History and Culture of UAE
UAE history and culture
The UAE is a country rich in culture and traditions, many of which are as widely practiced today as they have throughout history. For 4000 years, the inhabitants of the UAE survived on fishing, hunting, harvesting dates and pearl diving.
Oil was discovered in 1958 off the coast of Abu Dhabi and it started to be exported in the 1960s. At this time the region was essentially still a tribal society of seven independent Sheikhdoms, known as the Trucial States because of their maritime agreements with Britain. This status dated back to the early part of the 19th century, when Britain enforced a maritime peace treaty to ensure the safe passage of its ships from India.
Britain withdrew from the region in 1968 when the total population of just 180,000 was spread over the deserts and mountains. Today the population now stands at over 3million, the majority of whom are from the Indian sub-continent but also other Asians, Arabs and Westerners.
In 1971 the seven Sheikhdoms joined together to become the United Arab Emirates. The change in UAE culture, and in particular Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is most visible in the development of its architectural excellence. The cities house countless skyscrapers and Dubai property is on the increase, both in its worth and in its sheer numbers. Find out more - enquire with J&JA Overseas Properties online today.
Religion
Although Islam is the most widely followed religion, the United Arab Emirates is home to various multi-ethnic communities that exist peacefully together. Its culture has evolved with the development and globalisation of the country.
The culture of the UAE is basically Arabic, but also incorporates a combination of a number of world cultures. According to UAE history, innumerable traders and merchants have settled down on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf, bringing with them their cultures and traditions.
Food and entertainment
Popular music and dance form of the UAE tradition are clearly inspired by Arabic culture. Belly dancing and Sufi music is quite widespread.
The local cuisine of the UAE adequately reflects its Arabic heritage. Arabic food is generally a mixture of different foods and flavours. It is served with different types of bread and a huge platter of fresh salad and vegetables. However, the cuisine in the UAE culture is not limited to Arabic food. Visitors can savour all sorts of world cuisines in the hotels and restaurants of the UAE, including Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, French, Mexican, etc - tastes to suit all.
Many UAE traditions of sport are practised and enjoyed today, such as falconry, horse and camel riding. Music and dance are widely practised and play a big part in many aspects of life even today. Pearling is another UAE tradition that was practised widely before oil was discovered and which provided much wealth.
On the shores of the creek in Dubai one can still see Dhows loading cargo for destinations in India, Africa, Iran and Pakistan much the same as they did several hundred years ago.
A Dhow is a long flat wooden sailing vessel found in the Indian Ocean along the east coast of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan and India. Today a much loved pastime is to watch the Dhow Racing shows.
