The Emirate of Dubai is quickly growing into a world-class global city, where a heterogeneous amalgamation of people from various cultures has called it home.  But what is unique with Dubai is that although it has embraced certain foreign cultural influences that would appeal to foreigners to dwell in this Arabian oasis, Dubai has kept its uniquely Arabian flavor that sets it apart, and at the same time, one with the rest of the Arab world.

There are certain aspects of the culture in Dubai that clearly defines it As Arabian.  These are the city’s local customs and Islam.

Any visitor to a foreign country should be keenly aware that every society has different ways OF doings things, no matter how culturally open that society appears to be.  Unwritten rules on social behavior exist in every society and an outsider should acquaint himself with these set of societal norms not just for easier assimilation with the locals, but as well as not to offend local sensibilities.

Type of Clothing

The manner of dressing in Dubai is still predominantly conservative, most particularly for women.  Arabian women are expected to dress according to the religious custom, wherein they should cover themselves from head to foot.  Some Arab women, such as Saudis and those with strictly religious husbands, require women to cover even their faces and hands.  However, this custom is more relaxed at home, especially when not entertaining guests or relatives.  Women at home, particularly younger women, tend to adopt western style of clothing as they are less subject to clothing restrictions when at home.

Although foreign women in Dubai are free to adopt Western style of clothing, they should respect and be sensitive to this local custom.  As a general rule, dressing conservatively is much acceptable, as women who dress provocatively are regarded as women of low virtue and even a prostitute.

Western style of clothing is quickly becoming the norm in Dubai for both Arab and foreign men.  The hot climate in the region prompts men to wear light and smart casual clothing.  A long-sleeved shirt with a tie and light trousers are standard office clothing, while business suits are rarely worn in the region, except for business meetings and special formal events.

Common Names

It should be noted that Arabs generally place a premium on civility.  The use of Arab names when addressing the locals would be highly appreciated and leave a positive impression.  Arab names usually have a patronym attached with it, which is a name component based on one’s father.  The words “ibn”, “bin”, “ben”, “ibni”, and “ibnu” is the equivalent to the “son” prefix, which could stand for “the son of “ and the “the daughter of”, denoting lineage.  It is important to use the full name, especially in formal occasions and in correspondence.  Thus, "Ali bin Abdul Amr al-Aziz" should never called as “Ali” alone, although the patrimony could be dropped, leaving the still much acceptable “Ali al- Aziz".  Arab men are address formally with “Sayyed” and their full names, while women can be addressed as “Madame”.

Invitations to an Arab home should be received graciously, taking in every opportunity to get acquainted with the locals.  It is customary for Arabs to remove their footwear, and unless indicated by the host, it is wise to do the same.  Food and drinks offered should be accepted as Arabs view sharing a meal with other people positively affects the relationship.  Expressing admiration and interest for the host’s possessions should be avoided as their tradition dictates them to offer it to the admirer.  In addition, the recipient is expected to give a more valuable gift as a correct response to one’s acceptance of the offer.  Calling unannounced to an Arab home should be avoided, as Arabs value formality and respect, in turn expecting the same from almost all people that they meet.

Other Local Customs

Other customs and societal rules regarding behavior involves respecting their places of worship and their religious beliefs, keeping off prayer mats and walking in front of an Arab in prayer, refraining from drunken behavior and aggression, avoiding public displays of affection, refraining from offering alcoholic drinks, unless an Arab explicitly takes in such drinks, and generally showing mutual respect for the other person.

It is interesting to note that much of the local customs not just in Dubai, but the whole Arab world as well, is centered on Islam, the predominant religion in the region.  It is due to the Muslims’ belief that Islam is not just a religion, but a way of life as well, serving as a guide for this life and the next.  Thus, it is a pervasive and fundamental part of all aspect of life.  Islam means “submission to the will of God” and that God is in absolute control of everything.  It is therefore, not surprising to hear Muslims utter “in sha Allah” (God willing) when making plans and the phrase “In the name of allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful” before engaging in something or on top of correspondences is a testament of Islam’s all-encompassing influence in an Islamic society.

As obligatory prayer ranks second among the five pillars of Islam, foreigners should be keenly aware of its weight and tremendous value to its practitioners.  Salat, or prayer, is performed five times a day by a devout Muslim:  at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall.  It is not surprising for Muslims to break away from whatever occupation to observe these prayers.  Foreigners or non-practitioners are not expected to do anything other than to observe silence while the prayer is on-going and avoid passing in front of the one in prayer.  Friday is considered as the one time in the week where noon prayers are performed in a mosque.  Friday is also considered the “Sabbath” or holy day, wherein most businesses and shops are closed.

Another pillar of Islam which somewhat directly concerns foreigners is Ramadan, or fasting.  During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are instructed to refrain from passing any solid or liquid into their mouths during the hours of daylight.  It is an act of purification and a test of one’s self-constraint, patience, and inner knowledge.  Practitioners are also forbidden from smoking and engaging in physical pleasures during this holy month.  Although foreigners are not forced to observe fast, they should avoid eating, drinking, and smoking where they can be seen by Muslims during the hours of daylight.  They are, however, free to join-in in the festivities of the “Eid Al-Fitr”, which is a celebration of the break of the month-long fast.

The other pillars of Islam include the profession of faith (shahada), alms-giving (zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).  Foreigners are not forced to observe these practices, most particularly alms-giving.

Holidays

Major holidays in Dubai include the aforementioned Eid Al-Fitr and Nation Day on December 2, which marks the foundation of the United Arab Emirates.

Although much of the local customs in Dubai are predominantly conservative and centered around Islam, Dubai’s entertainment and leisure activities much openly embraces Western influences than most Arab states.  One of these is the existence of large, world-class shopping malls, such as the Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, BurJuman, and the Ibn Battuta Mall.  These modern commercial centers have changed the appetite for consumption of the locals, within and around the district.  A tourist event called the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) specifically focuses on this entrepreneurial feature of the city.  During the said event, Dubai shops offer deep discounts on their merchandise, daily car raffles are drawn, and fireworks illuminate the night sky.  The event attracts tourists from all over-the world not just because of the tax-free shopping, but because of the various events that take place during the festival as well.  With over four million visitors flocking to Dubai during the festival, DSF annually generate an excess of US$ one billion in revenue.

The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), which lasts for 10 weeks, is the summer counterpart of the Dubai Shopping festival.  Yet unlike the former, DSS is family oriented and puts much emphasis on educational themes for every activity.

Dubai's Nightlife

In spite of the restrictions placed on alcoholic drinks, Dubai is renowned for its lively nightlife.  Pushed by the growing expatriate community, the night life scene in Dubai is expanding as veraciously as the hotels and futuristic towering buildings rising from the sands of the city.  In fact, Dubai was hailed by the New York Times as its travel choice for partying in 2008.  Some of the city’s most prominent night life establishments include Peppermint, Trilogy at the Madinat Jumeirah hotel, the 400 Club at the Fairmont, mojitos at the Malecon, and the Red Square Discothèque at Hotel Moscow.  Apparently, these establishments are found in hotels and are usually open until 3AM.

Hollywood and Bollywood movies are widely accepted in Dubai.  The city hosts the annual Dubai International Film Festival, which attracts both local and international celebrities.  International artists are also welcome to perform in Dubai.  Some of the biggest international names in the music industry that have already performed in Dubai are Aerosmith, Elton John, Santana, Celine Dion, and Phil Collins.

Conversely, Dubai’s cultural life is still in the process of catching up with the city’s night life.  Opportunities to hear classical music performances are quite limited.  Visiting orchestras and musicians, however, are often housed at the Dubai International Convention Center, Dubai World Trade Center, Bur Dubai, and The Crown Plaza Hotel.  Theatrical performances are commonly held at the Dubai Community Theater and Arts Center and at The Crown Plaza Hotel.

Clearly, the combination of traditional, albeit tolerant norms and the emirate’s somewhat liberal attitude towards Western influences has made Dubai the most welcoming city in the Arab states.  It is but one of the few places in the Arab world where an outsider could experience the benefits of a culturally rich community with all the comforts and flair of the modern Western world.