Religion



A mosque that muslim followers pray at.



Emirati culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab, and Bedouin culture. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.

Islam is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Koran (Islamic bible) which is believed to be the teachings of Muhammad. The Arabic word for god is Allah.


Christian churches can be found alongside mosques and this courtesy has seemingly been extended to Hinduism and Sikhism as there is a place tucked away inside a residential style building which houses a Hindu temple and a Sikh gurudwara. There is evidently no persecution of Hindus or Sikhs which is why it is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere, who are now contributing to the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion that is articulated by the bible and the that God sent his son Jesus to sacrigice himself to forgive the sins of the people., 

 



The religious festival: Eid Al Fitr

Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also advised to refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours as a sign of respect.


Eid Al Fitr is the most popular festival for Muslims all over the world. The occasion marks the end of holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated over three days. It's a time for feasting and exchange of greetings and gifts.



Dubai Shopping Festival



Dubai Shopping Festival is perhaps one of the most popular events in the world, attracting over 3 million people. First started in February 1996 by the Dubai Government, the month long annual event is the time for shopping, entertainment, and cultural extravaganza. Various events such as international fashion shows, children's programs, fireworks, film festivals, and many other cultural events are organized on this occasion.





Men re-enacting a battle or a successul hunting trip.

The Emirates enjoys a strong tradition of music and dance which played a vital role in many aspects of its people's lives. In the latter case a professional song-leader was kept on the pearling dhows whose job it was to rally the men to work through music and song. The naha'an, as this person was known, would launch into song and all the sailors would join in as they worked.
In the evenings, around a fire in the desert, men would meet to talk and exchange news. During celebrations singing and dancing also took place and many of the songs and dances, handed down from generation to generation, have survived to the present time. Men would re-enact battles fought or successful hunting expeditions, often symbolically using sticks, swords or rifles