Noteworthy Features of United Arab Emirates - Research Paper Example

Noteworthy Features of United Arab Emirates Abstract This paper studies online resources to determine several noteworthy features of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Society and Culture. Native ethnic group of the society is Emiratis, who are only 15 % - 20 % of the total population. People from different ethnic groups mainly from South East Asia and East Asia constitute a large portion of the UAE. The UAE is in the true meaning a vibrant, nonhomogeneous, and multicultural society. Study finds that peaceful coexistence, tolerance to the different religious beliefs and languages are principal cultural features of the UAE. It is a vibrant civil society. The study also explores that folklore; education and sports play a vital role in society. UAE Architecture is an example of combination of traditional and modern design. UAE society has built a new culture that is an example for different countries of the world. This new culture shows how a nonhomogeneous society builds a prosperous and rich country. Introduction The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a diverse and multicultural society. It is home of different ethnic groups from different parts of the world. This article is about important features of UAE society and culture. The article first gives a brief description of the concept of society and culture. Then it discusses the features of UAE society and culture thru this concept. The fundamental element of a society is a human being, an individual. A large number of individuals who live in a geographical area and share (“The cultural concept”) certain laws, customs, beliefs, norms, languages build a society. The individuals of a society may come from one ethnic group or diverse ethnic groups. If society consists of diverse ethnic group of people, then the members of the society share different customs, beliefs, norms, and languages. The UAE society consists of diverse ethnic groups. How to define culture of a society? There is no formal interpretation of culture. There are many understandings of the concept of culture. Some understanding of culture (“Culture and People”) relates to objects like music, art, food, and literature of a group of people. Edward B. Taylor (“What is culture”), an English Anthropologist, described culture as behavior of the members of the society. Thru knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and habits members of the society express their behavior. According to Merriam Webster dictionary (“Culture”) culture is a set of customary beliefs, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. Some other opinion defines culture (“Culture & Society defined”) as a matrix of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of a society use in their daily lives. Above-described concepts together imply that culture is a concept that one can envision, and it bears the imprint of geographical location, history and religion belief of the people of a society. Thus, society and culture are interrelated. Society members create culture and society members share it. Culture defines behavior of the society. Features of UAE Society and Culture UAE Ethnic Groups The United Arab Emirates has a territory of 82,880 sq. km. (“Back Grounds Note: United Arab Emirates,”) and it is located in the Southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It has borders with Qatar in the Northwest, the Sultanate of Oman to the East and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the South. The waters of the Persian and Oman gulfs wash the shores of the Emirates. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of the seven (“United Arab Emirates”) small emirates (Sheikhdoms) of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah (“United Arab Emirates,” Inforplease). These states were previously known as Trucial States. The term Trucial (“History”) comes from a historical fact. The ruling Sheikhs of these constituents were bound by a truce with the Great Britain in 1820 and then in 1892 by an agreement under which Britain gave them protection from the sea and land. In 1971, seven constituents of Sheikhdom (Trucial States) formed a federal state, which we know as United Arab Emirates. Until 1960 population of this region was remarkably low due to the harsh environment and difficult economic condition. Total population during the period of 1900 – 1960 was less than 100,000 (“United Arab Emirates - Population”). According to available sources population in the year 2010 consisted of 5 million, out of which approximately 15 % are ethnic Emirates. Most of 85 % of the foreign nationals (“United Arab Emirates Demographics Profile”) come from India, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Except them, others are Iranians, Arabs, Europeans and Americans. The gigantic by volume socio economic development of the country drew immigrants from different countries. These migrants came from different ethnic groups. Presence of different ethnic groups and economic boom changed a homogeneous pearling community to a diverse, highly cosmopolitan, and multicultural society. UAE Society and culture mainly revolve around Islamic religion (“UAE Culture”), Arab and Bedouin traditions. Among different features of UAE society, Peaceful coexistence, Religion and culture, Education and sports, Dress code and etiquette, Folklore, Architecture, and Bedouin culture are of foremost importance. Peaceful Coexistence Before the oil boom of 1960, when the country was known to be pearling community, the UAE society had had migrants from Iran. Influx of people to the UAE, after 1960, (“Culture & People”) was mostly from eastern and southern eastern part of Asia. Today, about 85 % (“United Arab Emirates,” Countries & their culture) of the UAE population comes from different social ethnic groups. These people have become a part of the UAE society and culture. Different ethnic groups (“Culture & People”) have different religious beliefs and traditions. Peaceful coexistence of these groups with one another along with the native Emiratis is crucial for the prosperity and progress of the country. Without the peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups, society cannot have stability. Economic development of the country depends on the stability. The ethnic groups of the UAE society have learned how to live in harmony and peace. Peaceful coexistence (“Dubai Culture”) is an essential feature of the UAE society and culture. UAE government plays a pivotal role by showing support for the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups. It is pertinent to note the presence of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, (“Religion head Hails”) Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE in orthodox Indian Christians gathering celebrating the recent visit of their religious leader Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II. In this gathering, the religious leader hailed (“Religion head Hails”) peaceful co-existence. Everyone, irrespective of title and position in the society, is playing an active part for the peaceful coexistence (“United Arab Emirates Spirit”). Religion and Language In a multicultural society, tolerance to others religions and languages, is important. Available sources state that UAE population (“United Arab Emirates,” worldstatesman) is 5,314,317 (2012). Ethnic groups constituting(“this population are Arab 48.1% (of which UAE Arab 12.2%, Bedouin 9.4%, Egyptian Arab 6.2%, Omani Arab 4.1%, Saudi Arab 4%), South Asian 35.7% (of which Pashtun 7.1%, Balochi 7.1%, Malayali 7.1%, Iranian 5%, Filipino 3.4%, white Europeans 2.4%, other 5.4% (2000). These ethnic groups have a distinct culture and custom. They have different religions and languages. Islam is the principal religion of the UAE. Religious minorities include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhist, and Christians and others. In the UAE, other than mosque, there are temples, churches, gurudwara, and religious houses (“UAE: Culture & Religion”) of worship. Major Islamic festivals are holy month of Ramadan and the ensuing three-day Eid al Fitr. Nevertheless, people from other religious and ethnic group can freely celebrate their own religious festivals. The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and interferes very little in the religious activities of non-Muslims. In December one can see shopping malls are dressed in perfectly trimmed Christmas trees and colorful lights. Government of the UAE contribution towards building harmony among different religious groups should be appreciated. In Dubai, in the Minabazar Area visitors can find religious Temples of Shiva and Krishna (“Language and Religion in Dubai”). The late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, sanctioned the construction of these temples. The Emir of Dubai has also granted lands to different communities for construction of temples, churches, gurudwaras, cemeteries etc. In the year of 2001, government of Dubai donated land in Jebel Ali for the construction of four Protestant congregations and a Catholic congregation. In 2005 General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister donated land in Javel ALi for the construction of the first Greek Orthodox Church (“Greek Orthodox Church”) in Dubai. Arabic is the official language of UAE. English is widely spoken (“Culture & People”) and understood in the UAE. Urdu is another major language spoken and understood in the UAE, along with Hindi, (“Culture & People”) Persian, Punjabi, Malayam and Tagalog. People of the UAE society practice different religions and speak in different languages. Chaos in the society is evident if people do not pay respect to one another religion and language. The multi ethnical UAE society has developed a culture that everyone in the society shares. It is respect and tolerance to the different religions and languages. This is an important feature of UAE society and culture. Dress and etiquette Dress code and etiquette is a part of the culture of a society that roots back to centuries of tradition. The UAE is a non-homogenous multicultural society. Dress code and etiquette is an important feature (“Living with etiquette in Dubai”) of the UAE society and culture. Native ethnic community has it own dress code and etiquette and migrants have their own. Emiratis (native ethnic group) culture has evolved from people's deep-rooted faith in Islam from the ancient days. Islamic laws require modesty in dress codes both for men and woman. Emiratis, both men and women, wear their traditional dress. Women generally wear long skirts and sleeves, more conservative dresses for women, the ab’a (black robe that covers a dress) and a shailah (scarf for the head). For women “burqa” that covers their faces is also a traditional dress. Traditional clothing for men includes the white robe known as a dishdasha and a white head covering known as a kitra tied by a black headband. Sandals are worn by both sexes. Jeans are not acceptable for women and would be regarded as extremely casual dress for men. Children usually wear both Western and traditional clothing. Expatriates from different ethnic groups who constitute majority population of UAE have accepted native emirates dress in concept. They wear western clothing and shoes following the traditional dress code concept. Dominic Jeremy, The British Ambassador (“British Ambassador,”) to the UAE, plead recently to expatriates to dress appropriately showing respect to the traditional dress code culture of the UAE. Like dress code, etiquette of the society forms in the course of centuries. Politeness and respect (“UAE Etiquette”) to the older people is UAE society’s etiquette. Showing respect towards the women is another key component of UAE etiquette. When visiting a house, it is customary to enter the house barefooted (“Tradition”) with clean socks. Courtesy, hospitality, and tolerance are also parts of UAE society’s etiquettes. All ethnic groups pay respect and follow this etiquette. Folklore Folklore is an integral part UAE society and culture. Folklore represents poetry, Music, dances, songs of the UAE society. UAE society’s folklore reflects the rich heritage from centuries past. Weddings and other festivals and celebrations are incomplete without traditional music (“UAE: Culture and Religion”) and dances. People express their joy thru folk dancing. Drums (“Music and Dance in UAE”) are an integral part of folk music. Strong beat of drum conveys rhythm of music and folk dance expresses the acts of social life, hunting, battle and other elements. Ayyalah, Harbiya, and Liwa are three most popular folk dances. Ayyalah represents battle signifying defeat of the enemy. Two lines of man confronting each other perform Harbiya. Liwa is performed to a rapid tempo with loud drumbeats. This is based on the theme of war song, and its purpose to raise warriors’ morals. Education and Sport Education and sport in the UAE is part of the society. UAE is a society with high literacy rate. Indian and Pakistani ethnic groups’ contribution should be noted in this area. Secondary education system consists of primary, middle and high schools. There are public and private schools. The government funds public schools. The expatriate groups fund most private schools. Ministry of education of the UAE accredits private schools. There are many internationally accredited schools. There are schools that follow Indian education system, and British education system. Irrespective of the education system all schools are set up to follow goals and values of the society. Different colleges and universities are available for higher education. A number of foreign universities starting from Paris Sorbonne to Michigan State University have opened campuses in the UAE. Camel racing and track racing are two traditional sports of native ethnic group of the UAE. Other ethnic groups have brought to the UAE football, cricket, golf and tennis. Many international tournaments are held in these fields of sport. A diversified culture has brought different sports to the society, which has become a culture of the UAE society. Architecture Architecture tells the story of a society, its culture tradition and beliefs. It represents the past and present of a society. Old traditional UAE architecture was developed (“Traditional Architecture”) based on climatic condition, economic activity of social life, and social status of the residents, tribal affiliation, and religion. In traditional architecture, vernacular style was the principal method of construction using local materials. These materials had low thermal conductivity and ideally suited for the hot weather. Traditional architecture (“Dictionary of Islamic Architecture”) also used elements of architecture called wind tower to make the house cooler. Application of wind tower is present in some (“UAE Architecture”) modern (Al Nasr Hotel, Mina A ‘slam) designs. In traditional design privacy and ventilation were two crucial aspects of private buildings. Public buildings were mostly confined to forts and mosques. Tradition and lifestyle in the UAE revolves around Islamic culture. The design and construction of buildings and structures show elements of Islamic architecture. These elements are decorative calligraphy, floral patterns, trees, flower and water. Complex geometric patterns are also part of Islamic architectural element, can be found in traditional architecture. The explosion of new and rich economic era developed a new architectural culture in the society. Modern architectural design, new building materials, and technology rapidly created a new architectural design concept. Sleek glass fronted multistory buildings altered (“UAE Architecture”) the urban landscape of UAE. UAE new architecture represents a highly cosmopolitan society with diverse and lively culture. Nevertheless, tradition, culture, and religion are also part of the modern design. Burj Al Arab, Burj Dubai, The Palm Jumeriah, Rose Tower, Emirates office Tower, Etihad towers, Sheikh Zayad Bridge, Emirates Palca hotel and many other iconic buildings (“Dubai Architecture Sitemap”) bear the imprint of UAE tradition in Architecture. Many of these buildings have architectural design of desert flowers (Burj Al Arab), date palm tree (Palm Island). Exterior look of Emirates Place represents the traditional elements of Islamic Architecture. Another significant architectural importance of the society is Sheikh Zayed mosque. It offers decorative patterns in Islamic architectural design. Present UAE architecture is a culture of the society that will forever tell the story of glamour, glory, and wealth to the future generation. Bedouin culture For centuries, UAE society’s building block (“Bedouin culture”) was nomadic Bedouin culture. It contributes rich heritage to today’s thriving UAE culture. Today Bedouins are shrinking minority. Bedouins are divided into two (“The Gulf Bedouin”) classes; one who are nomadic shepherd, and others who practice farming. The first group is called Baqqarah and the second group is Fellahin. Fellahins lives more settled life at the edge of desert and Baqqarahs are moves across the desert. The influence of Bedouin heritage still may be seen in modern UAE society. It is not uncommon to see in modern Arabic Restaurant and Hotel individuals sipping coffee under a cozy tent. Camel racing, horse racing and falconry in modern UAE society came from old Bedouin culture. For the UAE multicultural society Bedouin culture is a part of the UAE culture (“UAE Culture”). This is also an important feature of the UAE society and culture. Conclusion A society is a group of people who live together and share a common culture. Culture and society are intricately related. Culture consists of the “objects” of a society whereas a society consists of the people. Until the 20th century, most people in the world worked and lived in small groups in one geographic location. At that time, concept of homogenous society and culture was meaningful. In today's world of 6 billion people, this concept has lost meaning homogeneous society and culture. Today society is bound to be multicultural, where people from different ethnics groups live and share their beliefs and traditions. UAE society is the perfect example for the world where people from different religion, languages and culture can live and build a prosperous country. Harmony and peaceful coexistence of people from different ethnic groups who share different religious belief, values, customs, morals, traditions, and who speak in different languages are the principle features of the UAE Society and Culture. This culture is the infrastructure of progress of the society. 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