RELIGION
The religion of Dubai is Islam, with at least 95% of the local population of Dubai follows Islam Dubai is very understanding towards communities following other religions, but visitors need to respect
Islamic traditions and rituals seen below. The Islamic culture has had a huge impact on Dubai as the whole community lives by Islamic laws, traditions and rituals.
Islamic traditions and rituals seen below. The Islamic culture has had a huge impact on Dubai as the whole community lives by Islamic laws, traditions and rituals.
Traditions and Rituals
Ramadan
Ramadan is the time of holy fasting, During these months (ninth month of the Muslim year) of Ramadan visitors of Dubai are expected to not eat, drink, smoke in public places in the hours of fasting.
Eid
Eid is a Muslim festival that consists of a feast marking the end of Ramadan. For Eid-al-fitr the whole community comes together for special prayers and to celebrate with each other. The rest of the day is generally spent seeing family and friends, enjoying time together.
Camel Racing
Representing the traditions of the dessert, camels have been given a lot of attention. Camel races are held in the winter months of Dubai, hundreds of people compete for prizes that add up to several million dollars. The tradition of Camel racing is now one of Dubai's most popular spectator sports.
Eating and drinking
In Dubai it is customary to say Gods name before eating or drinking, and then to eat and drink with their right hand only, this is a reminder for Muslims that they need to strive for on the Day of judgment they will get their records in their right hands. Also when they eat and drink with their right hand they show their commitment to be with the people of 'right hand'.
Shisha's
Shisha are the customary colouful water pipes, that contain various flavours of tobacco such as strawberry and apple. Locals enjoy smoking shishas cafes and restaurants while they wait for the food.
Clothing
The traditional clothing for men in Dubai is to wear a dishdash or khandura (a full length white shirt dress) with a gutra (checkered red or white head dress). Women traditionally wear a abaya (long black robe that covers their normal clothing) and in public they wear a headscarf.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the time of holy fasting, During these months (ninth month of the Muslim year) of Ramadan visitors of Dubai are expected to not eat, drink, smoke in public places in the hours of fasting.
Eid
Eid is a Muslim festival that consists of a feast marking the end of Ramadan. For Eid-al-fitr the whole community comes together for special prayers and to celebrate with each other. The rest of the day is generally spent seeing family and friends, enjoying time together.
Camel Racing
Representing the traditions of the dessert, camels have been given a lot of attention. Camel races are held in the winter months of Dubai, hundreds of people compete for prizes that add up to several million dollars. The tradition of Camel racing is now one of Dubai's most popular spectator sports.
Eating and drinking
In Dubai it is customary to say Gods name before eating or drinking, and then to eat and drink with their right hand only, this is a reminder for Muslims that they need to strive for on the Day of judgment they will get their records in their right hands. Also when they eat and drink with their right hand they show their commitment to be with the people of 'right hand'.
Shisha's
Shisha are the customary colouful water pipes, that contain various flavours of tobacco such as strawberry and apple. Locals enjoy smoking shishas cafes and restaurants while they wait for the food.
Clothing
The traditional clothing for men in Dubai is to wear a dishdash or khandura (a full length white shirt dress) with a gutra (checkered red or white head dress). Women traditionally wear a abaya (long black robe that covers their normal clothing) and in public they wear a headscarf.
Dos and Don'ts
It is possible to have many intercultural misunderstandings in Dubai, below is a list of 'Dos and Don'ts' to help you avoid and/or overcome those situations.
Public displays of affection
In public places you may not show public affection as it doesn’t fit the local customs and culture. Holding hands for a married couple is allowed but kissing and other forms of physical affection are seen as offensive to public courtesy.
Clothing
In Dubai you will need to be respectful of the Islamic laws. Women are to be covered from their shoulders to their knees, also do not wear tight, revealing or see-through clothing. But you may wear regular swimsuits when swimming but wrap a towel around you when necessary.
Photography
Do not take a photograph with a person you are not travelling with without asking for their permission first. Avoid taking pictures of government buildings, airports, docks, military installations and other locations of similar nature. Do not ever take a photograph of a Muslim woman without permission.
Alcohol
Avoid public alcohol consumption, alcohol is not banned in Dubai but can only be bought at a few duty free shops on your way into the country. One person may not have more than four alcohol on hand at any time. As a tourist, you will not be able to purchase alcohol in a local liquor store, as Dubai residents must have an alcohol license. You may buy drinks in restaurants and bars but public drunkenness is strictly prohibited, as is drinking and driving.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the time of holy fasting, During these months (ninth month of the Muslim year) of Ramadan visitors of Dubai are expected to not eat, drink, smoke in public places in the hours of fasting.
It is possible to have many intercultural misunderstandings in Dubai, below is a list of 'Dos and Don'ts' to help you avoid and/or overcome those situations.
Public displays of affection
In public places you may not show public affection as it doesn’t fit the local customs and culture. Holding hands for a married couple is allowed but kissing and other forms of physical affection are seen as offensive to public courtesy.
Clothing
In Dubai you will need to be respectful of the Islamic laws. Women are to be covered from their shoulders to their knees, also do not wear tight, revealing or see-through clothing. But you may wear regular swimsuits when swimming but wrap a towel around you when necessary.
Photography
Do not take a photograph with a person you are not travelling with without asking for their permission first. Avoid taking pictures of government buildings, airports, docks, military installations and other locations of similar nature. Do not ever take a photograph of a Muslim woman without permission.
Alcohol
Avoid public alcohol consumption, alcohol is not banned in Dubai but can only be bought at a few duty free shops on your way into the country. One person may not have more than four alcohol on hand at any time. As a tourist, you will not be able to purchase alcohol in a local liquor store, as Dubai residents must have an alcohol license. You may buy drinks in restaurants and bars but public drunkenness is strictly prohibited, as is drinking and driving.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the time of holy fasting, During these months (ninth month of the Muslim year) of Ramadan visitors of Dubai are expected to not eat, drink, smoke in public places in the hours of fasting.
Contrasts and similarities to Australia
As Dubai is an Islamic country and Australia is predominately a Christian country the two cultures are very different. Most of Dubai's traditions, rituals and laws come from their religion Islam this contrasts to Australia as their traditions, rituals and laws have not originated from Christianity apart from, Christmas and Easter. Australia is known to have a more 'laid back' culture from their multicultural views.
As Dubai is an Islamic country and Australia is predominately a Christian country the two cultures are very different. Most of Dubai's traditions, rituals and laws come from their religion Islam this contrasts to Australia as their traditions, rituals and laws have not originated from Christianity apart from, Christmas and Easter. Australia is known to have a more 'laid back' culture from their multicultural views.