A Taste of the EmiratesOpen Doors. Open Minds.

Who are the people of the Emirates?

The social structure of the Emirates has gonethrough enormous changes over the last thirtyto forty years. Dubai, geographically the second largest Emirate, has made a staggeringtransformation from a small Arab tribal societyto a dynamic, sophisticated city. Dubai is recognized as the commercial capital of theEmirates, flourishing in a diverse range ofindustries including tourism, manufacturing,trading, media and e-commerce. OtherEmirates include; Abu Dhabi (capital), Sharjah,Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwainand Ajman.

The Emirati people descended from ancienttribes living simple lives, connected to theirland, the desert and thesea. Before the discov-ery of oil, traditionaloccupations includedthe growing of datepalms, fishing andpearl diving alongthe coast.Naturally, with oil,came dramaticchanges to thelifestyle and socialstructure of theEmirates.

Development of the infrastructure of the country; construction of roads, hospitals,schools etc brought a stream of foreign workforce into the country. Now the Emirates,has become home to people of over 136nationalities.

At present, the population of the United ArabEmirates is an estimated three and a half million, of which about only 30% are UAENational. Certainly, the cultural and religiousdiversity has made the Emirates probably themost open and tolerant country within theregion. Dubai, and the UAE in general, areliberal in allowing foreigners to maintain theirown religious practices and lifestyles. One can

even find churches and temples forworshippers to

practise theirfaith.

Although therehave been some

changes withthe exposure to

new ideas and influences, theEmirati people have successfully

retained their social values andbeliefs in order not to lose theirown cultural identity.

Some tribal values of the past havesurvived until present times; for

example, the importance of strongfamily ties and the loyalty tomembers of their own

tribe, hospitality and thelove of poetry and story

telling.

The traditional dress for an Emirati womanconsists of wide and long under-trousers (sirwal-bu-badla), which have glittering andcolourful embroidery at the end, and an ankle-length dress (thoub), which also hascoloured and gold or silver embroidery at theneckline and cuffs. When a male visitor, who isnot a close member of her family is in thehouse, the Emirati woman covers her hair witheither a thin coloured scarf or with the traditional black headscarf (shela).

When outside the home, she wears the shela,and over her clothes, a floor length black cloakcalled an abaya. Older women in particular stillwear the traditional gold coloured face mask(burqa), which is made of hardened linen.

The Emirati men's traditional clothing consistsof the white floor length robe (kandoora), awhite head scarf (gutra), and the black cordaround the head (agal). The agal was historically used to tie the camels legs, so theycould not stray far from the Bedouin camp.

For very formal occasions, such as Eid celebrations or weddings, a man will wear abisht, which is a very thin, light woollen cloakwith gold embroidery at the edges. Usuallythe bisht is a family heirloom, handed downfrom father to son.

UAE National Dress

Islam is a religion, and Muslims are the peoplewho follow this religion through the Koran, theword of Allah (God).

Muslims believe in One, Unique,Incomparable, Merciful God - Creator of theUniverse; in the Angels created by him; in theprophets through whom his revelations werebrought to humankind; in the Day ofJudgment and in individual accountability foractions; in God's complete authority over destiny (be it good or bad.) Muslims believethat God sent his messengers and prophets toall people and God's final message to humanity,a reconfirmation of the eternal message wasrevealed to the last Prophet Mohammed(PBUH*) through the Archangel Gabriel.

The Koran is the holy book of Islam, composedof the revelations from the Archangel Gabrielto Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The Koran was written in Arabic from c. 610to 632, during the Prophet's lifetime until hisdeath. The Koran is the principal source ofevery Muslim's faith and practice. The revela-tions touch upon all aspects of human exis-tence - social organisation and legislation, butits basic theme is the relationship betweenGod and His creatures. At the same time itprovides guidelines for a just society, properhuman conduct and equitable economic prin-ciples.

Apart from the Koran, Muslims also refer tothe life of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)as a secondary source of guidance. Belief inthe hadith and sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet, is part of the Islamicfaith.

An estimated one in every five people, from allraces, nationalities and cultures across theglobe are Muslim. Unlike popular belief,around only 20% of Muslims are Arabs and33% of all Muslims actually live in the MiddleEast. The world's largest Muslim communityis in Indonesia and Islam is the second largestreligion in the United Kingdom and UnitedStates.

* Peace Be Upon Him. Used always after mentioning the Prophets names as a mark of respect.

What is the Koran and who are the Muslims?

“Islam is founded on five principles: Declaringthat there is no God but Allah, praying fivetimes a day, charity, making a pilgrimage toMecca (the Ka'bah) and fasting duringRamadan." Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)

Declaration of Faith (Shahada), which says intranslation: "I declare that there is no God butAllah and that Mohammed is His last messenger." With this declaration, the Muslimtestifies that there is only one God, Allah, andnothing else is worshipped beside Him.

Prayer (Salat) must be performed five times aday. "...the importance of regular prayer, forprayer restrains (a person from doing) shamefuland wrong actions." (29:45)

The prayer times are in accordance with theposition of the sun starting with Al Fajr, pre-dawn, Al Thuhur, between noon and midafternoon, Al Asr, between mid-afternoon andsunset, Al Maghrib, between sunset and darkness and Al Isha, evening. The prayer timings are published daily in the Arabic andEnglish newspapers.

Beside these obligatory prayers, Muslims canperform extra or personal prayers at any timewhich are a direct communication with God onany topic, such as thankfulness or a request forhelp.

Charity (Zakat) is obligatory to any Muslim.Modern practice is that Muslims give a

minimum of 2.5% of their yearly savings to thepoor and needy. This could be either needy members of their own family, charitableorganisations or government institutions thathandle donations. Besides obligatory charity,Muslims are also encouraged to do extra voluntary charity (sadaqa).

Fasting (Saum) As Allah (God) declared, "Youwho believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as itwas prescribed for those before you so you cangain more awareness" (2:183).*

Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca is an obligationfor those who are physically and financiallyable to do so. Over two million pilgrims goto Mecca each year from every corner of theglobe. The annual Hajj begins in the twelfthmonth of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims wearspecial clothes, simple garments that stripaway distinction of class and culture so that allstand equal before Allah (God). The duties ofHajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, includegoing around the Kaba'a (the stone structurebuilt by the Prophet Abraham (PBUH) seventimes and going seven times between the hillsof Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Abraham'swife) during her search for water. Completingthe Hajj has a monumental effect on the lifeof all Muslims. There is a strong sense ofachievement and a renewed commitment toliving the life Allah has prescribed after onehas performed Hajj.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

* see "What is Ramadan"

During the month of Ramadan, (the ninthmonth of the Islamic calendar), every healthyMuslim is required to fast from dawn untildusk. During daylight hours, those fastingabstain from all food, drink, inhaled substances,sexual activity and nutritionally-related medicine or any non-essential oral medicine.The Adhan (call to prayer) for Al Maghrib(sunset prayer) marks the end of the fast for theday. Before praying, the fast is broken withdates and water and after prayer the Iftar meal(breakfast) is eaten with the family and friends.In the Emirates traditional dishes such asHarees, Fareed and Lugamat* are eaten dailyfor Iftar. Fasting is for persons who are physically fit. A pregnant woman for example,is not obliged to fast, neither an old or sick person.

In addition to physical abstention, all normalundesirable behaviour is especially frownedupon. No fighting, swearing, arguing, lying, orother sins are permitted. Muslims naturallyavoid such bad behaviour anyway, but

sometimes people fall into error. By properlyobserving the Ramadan fast, a Muslim can correct any wrong doing and the error of his orher ways.

Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) teaches us thatRamadan is the month when Allah (God)bestows blessings, mercy and forgiveness."During the month of Ramadan, the gates ofParadise are open, the gates of hell fire areclosed and the Shaytans (Devils) are chained".For these reasons Muslims make a special effortthrough dedication and focus on fasting, prayerand zakat (charity) to take advantage of thisopportunity for forgiveness.

What is Ramadan?

* See more in What is the traditional foods of theEmirates?

During Ramadan compulsory prayers fivetimes a day remain the same. However, thereare extra prayers known as Taraweeh.

These prayers are recited in the evening immediately after Al Isha prayers around 8pm.It is a non-compulsory group prayer, whichlasts about half an hour.

There is also an extra late night prayer calledTahajood which is optional and is recited aboutan hour before dawn. Muslims will get up forTahajood prayers and eat a meal called Suhoor.This is just before the call to Al Fajr (dawn)prayer and is a special time for family andfriends to gather in the home or in the specialRamadan tents. Typical foods eaten at thismeal are Harees and Fareed. ProphetMohammed (PBUH) advised that the Suhoormeal is to be eaten as close as possible to thecall to Al Fajr prayers.

Who is the Tabailor (Musaher)?

Although not seen so much nowa-days, the Tabailor in the villagewas responsible for wakingup the neighbourhoodbefore the pre-dawnmeal called

Suhoor. Two hours before dawn, the Tabailor,usually a self appointed man, would walk thestreets of the village sometimes followed by others, beating his drum andsinging: "Wake up! And eat your Suhoor,fasters, Wake up! Sleepers... and worship yourever awakened God!"

This would continue throughout Ramadanand on the second day of Eid is the Tabailor's'payday'. In the morning he would walkthrough the village with his donkey, followedby children clapping and drumming. Peoplewould extend their appreciation of his workduring the Holy month by offering gifts,food, and money, which would be loadedonto his donkey and taken home.

Does daily life change during Ramadan?

There are many significant Islamic religiousevents including Lalat Al Qadar, Lailat Al Mirajand Ramadan. There are, however, two mainreligious festivals or gatherings which are EidAl Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

The last day of Ramadan, the month of fasting,is signalled by the sighting of the new moon inthe evening sky. This indicates that the monthof Ramadan has come to an end, and that thetenth Shawwal (month), has begun. In Islam,the new day begins at sunset, not at dawn.The morning following the sighting of the newmoon marks Eid Al Fitr, a day of feasting andfamily gatherings, which begins with a masscommunity prayer. Due to the large numbersof people attending these specials prayers, the

prayer is held in Eid Al Mussala (a large openair place of prayer) instead of in the mosque.

The end of the Hajj marks the time of Eid AlAdha, the 'great' Eid or 'festival of sacrifice'.This celebration involves the slaughter of animals, such as sheep or veal, and the givingto the poor. Generally a family would slaughter and cook the meat and then distribute one third to the needy, one third tothe family and keep one third for the home.This practice commemorates the commandgiven to Abraham in a dream to sacrifice hisson. Abraham and his son Ishmael faithfullyaccept their destiny as the will of Allah. WhenIshmael is bound and laid face down, Allah(through Angel Gabriel) supplies a ram to beslaughtered instead. (Sura 37:102-8).

What are the Islamic religious celebrations?

The oldest mosque in the Emirates is the AlBidiya mosque and is located in Dibba, 38kmsnorth of the emirate of Fujairah looking overthe Gulf of Oman. The Al Bidiya village hasseveral significant historical buildings, of theHelnesteyah era (c.200. BC.) are found in thearea. Al Bidiya mosque, is a truly rare exampleof historical architecture here in the U.A.E.,the mosque's stone and mud brick structureand design are unlike any other mosque built inthe Emirates during the same period of time.

Radio carbon dating, conducted by theHistorical Dept of Fujairah and the SydneyUniversity of Australia, suggests that the AlBidiya mosque was built around 1446AD,making it the oldest standing mosque in theEmirates.

The mosque is very small and the ground layout is almost square in shape. It has only oneentrance is situated on the east side.

One of the most interesting features is theunusual roof. As wood has not been used tosuspend the ceiling, a central pillar (column),which is situated in the centre of the mosque,supports the entire roof. There are window-

like holes dug out of the walls for the purposeof light and air circulation and the mosque hassimple wall decoration made of gypsum.

At the time that the mosque was constructed,the population of the area would have beenno more than 1000 people. Their occupations would have included fishing, agriculture and some trading with Iran.

Where is the oldest mosque in the Emirates?

How many mosques are there in Dubai?

There are more than 1000 mosques (Masjid inArabic) in Dubai.

One of the largest and most beautiful is theJumeirah Mosque, which was built by order ofHis Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed AlMaktoum, the late ruler of Dubai. Construction of the mosque began in 1975and was completed in 1978. The mosque isbuilt in the Islamic Fatimy style and has acapacity to house 1,200 worshippers.

Non-Muslims are able to visit this mosquethrough the Open Doors Open Minds programme conducted by the SheikhMohammed Centre for CulturalUnderstanding. Public tours are on Saturdays,Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am.

What is the significance of the date palm tree?

There have always been hundreds of uses forthe date palm no better described by an oldArab: "We shade ourselves with it, we eat itsfruit, we feed our animals from its seeds, wemake baskets and mats from its leaves, we buildceilings and columns from its trunk and we useit as fuel". Indeed the date palm played anintegral role in Arab life.

The date fruit is not only an excellent source offood but has been well documented to have medicinal properties. The date was used as theprimary ingredient in remedies to kill worms,cure sneezing, mixed with cinnamon and milkfor an aphrodisiac and even used to make apotion to accelerate hair growth! And whynot? The date is packed with goodness! Thedried fruit is seventy per cent sugar (fructose)by weight and contains about two per centeach of protein, fat and mineral matter:Potassium, Iron, Vitamin A, B1(Thiamine),B2(Riboflavin), B3(Niacin), Phosphorus,Calcium and Magnesium.

Dates and date palms have been revered in theAncient Egyptian and Arab, Christian, Jewish,and Islamic religions, traditions and legends.

Date palm leaves (Al Saafa) are used for the celebration of Palm Sunday among Christiansand for the celebration of the Feast ofTabernacles among Jews. The Holy Koranmentions the date twenty times; "With it wegrow for you gardens of date palms and vines:In them have ye abundant fruit: And of themye eat (and have enjoyment)". (Mu-minun 19).Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has referred tothe date and date palm in several of his sayingsfor example, "A household with a date palmwill never go hungry".

The date can be eaten at various stages: Khalal,the unripe stage when the fruit is hard and yellow; Rutab, the semi-ripe stage which is softer with more moisture and finally Tamr, thevery sweet and soft fully ripe stage. Some ofthe dates varieties grown in the Emiratesinclude; Barhi, Braim, Ikhallas, Sultani, Lou-Lou, Hilalee, and Shi-Shi.

The date palm is celebrated in Arabian poetry,music and literature.

Influenced by the large expatriate population, the rangeof foods available and eaten in Dubai is now very diverse.Food is of very high quality and one can eat traditionalfoods from just about anywhere around the globe!Most traditional dishes from the Emirates contain rice,fish or meat as the main ingredient. Some of the popular traditional dishes include:

Harees consists of small pieces of meat, cracked wheatand water. Simple to prepare, this meal is made by placing the meat, wheat and water into a large pot andcooking slowly until the meat is tender. The ingredientsare then blended together until it has a thick pasty consistency similar to porridge. This dish is eaten at anytime but particularly during Ramadan, Eid and weddings.Machboos is a dish made of rice, onions and meat, seasoned with spices, salt and dried lemon called loomy.This dish is prepared by boiling all the ingredients inwater until very tender. The meat is taken out and therice is added to the rest of the ingredients and cookedtogether. The meat is returned again to the pot andcooked for another one to two hours. Both chicken andlamb Machboos are among the most popular disheseaten at lunchtime.Fareed is Saloona (a meat and vegetable stew) pouredover a bed of Regarg pieces (very thin bread) and servedimmediately. The stew base can be made from chickenor lamb with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes andmarrow. This dish is eaten daily during Ramadan.

Breakfast Dishes:Balaleet is a kind of fine pasta made from eggs, onions,cinnamon, sugar and oil, and it is usually eaten for breakfast.Mohalla is flat bread eaten with honey and date syrup.Khamir is a thicker style bread eaten with honey anddate syrup.

Sweet Dishes:Khabeesah is made from roasted flour, water, sugar, andsaffron. Lugamat is dough balls, eaten with date syrup. Usuallyeaten after a meal and eaten daily during Ramadan.Asseada is made from semolina and saffron.Batheeth is freshly ripened dates with sauce.

What is the traditional food of the Emirates?

What is Arabian hospitality?

One of the most important aspects of thereligion and culture is hospitality. In an environment consisting mainly of desert and afew oases, the law of hospitality was essentialfor survival. Religious and cultural traditionsgovern that the host is obliged to offer everyguest food and shelter for three days andnights, unconditionally, and without even asking the guest's name or where they camefrom. Although this practice is rare in thesemodern times, hospitality is still highly valuedin Emirati society. To accept guests into yourhome, even the unexpected visitor, is an honour and they are always welcomed andtreated with the greatest respect.

What is the Majlis and the ceremony of coffee serving?

The Majlis is the sitting room where peoplemeet, eat, share ideas, play cards and of coursedrink gahwa (Arabian coffee). The typicalEmirati home will have two majlis', one for themen and one for the ladies. The Emirati familyunit is still very strong and it is typical that thefamily would gather for the lunchtime mealeveryday, or a minimum of once a week. Mostfamilies will also open their Majlis for theirextended family and friends for the lunch meal.In the evenings the men's Majlis is open againand visitors sip gahwa, play cards and chatthrough the night.

The ceremony surrounding the preparation,serving and drinking of gahwa (Arabian coffee)derived from the traditions of Islamic and

Bedouin hospitality. Unlike the comparativelystronger flavoured "western" style coffees, thetraditional gahwa of the Emirates has a verymild coffee flavour, a distinct cardamom tastewith a touch of saffron.

It is the host's privilege to serve his guests.The coffee is poured from the della (coffeepot, held in the left hand) into small finjaan(small ceramic cups without handles, held inthe right hand). The cups are only half filled,but guests may have several refills. It is politeto accept an odd number of cups - one, threeor five. When the guest has finished he shouldshake the empty cup from side to side, indicating to the host that he has had enough.The hired help can do the coffee serving;however, it is customary for the youngest sibling of the family to perform this duty.This demonstrates great respect for the guest.

Gahwa is never sweetened with sugar, instead,fresh dates are offered to accompany the aromatic brew. The dates refresh and sweetenthe palate between each sip of gahwa.

The international style coffee shop hasbecome a 'modern day' Majlis or meetingplace. The many shopping malls and streetcafes are a buzz with groups of friends sharinga conversation and a coffee, while watchingthe world go by.

Even during pre-Islamic times, Arabs havebeen known to use aromatic oils and perfumes.Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) also encouragedboth men and women to use perfumes beforethe Friday prayers and in the home. Even withthe introduction of modern manufactured perfumes, the tradition of perfumed oils andincense has remained.

Attar or Arabian perfumes, are alcohol free andingredients include: sandalwood, oud, saffron,amber and musk. Different blends are madefrom these ingredients to create strong oils thatgive a long lasting aroma. Extracts from plantsand flowers such as jasmine, narcissus, and liliesare also commonly used in perfume making.

Oud is perfumed woodchips from the trunks ofcertain trees and the best quality oud is fromthe Agarwood, which is grown naturally inIndia, Bangladesh. The wood pieces are placedon hot coals that sit inside an incense burnercalled a madkhan. The perfumed oils are burnt

and released in smoky fumes, which are spreadin the house, through clothes and eventhrough the hair.

Bukhoor is small disc shape incense, which isan infusion of perfumed oils and is burnt inthe same way as oud. Bukhoor can be boughtat one of the many commercial Arabian perfume houses, but can also be made in thehome. Many Emirati women make their ownbukhoor using special family recipes. Smalljars of bukhoor are given as gifts, to friendsand family.

There are many different aromas of oud andbukhoor used depending on the occasion andwhether it is for male or female use. Bothincense and oils vary in qualities and the bestare of course the most expensive. A small 20ml bottle of D’hin oud (oil of oud) can costup to Dhs 10000!

As a gesture of hospitality, the incense ispassed among the guests in the Majlis beforethey depart.

Incense & Perfumes

• Visits to the Jumeirah Mosque are every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursdaypromptly at 10am and last for over an hour (extra mosque visits will be conductedduring Ramadan)

• Registration is required prior to the tour from the Mosque Supervisor, this willallow you entry into the Mosque

• Seating is available for the elderly

Please Note:• No children under 5 years of age will be allowed into the Mosque• No one will be allowed entry into the Mosque after the tour has commenced• Visitors will not be permitted to leave the Mosque once admitted untill the end of

the tour• Appropriate dress must be worn; ladies must have arms and legs covered (long

trousers are acceptable) and have a headscarf to cover their hair, men must be wearlong trousers, shoes must be removed prior to entering the Mosque

• Any scarves issued in Registration must be returned to the basket at the Mosquedoor

• Tour guides are not permitted with the public Mosque tours, tour operators mustcontract the Centre* to arrange Private Visits

• The tours are conducted in English, Private translated tours can be arrangedthrough the Centre*

• Professional photographers, reporters and T.V. crews must contact the Centre*prior to any visit to the Mosque

*Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultrural Understanding, contact on (04) 353 6666 or email smccu@eim.ae

Can I visit Jumeirah Mosque here in Dubai?

Where can I go in Dubai to find out more aboutthe UAE Culture and Religion?

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a non-profitorganization established to increase awareness and understanding between the variouscultures that live in Dubai. The Centre's vast range of activities include:

• Cultural Breakfasts• Cultural Lunches• Arabic Language Courses• Cultural Dinners (available on request)• Bastakiya Walking Tours• Specialised Cultural Events• Home visits, bringing UAE Nationals and expatriates together

For further information and to book any of the events above, contact theSheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding on (04) 353 6666or email smccu@eim.ae

Would like to thank:

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing,Noor Ali Rashid, Ramesh Shukla, Cecila Al Ansari for selected photographs.

For further information, contact ‘Open Doors. Open Minds.’

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural UnderstandingLocated on Bastakia (near Majlis Gallery)

on (04) 3536666 or email: smccu@eim.ae