Culture of Dubai

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

Map of United Arab Emirates

Background information on Dubai (دبيّ) :

• One of the seven emirates and the most popular and fast-growing city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Capital of UAE: Abu Dhabi
• Official language: Arabic
• Dubai is often known as the world’s most modern city
• Has a population of more than 3.45 million
• *fun fact* There are no street addresses in Dubai!
• Built the first man-made island; Palm Island

The culture in Dubai is very conservative and it has strong Islamic traditions that forms the UAE and tourists have to be sensitive to the culture of Dubai if not would cause the Emiratis to be really upset as they would feel as if the tourists have disrespected the culture of Dubai.
Dubai is very focused on preserving its national heritage as well as building on the Arabic character. It is also important to foster the Islamic heritage and traditional assets of Dubai as it is deemed as a culturally rich destination.

Even though Dubai is very conservative, alcohol is not banned. Alcohol can be consumed in places like hotels, bars and nightclubs, as long as they are confined. Westerners and foreigners are also advised not to boast or flaunt their Western culture to the Emiratis as they find it offensive.

Foreigners have to abide to their dressing guide as if they show too much skin, it will be a sign of disrespect to them as well as to their culture. However this does not mean that they do not welcome tourists, Emiratis are actually really hospitable to their guests.

As Emiratis are conservative because of their culture, they will dress according to their traditional clothes.