{"id":17289,"date":"2025-06-30T09:18:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T07:18:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/?p=17289"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:36:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T09:36:08","slug":"cultural-traditions-in-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/actualite\/traditions-culturelles-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the cultural traditions in Dubai?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re leaving soon <strong>in Dubai<\/strong> ? Are you wondering what <strong>cultural traditions worth learning about<\/strong> to avoid making mistakes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a clear and concise guide to understanding<strong> the main cultural traditions in Dubai<\/strong>. You\u2019ll learn how to <strong>respect local customs<\/strong> and make the most of your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ultra-modern city, <strong>Dubai <\/strong>remains deeply attached to its roots. Behind the skyscrapers and air-conditioned shopping centres, one discovers a society rooted in the values of hospitality, respect and religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emirati culture, though often little known, nevertheless influences daily life and social interactions. Local customs include saying \u00absalam alaykum\u00bb, offering coffee with dates, wearing modest clothing and shaking hands respectfully.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how to dress, greet people, or even behave during Ramadan can make all the difference. These traditions aren\u2019t just rules: they\u2019re the key to connecting with the locals and enjoying an authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, you will find out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Everyday behaviours and attitudes to adopt<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rules to follow in public spaces<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important religious customs, particularly during Ramadan<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The social and family customs of the Emiratis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fancy travelling with complete peace of mind? Let\u2019s dive straight into Dubai\u2019s fascinating culture.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dubai\u2019s cultural heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dubai is a city where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. It is important for the <strong>expatriates<\/strong> and the<strong> property investors<\/strong> to understand <strong>Dubai\u2019s cultural heritage<\/strong>.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bedouin roots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The perfect topic to kick off this exciting journey!<\/em> <strong>The cultural roots of Dubai <\/strong>come from <strong>Bedouins<\/strong>, a proud, hospitable desert people who are deeply attached to their families and traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Bedouins<\/strong> lived in the desert, in tents. They reared camels, hunted, and often moved around in search of water and food. Hospitality was sacred to them. Offering coffee, dates and a warm welcome to a guest was a matter of honour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Solidarity between tribes was essential. The Bedouins always helped one another, especially when faced with sandstorms or water shortages. Their music, dances and poems told the story of life in the desert. These traditions are still alive today at weddings and celebrations in Dubai.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Islamic influence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Islam<\/strong> has a profound influence <strong>Dubai\u2019s culture<\/strong>. It is the <strong>state religion<\/strong> and it guides daily life, laws and values of respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The locals pray five times a day. The sound of the call to prayer, known as \u00ab\u00a0<strong>adhan<\/strong>\u00ab... can be heard throughout the city from the mosques. Friday is a holy day. It is <strong>the day of the great prayer<\/strong>. Many shops open later or close to allow time for prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>During Ramadan<\/strong>, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a month of sharing, spirituality and mutual support amongst neighbours and families. Islam encourages generosity. Giving to the most disadvantaged is very important, especially during festivals such as <strong>Eid<\/strong>.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social and family traditions in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Generosity<\/strong> and <strong>the warm welcome<\/strong> are typical of <strong>Emiratis<\/strong>, particularly during visits and meals. Traditional dress also has cultural significance.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Emirati hospitality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hospitality<\/strong> is a core value for Emiratis. Welcoming a guest is an honour and a very strong sign of respect in<strong> local culture<\/strong>. As soon as you go into someone\u2019s home, you\u2019re offered some <strong>Arabic coffee (gahwa)<\/strong> and dates. It is a warm and traditional gesture of welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coffee<\/strong> is often served in small cups without handles. It is poured from a special coffee pot called a \u00ab\u00a0<strong>dallah<\/strong>\u00ab, which is often decorated. It is polite to accept at least one cup. If you would like more, hold out your cup. If you do not want any more, give a slight shake of the hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Guests are always treated with generosity<\/em> ! Even without an appointment, you\u2019ll be welcomed with a smile, as turning anyone away is frowned upon.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Traditional clothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Traditional clothing<\/strong> demonstrate the Emiratis\u2019 attachment to their culture and religion. They are worn with pride, even in modern life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Men wear a long white robe called <strong><em>kandoura<\/em><\/strong> or <strong><em>dishdasha<\/em><\/strong>. It is light, elegant and suited to the desert heat. They also wear a headscarf, known as <strong><em>ghutra<\/em><\/strong>, often white or red chequered, held in place by a black cord called <strong><em>agal<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women wear a <strong>black abaya<\/strong>, long and light, often adorned with pretty details. They cover their hair with a veil called <strong><em>shayla<\/em><\/strong>. Some also bear the <strong><em>niqab<\/em><\/strong>, which hides the face, <strong>according to their choices<\/strong> or traditions.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The arts and cultural expression in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s explore the <strong>art forms<\/strong> such as <strong>traditional dances<\/strong> as well as<strong> traditional markets<\/strong> where you can find handcrafted goods, spices and textiles, reflecting local craftsmanship.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Music and dance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Music and dance<\/strong> are part of <strong>the cultural soul of the Emiratis<\/strong>. They tell their story, express their pride and describe their connection to the desert and the sea. The most famous dance is the\u2019<strong>Al Ayyala<\/strong>, also known as \u201c<strong>stick dance<\/strong>\u201d. It is performed by men at weddings or <strong>national holidays<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dancers form two lines facing each other. They hold thin sticks and mimic fighting movements to a slow, powerful rhythm. The drums <strong><em>tabl<\/em><\/strong>, flutes and tambourines <strong><em>daf<\/em><\/strong> accompany the dances. The rhythm is infectious, sometimes even hypnotic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for women, they practise <strong>the dance of the hair<\/strong>. They sway their long locks to the beat of the drums, in a gesture of grace and pride.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Crafts and souks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emirati crafts<\/strong> is rich and ancient. It reflects life in the desert and by the sea, as well as traditions passed down from generation to generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Craftspeople make objects from palm leaves, such as baskets and mats. This craft is known as <strong><em>Safeefa<\/em><\/strong> and he is highly respected. Pottery, basket-weaving, embroidery and the building of traditional boats (known as <strong><em>dhows<\/em><\/strong>) are also treasures of local craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The souks<\/strong> are the old markets. They are brimming with spices, colourful fabrics, incense, gold jewellery and oriental perfumes. <em>It\u2019s a real feast for the senses!<\/em> <strong>The Gold Souk <\/strong>is famous all over the world. Sparkling shop windows, brimming with jewellery, attract visitors from all over the world.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Festivals and celebrations in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dubai takes on a magical atmosphere <strong>during Ramadan<\/strong> and major festivals such as Eid or <strong>National Day<\/strong>.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Ramadan and Eid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/news\/ramadan-in-dubai\/\">Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims<\/a>. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk to refocus on their faith and purify their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meals are eaten early in the morning (<strong><em>suhoor<\/em><\/strong>) and in the evening after sunset (<strong><em>iftar<\/em><\/strong>), often with family or friends. Iftar begins with dates and water, just as the Prophet used to do. This is followed by hearty meals, often shared with neighbours and the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>After Ramadan<\/strong>, we celebrate <strong>Eid al-Fitr<\/strong>, the festival marking the end of the fast. It is a time of joy, prayer, gifts and family meals. Children receive new clothes and money (<strong><em>eidiya<\/em><\/strong>) and lots of cuddles. Homes are filled with laughter, wonderful smells and delicious food.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. National Day of the Emirates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Day_(United_Arab_Emirates)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emirates National Day<\/a> takes place every year <strong>2 December<\/strong>. It celebrates <strong>the country\u2019s founding in 1971<\/strong>, when the seven Emirates united. On that day, Dubai sparkles with a thousand lights. The streets, cars and buildings are decorated with <strong>colours of the flag: red, green, white and black<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Fireworks light up the sky!<\/em> Parades, dance performances and concerts are held all over the city. Emiratis often wear <strong>traditional clothing<\/strong> or clothes in the national colours. They show their pride and love for their country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a day of joy, of coming together and of honouring the ancestors who founded this strong and modern country.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traditional cuisine in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s find out together about the <strong>typical food and drink from Dubai<\/strong> and their role in family gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/La-cuisine-traditionnelle-a-Dubai.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional cuisine in Dubai\" class=\"wp-image-17291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/La-cuisine-traditionnelle-a-Dubai.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/La-cuisine-traditionnelle-a-Dubai-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/La-cuisine-traditionnelle-a-Dubai-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/La-cuisine-traditionnelle-a-Dubai-600x353.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Iconic dishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Get ready to work up an appetite!<\/em> <strong>Traditional Emirati cuisine<\/strong> is rich, fragrant and full-bodied. It blends the flavours of the desert, the sea and oriental spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Machboos<\/strong> is a tasty dish made with rice, spices and meat or fish. A real local treat!<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The harees<\/strong> is a simple but very filling dish. It is made from wheat and meat, which are cooked together for a long time until they take on a creamy texture.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Balaleet <\/strong>It combines sweet and savoury flavours. It consists of sweet, spiced vermicelli topped with an omelette. It is mainly eaten for breakfast.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dates<\/strong> They\u2019re everywhere! They\u2019re given to guests, eaten during Ramadan and used in desserts or juices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This feast is almost always accompanied by a mild Arabic coffee, flavoured with cardamom. It is an essential gesture of hospitality.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Traditional drinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Traditional Emirati drinks<\/strong> are simple, natural and full of flavour. They go well with meals and are perfect for when you have guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most famous is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arabnews.fr\/node\/297766\/culture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arabic coffee (<em>gahwa<\/em>)<\/a>. It is light, sugar-free and flavoured with cardamom, and sometimes with saffron or cloves. It is always served in small, handle-less cups. You\u2019ll be offered some as soon as you step into an Emirati home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ginger or mint tea<\/strong> is also very popular. It warms the heart and is often enjoyed whilst chatting with friends or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Laban<\/strong> is a refreshing drink made from fermented milk. It\u2019s perfect for cooling down when it\u2019s very hot in Dubai. You\u2019ll also find natural juices, such as date, pomegranate or lemon and mint, which are highly prized for their health benefits.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The impact of cultural traditions on daily life and the property market in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditions influence everything: the way we live, the way we entertain guests, and even the way we <strong>building houses in Dubai<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family is at the heart of culture. <strong>Houses<\/strong> are often large, with several bedrooms, to accommodate parents, children and grandparents under one roof. Hospitality plays an important role. Many homes have a <strong><em>majlis<\/em><\/strong>, a traditional sitting room in which to welcome guests with respect and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Respect for privacy is essential. In the villas, areas for women and men are sometimes separate, depending on family traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Modern buildings <\/strong>also embody these values. They often feature prayer rooms, family areas and quiet zones for relaxation. The architecture is designed to suit the climate and local customs: shaded patios, thick walls, and sometimes traditional features such as <em>mashrabiya<\/em> (decorative grilles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These traditions also attract the <a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/news\/emirats-attirent-les-investisseurs\/\">foreign buyers<\/a>. They are looking for a lifestyle that combines modern luxury with cultural authenticity.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover Dubai in a different way: respect its traditions and make the most of the experience!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, we\u2019ve come to the end of the article. You now know <strong>What are the cultural traditions in Dubai?<\/strong> and why it is so important to know them before<strong> visit the emirate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You now know how to greet people, dress appropriately and avoid making a fool of yourself when <strong>Experiencing Dubai with respect<\/strong>. Thanks to all this, you are now ready to travel with peace of mind, respect and an open mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dubai is not just a luxury destination: it is also a city with deep-rooted cultural and religious values. Understanding these values means treating yourself to a more authentic and enriching experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Why not take your preparation a step further?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/\">Dubai Real Estate<\/a>, we\u2019ll look after your home whilst you relax and get ready for your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/contact\/\">Contact us now<\/a> and <strong>Set off for Dubai with peace of mind<\/strong>e!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vous partez bient\u00f4t \u00e0 Duba\u00ef ? Vous vous demandez quelles sont les traditions culturelles \u00e0 conna\u00eetre pour \u00e9viter les faux pas ? Voici un guide clair et concis pour comprendre les principales traditions culturelles \u00e0 Duba\u00ef. Vous allez apprendre \u00e0 respecter les coutumes locales et profiter pleinement de votre s\u00e9jour. Ville ultra-moderne, Duba\u00ef reste profond\u00e9ment [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":17290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actualite"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17289"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17296,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17289\/revisions\/17296"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}