EER

Print or PDF

Whilst the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is only 40 years old this year (on the 2nd December 2011) the earliest known habitation in the region dates back to 5500 BC. The UAE is a federation of 7 states, or Emirates (ruled by Emirs), which are: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi, which is also the country’s centre of political, industrial and cultural activities.

The beautiful Burj al Arab, Dubai

History

Before 1971 the UAE was known as the Trucial States (because of a 19th-century truce between the United Kingdom and several Arab Sheikhs) however since then the political system of the UAE has been based on what is known as the 1971 Constitution. Islam is the official religion, and Arabic the official language, whilst the form of government used is a constitutional monarchy with a presidential system of government. The UAE is a founding member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and a member state of the Arab League. It is also a member of the United Nations, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, OPEC and the World Trade Organization.

Trade has always been a dominant theme in the area, beginning with copper from the Hajar Mountains and pearls. The Portuguese controlled the area for 150 years after their early 16th-century expansion saw them conquer the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. Later portions of the nation fell under Ottoman rule and the region became known to the British as the “pirate coast” as raiders harassed the shipping industry well into the 19th-century. The pearling industry thrived until World War I and the Great Depression, coupled with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, all but destroyed it. This heralded the beginning of a difficult era for people in the Gulf until oil revenues began to improve the quality of life from the late 1960s.

Once the United Kingdom ended their treaty relationship with the Trucial Sheikhdoms the United Arab Emirates was born. The national flag was adopted on the 2nd December 1971 and contained the Pan-Arab colours of red (unity), white (neutrality), black (oil wealth) and green (fertility). The other national symbols are the falcon, the camel, the palm tree, the dhow and the oryx.

Culture and Religion

The word Emirati comes from the Arabic word emir, which means commander. Many of the local Dubai families can trace their origins to the Bani Yas clan. Emiratis are largely Muslims, 85% being Sunni and the balance Shi’a. Muslim is the word for a follower of Islam.

Female Emiratis wear a long flowing black gown, or Abaya, over their regular, often designer, clothing. The Abayas are sometimes decorated with embroidery or bead work to show individual taste and style, especially amongst the younger generation. The Shela is the name of the material used to cover the head, whilst the Hijab is used to cover the hair, although rarely by UAE nationals. In some cases a very fine veil, or Gishwa, covers the face. It is thin enough to see through to walk, but prevents the face being seen from the outside. A Burqa covers the whole head, with a slit for the eyes, and normally has a metal piece over the face – this is generally used only by the older generation. Men wear a long white cloak, or Kandura, with a Guthra (head scarf) and Egal (black rope keeping the Guthra in place) on the head. The Ghafiyah or prayer cap, is white and can sometimes be seen underneath the head scarf.

The verbatim word of God, or Allah, is contained in the Qur’an. The word Islam itself means “submission (to God)” and religious practices include the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five obligatory acts of worship as follows:

• Shahadah, the acceptance of Muhammad as the messenger of God;
• Salah, the five daily prayers;
• Zakāt (or alms-giving), obligatory for those who can to ease the hardship of others and eliminate inequality;
• Sawm, ritual fasting to repent and
• the Hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

If care is taken to respect local customs and beliefs your time in the UAE will be enjoyable and unique. Emiratis are both gracious and generous, and for the most part will welcome you into their world

>> More about Dubai
>> More about Abu Dhabi