Dubai Society And Culture
Dubai Lifestyle - Dubai Society And Culture by Dubai City Guide Summer 2008
The most significant thing about Dubai you’ll notice is the simple fact that it’s not what Islamic cities are supposed to be like. You won’t find segregation between men and women and not everyone is covered from head to toe. While the rooted beliefs and traditions linger on, they are not used to hinder normal society and is instead, very much the core of crime-free, morally valued and family-oriented Dubai. Liberal views are encouraged, although there’s no fanfare about it. The government plays an important role in accepting other cultures, nationalities, religions etc and this has filtered on to the mindset of the residents. All religions and cultures live in harmony and racism and discrimination are at very low levels.
With a largely expatriate population, Dubai has the markings of a true Western urban society, but it has some deeply embedded traditions and Islamic principles governing social behaviour and acceptance. While the cosmopolitan atmosphere is constantly encouraged, people are expected to respect the Eastern values so prominent among the natives.
The Arab culture is still dominant among the more traditional families, but generally, it comes down to how acceptable they are of differences. Some prefer to extend a warm welcome through the worldwide casual handshake and hug, while others prefer the traditional greeting. As a respectful practice, men must never initiate contact with an Arab woman when greeting and vice versa.
Because Dubai is multicultural and keeps growing, it’s important to maintain certain lifestyle, social and cultural standards in the emirate. People are allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they feel like it, but only within their own private space. Drunk and unruly behaviour in public, aggression towards women and being rude to law enforcement officers and civil servants are not tolerated.
Ladies and physically handicapped persons are always given first preference in Dubai, whether you are boarding a public bus, standing at a utility payment counter or trying to get a banking transaction done. Every restaurant has a reserved family section for couples and their children. Most entertainment and amusement venues in Dubai have separate days for ‘ladies only’ time, where only ladies and children under 12 years are allowed to enter the venue.
