Dubai culture and tradition

Hospitality is central to everyday Emirati culture, and sipping Arabic coffee, or gahwa, is part of the warm welcome. This aromatic coffee is made with cloves, cardamom, cumin and saffron, and poured from a dallah pot into a small cup called a finjaan. Enjoy gahwa with dates while relaxing in the majlis, a comfortable meeting space traditionally used to host guests and catch up with friends.

Poetry is in Arabic tradition with roots in the nomadic Bedouin culture, where it would serve to tell stories, deal with issues in society, welcome guests or entertain them on journeys across the desert. There are two prominent types - Nabati and Al-Taghrooda. The colloquial Nabati poetry is simple and direct, while Al-Taghrooda is chanted poetry performed back and forth between two people. Sometimes poetry accompanies the Al-Ayyala folk dance traditionally performed during festivities or celebrations. Men hold canes and dance in rows to a steady drum to express unity.

The laws and culture of Dubai and the UAE are directly linked with Islamic tradition. And there’s no better time to experience it than during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. Followers fast from dawn to dusk, and when the sun sets Muslims enjoy an iftar meal with friends and family. You can join in the many iftar buffets across the city and take part in local traditions. Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, so the dates move forward every year, ending with the public holiday for Eid al Fitr.