Dubai Culture, Traditions and Customs – The Definitive Guide
Dubai’s diverse population of 3.3 million includes about 90% non-native speakers, hence Dubai culture reflects a gamut of cultural influences. Dubai is well-known for its larger-than-life malls, towering skyscrapers and modern attractions.
Although Dubai maintains a nouveau riche façade, the ultramodern city still holds onto its elegant Dubai culture & heritage, beautiful multiculturalism, enigmatic nomadic tribes and the long-standing Arabian Peninsula history!
Dubai has maintained the ancient Emirati practises which have been passed down through decades of Arabs living in the region, despite the fact that cultures from other countries combine here to make a truly multicultural community.
Simply book a stay in one of the popular Dubai hotels and explore the glorious city to experience its unique culture!
10 Ways To Experience Dubai Culture at Its Best!
1. Delve Into The Local Dubai Culture
If you want to get a feel for how Dubai was back in its early days, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a fantastic place to start. The majority of the structures were built in the late nineteenth century and are now used as galleries, cafes, and artist studios.
Furthermore, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, guests can get a taste of Emirati & Dubai culture while also learning about its history and traditions over some wonderful Arabic coffee and traditional dishes. The Arabian Tea House, where you can have delicious pancakes drizzled with date syrup, is well worth a visit.
Located on the banks of Dubai Creek, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library is one of the city’s newest cultural landmarks. Dubai’s library, designed to resemble a traditional Islamic lectern, is the biggest in the area and a symbol of the city’s combined cultural knowledge, educational landmarks, and ongoing efforts in research and academia.
All are welcome to visit the Jumeirah Mosque for a tour and a spiritual experience. Discover the rich history of the Emirati people as you explore this stunning white-stone mosque and learn about Islam.
2. Visit The Global Village – One of the Top Dubai Festivals!
Dubai, like Doha and many other regional hubs, is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Nearly 80% of residents in the UAE do not hold UAE citizenship. This is due to the fact that Dubai has extremely liberal border policies. It’s become a kind of cultural melting pot.
Dubai is a great destination to obtain traditional Chinese, Lebanese, and Japanese cuisine, in addition to authentic Emirati cuisine.
It’s not just the city’s international population that’s impacted Dubai’s culinary industry; it’s also the source of one of the city’s most visited cultural landmarks. It’s one of the top locations to go out at night, as the Global Village is like a theme park with lots of different attractions. Visit the Global Village to learn about different cultures and purchase authentic goods from all across the world.
Apart from this, you can also take part in a variety of Dubai traditional games or witness the Dubai traditional dance with loved ones.
You can find real spices, fragrances, and fabrics in each country’s unique retail scene. This is an excellent spot to chat with locals, get answers to your burning questions, sample tasty treats, and pick up some unique mementoes.
Experience Dubai Culture like never before!
3. Age-Old Falconry Sport – An Integral Part of Dubai Culture
Falconry is a popular “sport” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has been practised there for over 4,000 years. The breeding, training, and care of falcons have played a significant cultural role in the United Arab Emirates for generations.
Falconry was essential to the survival of ancient cultures that developed in arid regions. Falcons are highly respected as both hunters and athletes, making them worth far more than the price of a pet.
Modern falconry is based on a deep appreciation for wildlife and a commitment to protecting natural habitats.
Training a falcon requires patience, persistence, and companionship skills. It connotes a sense of dignity and nobility. In addition to being the national bird of the United Arab Emirates, the falcon is also the country’s symbol. That’s why Falconry forms an integral part of Dubai Culture.
Platinum Heritage – One of The Best Places To Experience Falconry
The Falconry and Wildlife Safari offered by Platinum Heritage is well worth the Dhs 1,500 fee. The safari lasts for more than four hours and features:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- A falcon Show with audience participation lasting 75 minutes
- A Gourmet Breakfast
- A stop at a bird sanctuary
- and a drive through the gorgeous Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The luxury desert tour operator offers a variety of packages, some of which include falconry sessions of varying lengths, such as a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
4. Bargain To Your Heart’s Content in Dubai Souks Market
For those unfamiliar, a souk is a typical outdoor market. A place where villagers have traditionally gathered to buy and sell products of daily use.
The area around Dubai Creek is home to many of the city’s most well-known souks. You can find more than just spices and gold in the Spice and Gold Souks. There is a wide variety of handcrafted textiles, perfumes, rugs, clothing, and pipes available.
See how the locals do business and pick up some genuine keepsakes right here. Keep in mind that the pricing is always open to negotiation. So, start bargaining. Take part in an exciting part of Dubai culture in Dubai Souks.
An excellent tiny museum, the Dubai Museum, can be found in close proximity to the Gold Souk in Dubai. It is housed within Al Fahidi Fort, a fortification constructed in the late 18th century to protect the king.
Take an hour to wander through the exhibits and read up on the history of the people that first settled the Arabian Desert. You can also sip a cup of hot tea at the nearby Arabian Tea House!
5. Don’t Miss The World-Famous Art Scene of Dubai
In recent years, a thriving local arts scene has emerged in Dubai with the opening of numerous galleries, studios, and other related activities. On the shores of Dubai Creek stands the striking Jameel Arts Centre, a purpose-built museum dedicated to presenting the finest examples of modern art from the Middle East and beyond. The arts centre has a year-round schedule of exhibits and events, and the tranquil environment and spacious grounds (which include a stunning sculpture park) make it a must-see no matter the season.
Alserkal Avenue, in the city’s Al Quoz industrial district, is home to another significant cultural institution. Warehouses have been converted into galleries, cafes, and the independent movie theatre Cinema Akil, attracting some of Dubai’s most creative minds. The neighbourhood has evolved into the city’s cultural epicentre, with a wide variety of events where you can mingle with the city’s most influential artists and thinkers.
Visit the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Design District to find many galleries and businesses selling commercial art. Both of these neighbourhoods regularly offer events and exhibitions that draw the city’s culture vultures.
Experience the art side of Dubai culture in all its glory!
6. Visit Museums To Know More about Dubai’s Rich History
Ancient artefacts from the Iron Age, including ceramics and gold jewellery, were discovered in Dubai’s desert after lying there undisturbed for generations.
The treasures of the Saruq Al-Hadid site, which were spotted from the air by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in 2002, have been moved to a new museum close to Dubai Creek.
The nearby Al Shindagha Museum focuses on the more recent history of Dubai, showing how the city grew up around the ancient stream. Alternately, the Etihad Museum provides a more in-depth examination of the nation’s early history and pre-union Dubai culture.
Both the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Museum of the Poet al Oqaili can be found in historic buildings, each of which is a work of art in its own right. From 1912 until 1958, the Al Maktoum family resided in the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, which is now owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. Meanwhile, the Museum of the Poet al Oqaili goes all the way back to 1923 and is located in a little alley behind the Spice Souk.
7. Don’t Miss The Dubai Famous Festivals – Art Dubai
Art Dubai, one of the world’s leading commercial art fairs, is the most important cultural event in Dubai’s calendar. In March, Madinat Jumeirah hosts a fair that showcases the work of regional and international artists. A number of art-related events and festivals take place in Dubai during the month of March, making it a fantastic time to explore the city beyond the scope of the fair.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is a must-see for any tourists with a penchant for literature. Famous authors including Jo Nesb, Ranulph Fiennes, and Jane Goodall have all appeared at the Lit Fest, as it is popularly known. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet your favourite writers, learn about up-and-coming authors, and take part in inspiring seminars.
From the annual Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival to the grand shows at the Dubai Opera, Dubai has plenty to offer theatregoers. In addition, Alserkal Avenue hosts a variety of intimate events, from poetry readings to community theatre, that complement the larger-scale happenings. Check the Dubai Calendar before your trip to find out what fantastic shows are on while you’re in town.
8. Dubai Shopping Festival – The Biggest Shopping Extravaganza
More than 70 shopping malls can be found in Dubai, making it a top destination for retail therapy. The ultimate location for shopaholics everywhere. You can find some of the best deals on all sorts of things in Dubai since the city is known for having some of the world’s largest bargains and specials. The city is famous for the Dubai Shopping Festival, which features deals of up to 95% off from more than 1500 different companies.
Get ready for seven weeks of unforgettable celebrations that will have visitors and tourists enjoying the city with daily offers, interactive competitions, prize drawings, and unforgettable events. Famous people will likely make appearances, and consumers can find unbelievable deals and large prizes. Outdoor and indoor attractions for the whole family are being upgraded to be even more thrilling and impressive than ever before.
From December 15th, 2022 through January 29th, 2023, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will treat attendees to a nightly firework show. Six locations—including Al Seef, Dubai Frame, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall, Bluewaters, and The Beach, JBR—will host opening night celebrations, with fireworks set to begin at 9 p.m.
DSF Fireworks Nights by Al Zarooni Group will continue the spectacle nightly. The events are always free, so take advantage of the beautiful winter weather by reserving a table at one of the many riverfront restaurants in time for the performances.
9. Enjoy The Delicious Food in Dubai With Loved Ones
Though Dubai Cuisine has evolved to accommodate the tastes of its many new residents, there are a few Dubai cultural foods that no tourist should leave without tasting.
Succulent cuts of lamb, beef, poultry, or goat are served on an aromatic rice dish known as machboos. Pine nuts and a spicy tomato sauce called daqoos top this Dubai Food.
Madghut is the term used to describe a dish in which meat has been cooked using a pressure cooker. When prepared using hot stones, it is referred known as mathbi.
Biryani, a dish of South Asian origins, is also commonly eaten in Dubai. Biryani is a dish made of basmati rice, seasoned with Indian spices, and either chicken or pork. It comes with a choice of chutney or raita on the side.
Both the tea and coffee in Dubai are world-famous. Saffron, cardamom, and anise are common spices used to enhance the flavour of both beverages. Dates are a great complement to tea, which can be enjoyed either before or after a meal.
10. Witness Dubai Traditional Clothing in all Its Glory
Those who are local to Dubai and choose to dress in their customary garb immediately stand out. Each member of the community follows a similar Dress culture in Dubai that pertains to long robes.
White thobes or kandoras are the traditional garbs for men. They wear ghutra, a type of headdress. This is the primary Dubai culture dress for men.
Around 20 years ago, it was extremely unusual to see a male Emirati citizen out and about without his traditional head covering, the ghutra. As well as, Dubai has become increasingly westernised, and there are still some guys who only wear ghutras on special occasions.
Women in Dubai traditionally dress in black abayas and hijabs. They can be simple, or embellished with embroidery or something else. The niqab, a full-face veil that leaves only the eyes visible, is worn by certain women in Dubai.
Except for being in the company of locals, visitors to Dubai are free to wear anything they like, provided that it is not overly revealing in public spaces or mosques. People, usually foreigners, dress in a wide variety of styles, from suits to jeans to t-shirts to dresses.
Conclusion
Experiencing Dubai culture should be on your bucket list if you are planning to visit Dubai in the near future. With the winter season just in, now is the best time to head over to Dubai.
Worried about visa hassles and waiting times? Simply head over to UAE Dubai Visa. Fill out a simple online application form and get your Dubai visa in just 3-4 days.
Enjoy 24/7 support, a seamless online visa process and much more to get your visa quickly!
FAQs
1. What is The Main Culture in Dubai?
The culture of Dubai and the UAE primarily revolves around traditional Arab culture and the holy religion of Islam. These influence a variety of aspects in Dubai like attire, music, architecture, lifestyle, cuisine and much more.
2. What is The Traditional Dressing of Dubai People?
The traditional outfits worn by Dubai men include shades of light colours in long robes. In Dubai women mostly wear Abaya which is in black colours.
3. What are Some Famous Foods in Dubai?
Some delicious Dubai foods that you should try out. It includes Iranian Sangak, Mandi, Manousheh, Al Machboos, Chelo Kebab, Al Harees, Oozie and more!
4. How Can Culture Influence Dubai Culture?
Dubai is home to more than 200 nationalities now. Here, to put it into perspective, approximately 180-200 cultures influence. Dubai offers various places like Dubai Mall, Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village and more!
