups in the U.A.E.
In the U.A.E, sex segregation is a cultural value that is still evident in social life today. Women entertain friends in the home, while men are entertained in majils. Majils are large living rooms, which often have a separate entrance. The Islamic greeting --- Al-Salam Alaykom is the most appropriate when interacting. Men follow the Al-Salam Alaykom with a quick nose to nose touch, while shaking hands. Women greet each other by kissing several times on both cheeks. Another cultural value of the U.A.E is men do not normally shake hands with women in public. However, it is acceptable for men or women to hold hands in public. In Arab culture, including the U.A.E, honor is very important and is to be protected at all costs. The societal focus in their culture is age and wisdom as opposed to youth and beauty for the Western values. Wealth in the Arab culture is respected. An important cultural value of the U.A.E is family. Family is number one and the father is held in a higher light Shame to the family is avoided as much as possible and it is looked down on. The whole family takes gossip, insults, and criticism to heart. Making religion the center of your life is an important cultural value. The Emirati’s honor their cultural values and norms, even with their tolerance of other social customs of the different ethnic groups in the U.A.E.