The UAE is a modern country infused with tradition that is steeped in a vibrant culture shaped by a rich history. Arabic language is the most important part of the culture as it is capable of carrying so many messages: life, nostalgia, and dreams all intertwined in one dialect. The UAE is known for its hospitality and warm heart, and it can be said that Arabic in the country isn’t merely a language. Rather, it serves as the custodians to the country’s deep-rooted customs.
Arabic Language: The Remarkable Emirati Heritage
Arabic is the main language, which means it is the official spoken language used among the citizens of the Emirates, spread across all seven Emirates. Countless expats live and work in the country, which means English is more of a foreign nation, although Arabic does remain the lifeblood of life in the UAE. It extends into signage, food, and even socialization. Egyptian Arabic is mostly employed in the media, and is usually referred to Modern Standard Arabic. This is contrasted with the local dialect Gulf Arabic, which gives a distinctly unique sound to the way of communication in the country.
Key Words To Learn:
Marhaban (مرحبا)- “Hello”
Shukran (شكراً) – “Thank you”
Inshallah (إن شاء الله) – “God willing”
Ahlan wa Sahlan (أهلاً وسهلاً) – “Welcome”
Making an effort to learn a few Arabic words or phrases can greatly enhance one’s image and enable them to make connections with the people they interact with.
Arabic Calligraphy: A Form of Art Beyond Words
Apart from being a language that can be spoken, Arabic can also be known as an artistic form. Arabic calligraphy is one of the most predominant art forms in the UAE and the rest of the arab countries. In the UAE, the architecture incorporates flowing intricate shapes of Arabic letters not just in mosques but also in public spaces in order to make the Emirati design stand out.
Quotes from the Qur’an can be viewed as a major source of this art form as they are constantly written on walls and public areas. The beauty and class of the Arabic script alongside the quotes show the deep love the people of Emirati culture have for their language. It has so many purposes such as artistic and spiritual, not just functional.
Emirati Etiquette: Reverence, Welcoming, and Customs
The UAE is a modern country, however, it still cherishes and respects the traditional Emirati customs that have been kept from generation to generation. Here is a few examples of the daily life and cultural practices that make the UAE stand out.
- Welcoming: A Mark of Kindness
Emiratis have strong welcoming spirit and guests are regarded as demigods. This custom earned praise all over the world where guests are not only offered coffee or Gahwa, an Arabic beverage referred to as warrior’s drink, but they are also served with dates to showcase amiability and friendship.
Gahwa can be offered to guests anywhere along with dates as a sign of hospitality and friendliness. It can also be served in a more traditional manner in one of the local outlets referred to as soukateh. Sweets like Baklava and Kunafa come along and they are staples of Emirati hospitality.
- Family Values: The Center of Life
Family is an important unit of the society in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marshland. There exists strong bonding among the extended families which often live in close proximity. Respect for elders is a value that is deeply ingrained in the society. Multi-generational gatherings including children and grandparents sharing daily life and traditions is quite common. This strong attachment family bonds protrude towards the way Emiratis regard their friends and guests. They are seamlessly treated with familial warmth. - The Importance of Modesty
Women in the UAE have to cover their bodies with an abaya or headscarf making them less visible. It is considered a sign of dignity. Unlike some of the neighboring countries, the UAE is a bit on the lenient side but it still encourages men and women to dress modestly in public as well. Using extreme caution, women are often expected to wear an abaya while men conservatively sport long trousers with short or long sleeved shirts. - Ramadan: A Month of Reflection
The month of fasting called Ramadan holds deep significance for Muslims and is a very important period in the UAE as well. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink from dawn till sunset. In the evening, family and friends come together to have the Iftar meal, which includes traditional food such as Harees (a dish made of wheat and meat) and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). For tourists, it is a time to ponder the significance of spirituality and community. - The Significance of the Falcon
Falconry is a traditional practice that dates back to centuries and continues to have cultural importance in the UAE. Falcons are considered a symbol of power and pride. This is more than just a sport – it is an emodiment of the UAE’s connection to the desert and Bedouin culture. Falcons are often kept as pets and use up their own passports. Some are highly cherished and are even treated like family.
Merging Every World: Custom and Contemporary
Alongside a dynamic, globalized region with skyscrapers and sophisticated technology, the UAE has an unwavering respect for the Arabic language and traditional customs, which ensures that culture is never lost. As a tourist in the UAE, whether you are enjoying a luxury arabesque mall in Dubai, shifting gears to the serene desert in Abu Dhabi, or sipping Arabic coffee at a local café, the country offers a rich heritage that incorporates both its history and the present.
Knowing the Arabic language, along with the customs of the people, is not only an academic venture, but a way to access the heart of the UAE. If you’re residing in the country or simply passing through, adopting local customs offers a rewarding understanding of the place. So, on your next trip, do not just marvel at the stunning locals or the incredible architecture that are feats of modern engineering, but take some time to explore the language and culture of the UAE. It’s an experience you will cherish forever.