The Wealthy Heritage and Culture of the United Arab Emirates

When one thinks of the UAE, the first things that are evoked are the glistening cityscapes and the stunning visitor comforts that are on offer everywhere. Look a little more closely, though, and one finds the country has a wealth of practice and culture to explore. Enjoy the Emirates with cheap car rental service.

Although the UAE itself is a modern creation, the area has a history going back over 2,500 years, when the 1st Arab races settled there. Tribal traditions have deeply attached roots in the country. This is often seen today, for instance, in the natural courteousness of the locals. This is not some inexpensive try to impress travellers, but a deeply-rooted convention springing from a tribal society's structure of duties and responsibilities to each other.

The UAE is an Islamic country, and that's mirrored in much of her traditions and culture, naturally. For most of its history, the area has been home to traveling tribes that roamed the desert sands, often only returning a couple of times a year to a home oasis. Although the majority of people are now concentrated in the big cities along the coast, desert practices are still revered in the UAE. For tourists, there are organised trips into the desert through four-wheel drive automobiles and camels. Experiencing a night under the desert stars will give an appreciation for what life was like until fairly recently.

From the savoury and spicy offering available to the thick, full-bodied coffee, food and drink offer visitors a little taste of traditional life daily. A day spent rambling around the many souqs or bazaars will give the visitor a feel for Emirati life like nothing else. There are a wide variety of specialized souqs, offering fish, gold and spices, as an example. Dance, music, and storytelling, also , form a vital element of the culture, from conferences around desert camp fires to vocalists regulating the rhythm of work on the pearling boats.

Being a coastal country, the UAE has a proud history of ship building and fishing. The dhow is an iconic symbol of Emirati seafaring prowess. These extraordinary vessels can still be seen today, plying their trade in the UAE's waters. Pearl fishing is a crucial practice continuing into the present.

This article has only touched on some aspects of Emirati culture and custom. Far more awaits the visitor, including the internationally famous Arabian horses. It is not any surprise that Emiratis take such pride in their heritage.