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Culture
A bold and forward-looking society, Dubai
nevertheless proudly treasures its culture and traditions. The timeless
values of Islam lie at the very heart of this living heritage, providing a
strength and inspiration that permeates all aspects of everyday life.
As in any country, the cultural traditions of Dubai are best seen on
special occasions. For example, at weddings and during the religious
holidays of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan,
and Eid Al Adha, members of folk arts groups may be seen singing and
dancing to the sounds of traditional instruments.
On such occasions, women decorate their hands and feet with henna, a
plant-based paste used to draw intricate patterns on the skin. When the
paste is washed off, an ochre dye remains.
Among the many traditional pastimes still practised is the sport of
falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird, and it is not unusual
to see a hooded falcon being trained on its owner's gloved wrist.
The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable following - and
substantial purses for the champions. Throughout history, the Arab has
maintaned a great love of horses. This tradition lives on today in the
rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai in recent years.
The Dubai Museum fills an important role as curator of the emirate's
culture and heritage. Within its ancient walls, aspects of a vanished way
of life in the desert, the city and at sea are depicted in colourful
dioramas, while many fine artefacts from bygone ages are carefully
presented for the interest and education of the present generation.
| Sharjah
Culture and Heritage |
One must understand the traditions of UAE society in order
to live and work here. Cultural traditions go back to the
days of the desert tribes and the influence brought upon
them by migration.
While
Sharjah is now a modern thriving entity, 50 years ago the
towns were small with few facilities, electricity was
powered by generator and water drawn from wells. The leap
into the developed world has taken place over a very short
span of time.
All
expatriates are welcome but care must be taken to respect
and honor local traditions which are still very much part of
life here.
Arts
Under
the direction and guidance of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan
bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Supreme Council Member and
Ruler of Sharjah, the Al Shuwaihiyeen area was selected for
restoration, a decision taken with great care. It is one of
the most ancient areas in Sharjah, the name of which is
mentioned in several historical documents and references
dating back to the end of the 18th century. The restoration
work of the area, comprising five architecturally acclaimed
heritage buildings and a mosque, was done during the period
1993-1995
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Museums
In Sharjah,
a museum is a reservoir of man's past inherited experience to
nurture the ambitions of the present and next generation. It is a
place where the entire family can visit and enjoy together the
pride of the traditional past, to have fun and education through
interactive "Hands-on" exhibits. To develop a future
scientific profession and an analytical way of thinking.
Sharjah
Museums have something to offer everyone. As you explore our site
you will find more detailed information about their collections,
exhibits, special events, educational programs and scientific
departments.
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| Dubai
Attractions |
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Dubai's population is Muslim, mostly of the Maliki or Hanbali
schools. Although Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates is
the most liberal part of the Middle East there are still many
Islamic rules that should be respected by visitors. The alcohol laws
must be observed and appreciation shown for the Muslim tradition of
wearing suitable clothing and removing shoes in religious buildings.
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| Dubai
Transportation |
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As well as Dubai International Airport, there are other methods of
transpot into Dubai. The UAE road network is inconsistent but is
reasonable into Dubai city center. Rail is also an option.
Abras on the
Creek, Dubai An abra is a water taxi and they have been used as a
way of getting across the Creek for many years. This is still an
effective means of transportation for many in Dubai. It costs just
50 fils one way.
Arriving by
Air
Dubai
International Airport is a busy airport that serves Dubai with both
international and domestic air services.
Getting
Around Dubai
For getting
around Dubai there is a fairly good bus service, mini buses and
taxis. Most people who are staying for some time make sure they have
access to a vehicle, as there isn't a reliable public transport
system beyond the city. Car hire is not too expensive, the roads are
in good condition but the rules of the road are not always carefuly
observed. Be very careful until you are used to it and be aware that
roundabouts are particularly hazardous. as are wandering camels.
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| Dubai
Palm Island |
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Dubai launches giant palm tree resort island
Dubai has
unveiled plans for a palm tree-shaped resort island on land
reclaimed from the sea that will add 120 kilometres of sandy beaches
and be visible from the moon.
"Palm
Island" will include 2,000 villas, up to 40 luxury hotels,
shopping complexes, cinemas and the Middle East's first marine park,
said Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai Palm Developers.
The island
will be built in the shape of 17 huge fronds surrounded by 12
kilometres (7.5 miles) of protective barrier reefs, extending five
kilometres (three miles) into the sea south of Dubai city.
"The
project has taken four years of methodical planning and exhaustive
feasibility studies to ensure that the islands can be built without
disrupting the environment," Sulayem said.
They will be
accessible by 300-metre (990-feet) bridges from the mainland or boat
to two marinas, while the main causeway will also have a monorail
system.
The project
will be built on 80 million cubic metres (2.8 billion cubic feet) of
land dredged from the approach channel to the emirate's Jebel Ali
port, an operation that will deepen the channel to 17 metres (56
feet).
Khalid bin
Sulayem, head of Dubai's tourism board, said the project would
elevate Dubai "from regional players to leaders in tourism
development who focus on modernising and expanding tourism
infrastructure to attract more tourists."
Property on
the islands, expected to take up to four years to complete, will be
for sale to foreigners as well as Emiratis. Sulayem did not put on a
figure on the project cost.
A consultant
with Palm Developers told AFP at Dubai's Arabian Travel Market that
the contract for the project was expected to be awarded next week
and construction take up to five years.
With its oil resources running out, Dubai, part of the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), has launched a multi-billion dollar tourism drive in
an effort to establish itself as the Gulf's leisure hub.
The local
Abdullah al-Futtaim Group last month launched Dubai Festival City, a
project to develop a four-kilometre-long (2.5-mile-long) stretch of
the emirate's southern creekside at a cost of 1.6 billion dollars.
And a 10-billion dollar project to build a new city called Dubai
Marina is already well underway. It is to house 100,000 people
around a huge water basin within a decade.
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