Dubai Heritage & Culture
Heritage of Dubai and Culture of Dubai
Heritage can take many forms and in Dubai, it’s all depicted in a variety of old photographs, taken long before the oil boom. The historic Arab architecture and falconry coupled with ancient dhow boats and camel caravans make Dubai an intriguing destination to explore. If you step into the Dubai Museum or Sheik Saeed House, you’ll see how important the pearling and fishing industries once was.
Dubai Museum
The entire history of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates can be seeing in these magnificent tributes to yester year, beginning from the Bedouin tribes settled along the vast desert lands. In summary, Dubai began as the home of a constantly wandering Bedouin tribe, evolved into an English protectorate and trade hub in the 18th century, a pearling centre of utmost significance in the 1930s and is today a commercial hub recognised by the entire world.
Sharjah Heritage Museum
But, heritage is the people, traditions and culture, not just the history. This is why the traditional dances, songs, ceremonies and rituals play a vital role in what Dubai is today. Even lifestyle and grooming has its traditions, such as using compounds made from herbs, including oudh, henna and turmeric. Arabian musical instruments, mostly wind and string, have a haunting enchantment to it. Camel riding, salukki racing and falconry are traditional sports, while buzkashi, a rough form of polo, is popular among the young.
Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum
Culturally, the patriarchal society is still in place, even though Dubai is far more liberal than most cities, both regionally and globally. The family is centric to everything and the approval and acceptance of society is very important. Modern Dubai accepts and embraces all cultures, religions, beliefs and people, creating a harmonious living atmosphere in the primarily expatriate community. In return for this liberal views, visitors are requested to respect the Eastern values and morals so treasured by Dubai’s native society.
Photo of Old Dubai in 1993, only 13 yeas ago
What you do in your own privacy is never questioned, but public misbehaviour, such as offensive language, harassing women and aggressiveness towards officials, won’t be tolerated. Alcohol is prohibited in public places and the use or possession of recreational drugs is a cause for severe punishment. Respect and regard for others is highly valued in Dubai.
