Dubai Overview

ARTS & HUMANITIES

The UAE has a long cultural history dating back to ancient times drawn from many changing civilisations. From the Bedouin tribes, who travelled across the deserts, to the centuries of pearl harvesters along the Arabian Gulf. Today, the UAE takes a pride in the cultural past whilst supporting and encouraging contemporary arts, literature and theatre. Dubai is strewn with art galleries, museums, Opera and theatre offering an insight into the past as well as the future of the arts.

In 1998 the City of Sharjah was voted the Cultural Capital of the Arab World and houses a museum recording local history in the Sharjah Fort which was once the residence of the Ruling Family. The oasis city of Al Ain known as the ‘Garden City’ with its natural springs and palm groves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Al Ain National Museum exhibits archaeological finds from around the city including stone-age and bronze-age remains.

Contemporary literature, poetry and performing arts are taking their place in popularity particularly that of ‘spoken poetry’ which has its roots in historical tradition. Nabati poetry which has long been known as the ‘people’s poetry’ is still very much a part of modern literature and has over centuries recorded the lives and habits of changing civilizations.

CULTURE

The UAE is the most liberal country in the Arabian Gulf. The country follows Islamic Sharia Law for social and political matters; however, the UAE is tolerant of other religions and accords religious freedom to the expatriate population.

The official religion of the UAE is Islam.Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism also make up a significant proportion of religions practiced in the UAE, with over 40 churches, cathedrals, temples, and other places of worship. The UAE is one of the most tolerant and safe countries in the entire Middle East, North Africa, and India region. All religions are welcomed and practiced with strong protections in place against discrimination of any religious beliefs.

Family is an important key to UAE society and is based upon the long-held values of Emirati tribal kinship. Children are highly prized and families are close knit, preferring to reside in the same neighborhood. Large families are encouraged and it is not uncommon for couples to have six children or more.

Although traditionally, Emirati culture has been based upon a patriarchal society, the UAE endorses gender equality, guaranteeing equal rights for both sexes. Women are awarded the same legal status, access to education and employment, claim to titles and the right to inherit property. According to the World Economic Forum 2016, the UAE are a leading country in the region for equality.

FOOD

Cuisine in the UAE emanates from a rich history of changing civilizations. Since much of the Emirates lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, fish and seafood is very much a mainstay of the UAE diet. Muslims do not eat pork but all most other meats are used in the cuisine with a preference for lamb, goat and chicken.One of the most frequently eaten foods is Shawarma which is spit roasted meat or mixed meats served with a variety of ingredients such as tabbouleh, tahini, hummus, pickles, cucumber or tomato. It can be served on a plate or in a Taboon bread (flatbread).

EDUCATION

The UAE is one of the most educated countries in the MENA Region, boasting a literacy rate above 95%

There are over 120 accredited universities throughout the country, with more than 50 in Dubai’s International Academic City and Knowledge Village alone. International campuses of world renown academic powerhouses such as NYU Abu Dhabi, RIT Dubai, American University of Dubai, Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, and Wollongong University also have campuses in the UAE.

Primary and Secondary schools are privately operated and strictly regulated and evaluated annually by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.

There are more than 280,000 students from 182 Nationalities across 194 private schools in Dubai.

POPULATION & DIVERSITY

The population of the UAE is just shy of 10 Million residents, with nearly 90% of the country’s population being foreign expatriate workers.

The country’s exceptionally high net migration rate of 21.71, is the world’s highest and is the reason the population of the UAE continues to steadily increase year on year.

About 88% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is urban.The average life expectancy is 77 years old, higher than for any other Arab country.

FORM OF GOVERNMENT

The UAE government is a Federal Elective Constitutional Monarchy. Each Emirate is governed by a ruler, and together they form the Federal Supreme Council. It is a federation of seven absolute monarchies of the seven Emirates.

The emir of Abu Dhabi serves as the president. The president is also the Supreme Commander in Chief of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council and the Emir of Dubai serves as the Prime Minister. These titles are hereditary.