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Code 300 UAE Culture and Heritage

301 Introduction to UAE 302 Tourist Sites of the UAE

303 Introduction to Islam
301 Introduction to UAE

United Arab Emirates is located in the Arab Gulf region. It is adjoined by the KSA, Oman and Qatar.

North The Arab Gulf

West kingdom of Saudi Arabia and (Qatar sea border only)
South kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman
East The Arabian Sea and Oman
Six emirates are located on the southern coast along the Arab Gulf with a coastal shore of 644 km while only Fujairah is located
on the Arabian Sea with a coastal shore of 95 km.
UAE was founded on Dec 02, 1971 as a federation of seven Emirates. It is a member of Arab League, GCC and UN. GCC (Gulf
Cooperation Council) includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. UAE has world seventh largest oil reserves.
Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language.

The Seven Emirates

1. Abu Dhabi: It forms 80% of the total area of UAE. It consists of three administrative areas; the capital, the Eastern Region (Al
Ain) and the Western Region (Al Gharbia).
Ruler: His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (President of UAE)
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
2. Dubai: It is the second largest in terms of size. It has main areas of Deira Dubai, Bur Dubai and Hatta.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE)
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum
3. Sharjah: It is the third largest emirate and is known for its distinctive Islamic architect style. It is stretched on the coast of
Arabian Sea. Sharjah, Dhaid, Kalba and Khor Fakkan are the main cities.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Doctor Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasmi
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasmi
4. Ajman: It is the smallest emirate in size and located between Sharjah and Umm AL Quwain. Manama and Masfout are
famous cities.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
5. Umm Al Quwain: Located between Sharjah & RAK. It includes Falaj Al Mualla city and Sinniyah Island.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saud Al Mualla
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Bin Saud Al Muallah
6. Fujairah: It is located on the coast of Arabian Sea and has a mountain range. Fujaira and Masafi are its main cities.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hammad Al Sharqi
7. Ras Al Khaimah: It is located on the Arab Gulf. It is separated by a lagoon, on the west is Ras Al Khaimah and on the east is Al
Nakheel. Julphur is the old name of Ras Al Khaimah.
Ruler: HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasmi
Crown Prince: HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasmi

Customs and Traditions

1 The merciful Islamic teachings are a main contributor in forming the customs and traditions of the UAE
2 The Emirati people are well-known for their generosity, kindness and hospitality.
3 The Arabian coffee is very famous and is served daily to guests.
4 Elderly and women are highly respected and women form a large part of work force in the country.
People love Camping and hunting in the desert especially in winter and they are known for camel husbandry and they
5 call them (Boush, Hiigen) and they hold annual races for them
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Terrains

UAE total area is 83600 square km and the third largest country in terms of size in the Arab Gulf after KSA and Oman. Most of the
country consists of desert especially Al Gharbia while agricultural oases are located in Al Ain and Liwa.
There are mountainous rocky terrains in Al Ain most notably of which is the 1220 meter high Jabal Hafeet. Al Hajar Mountain is in
Ras Al Khaimah and its height is 2438 meters. The coasts of the country are all sand beaches except of RAK, Fujairah and Khor
Fakkan.

Famous Islands
Yas Island It is located in Abu Dhabi and famous for Formula-1 event
Saadiyat Island It is the Cultural District of Abu Dhabi and famous for important universities
Das Island Located in Abu Dhabi, it has country’s important oil fields
Al Mariah Island Nearest to Abu Dhabi city. ‘Global Market Square’ is the Island’s commercial center
Al Reem Island It is located in Abu Dhabi and famous for Sky scrapers
On the entrance of AUH city right on Maqta. One of the oldest islands in the Arab Gulf Region with ruins
Umm Al Nar Island going back to thousands of years & now having important oil facilities.
Dalma Island In Abu Dhabi, inhabited thousands of years ago & accessible by air (30 minutes flight) or sea only.
Sir Bani Yas Island A natural reserve with green scenery and with an airport in Abu Dhabi
Hodairyat Island Close to Al Bateen beach in the west Abu Dhabi city.
Sinniyah Island Umm Ul Quwain
Al Hamra Island Ras Al Khaimah.

Emarati National Dresses

1 Ghutra It is a head cover and comes in white, red and beige color
2 Ekal (Ogal) It is a round Item normally in black color that is put on Ghutra
3 Kandorah It is a loose dress worn by Emirati men of a light color like white or grey
4 Bisht An Abaya normally in black or brown color usually worn in official events & weddings.
5 Abaya It is a special dress for ladies to cover their body
6 Burqa It is used to cover the body of women
7 Niqab (veil) It is used to cover the face of women
Women wear loose clothes of black or dark color with a modest head cover. Some ladies wear Burqa which covers part of the face
(eyebrows, nose and mouth), or may wear Niqab or veil.

Emirati Traditional Foods and Dishes

Rice (Al-Aish) is the main component in most dishes with meat and fish. Main dishes are Magbous, Khabeesah, Harees,
Khanfroush, Fireed, Mashkhoul, Balaleet, Louqimat, Khameer, Jareesh, Jisheid and Maleh.

UAE Flag
The flag is rectangular in shape. Red color is attached with the pole. Top horizontal rectangle is green, middle is white and the
bottom is black. It has four colors, Red, Green, White and Black.
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Flag Day is 3 of November and it is a memory of HH Sh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan ascending to the throne.
Flag Color Symbols

Red symbolizes the Green symbolizes the development, value, rich green environment,
sacrifices of the previous growth and prosperity
generation White symbolizes kindness, generosity and munificence of UAE people

Black symbolizes the strength and power of the Emirati people

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Dos
Learn the history of the United Arab Emirates
Learn all the main landmarks in each Emirate of the country
Be keen to learn the Arabic language and to communicate with
customers in Arabic
Respect the Arab & Islamic customs and traditions of UAE
Learn the religious, Social and National occasions of the UAE and
deal with it according to the Islamic customs and traditions.
Show respect and appreciation for the rulers of the UAE and the
flag.
Don’ts
Talk about political issues with any of the passengers
Speaking negatively about Country or the government
Eat in public places during the month of Ramadan under
any circumstances from sunrise to sunset.
Insult any of the symbols of the United Arab Emirates
Dress in a manner that contradicts the Arabic and Islamic
customs and traditions
Exercise any acts contrary to good morals or Misuse the
flag of the UAE

Code 302 Tourist Attractions in the UAE

Taxi driver is not allowed for roaming with tourists as a tour guide in the tourist sites.
Saadiyat Island is famous for cultural landmarks like ‘Zayed National Museum’, ‘The Louvre’ and ‘The Guggenheim’.
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority is responsible for promoting tourism. It organizes cultural, intellectual and artistic
events.
Museums
1 Zayed National Museum Saadiyat Island
2 The Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island
3 The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island
4 Al Ain Palace Museum former palace of UAE founder
5 Dubai Museum Fahidi Fort in the heart of Dubai
6 Sharjah Museum Sharjah
7 Al Majarrah Museum Sharjah
8 Ajman Museum Ajman Fort
9 UAQ Museum UAQ Fort
10 RAK Museum Old neighborhood of RAK Fort
11 Al Ain National Museum near Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (Eastern Fort)

Conferences and Cultural Exhibitions

1 Abu Dhabi Intl Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
2 Multaqa Zayed National Museum Saadiyat Island
3 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair ADNEC Abu Dhabi
4 Abu Dhabi Science Festival held in more than one location
5 Arab Media Forum Jumeirah Dubai
6 Dubai Intl Exhibition of the Arabic Calligraphy Art held in Wafi Mall in Dubai
7 Sharjah International Book Fair Sharjah Expo Center
8 Sharjah Children Reading Festival Sharjah Expo Center

Expo 2020 Dubai

In 2014, Dubai won the honor of hosting the Expo 2020, one of the main exhibitions in the world which will continue for six
months and will attract tens of millions of visitors. The site is close to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai World Trade Center is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, A number of exhibitions are held here every year
Dubai Metro is the world first driverless train in Dubai. It has a Green and Red Line
Nol is a smart card used in different transportation services in Dubai like Metro, Buses and taxis.
Air Arabia is a low-cost carrier based in Sharjah. (Cheapest airline)

Universities and Colleges

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Zayed University Dubai International Academic City

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University Dubai International Academic City
American University Dubai Dubai Internet City
American University Sharjah University City Sharjah
Ajman University of Science & Technology Ajman and RAK
RAK Medical and Health Sciences University RAK
University of Wollongong Dubai Knowledge Village

Sports Events
Formula 1 Held annually in Yas Island
Camel Festival Al Wathba, Madinat Zayed, Sweihan
Dubai World Cup Meydan Racecourse Nad Al Sheiba Dubai

Sports Landmarks
Zayed Sports City Arab Gulf St near Grand Mosque
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Near Jimmi Mall Hamdan Bin Muhammad St Al Ain
Ferrari World Yas Island
AUH Equestrian Club Shakhbout Bin Sultan St
Budhib Endurance Al Khatam South East of AUH
Emirates Endurance Village Al Wathba South East of AUH
Emirates Sailing School Dalma St AUH

Touristic Festivals
Summer Festival Abu Dhabi ADNEC in du Arena
AUH Swimming Festival Emirates Palace Hotel
Liwa Date Festival Liwa
Eid Festival All over the emirate
Dubai Summer Surprises All over the emirate
Sharjah Science Festival Sharjah Expo Centre
Sharjah Light Festival: Sharjah
Sharjah International Horse Festival Sharjah

Archaeological Sites
UAE has a deep-rooted history of more than thousand years. It has more than 330 archaeological sites and historical buildings.
The population of this region entered into Islam in seventh century (622 AC)
Hafeet Tomb Jabal Hafeet ( in World Heritage List 2011)
Umm Al Nar Umm Al Nar island on entrance of capital near Maqta Bridge
Hilli Site In Al Ain suburbs
Al Qusais Border of Dubai and Sharjah near MBZ St
Jumeirah Dubai
Maliha Dhaid route Sharjah
Mowaileh Sharjah near University City
Mowaihat Ajman in Mowaihat area
Masfout Ajman (South East as part of Al Hajar Mountain range)
Al Keabe Island UAQ (dates back to Neolithic period)
Al Badiyah Mosque Fujairah (oldest mosque in UAE)
Qidfa’ Site Fujairah
Julphur Ras Al Khaimah
Shaml Ras Al Khaimah
Hajar Mountains Ras Al Khaimah
Global Village Event Held annually in Dubai
Qasar Al Hosn Festival Abu Dhabi
Miracle Park Dubai
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Zaabeel Park Dubai

Ferrari world Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Al Ain near Jimi Mall
Abu Dhabi Equestrian club Al Wathba Area, Abu Dhabi
2 Sh Sultan bin Zayed Camel Festival Sweihan, Abu Dhabi
Jabal Al Jais Ras Al Khaimah
Khalid lagoon Sharjah
Knowledge Village Dubai
Fallaj Al Mualla City & Sinniyah Island Umm Al Quwain
Ain Al Faida Area Al Ain
Al Fuqqa area Al Ain on E66
Arada Area Western region
Al Nakheel Area Ras Al Khaimah
Hatta Area Dubai
Kalba & Khor Fakkan Area Sharjah
Emirates Endurance Village Al Wathba South East Abu Dhabi city
Boudthib Endurance in Al Khatam City South East of Abu Dhabi City

HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founder of UAE. He was born on May 6, 1918 in Al Ain.
National Day 2 Dec, 1971
Official currency of UAE is AED( Arab Emirates Dirham)
Smallest paper currency note is AED 5 and the Biggest currency note is AED 1000
Coins of 1 fills, 5 fills and 10 fills are rarely seen and their color is bronze
Coins of 25 fills, 50 fills and 1 Dirham are available and their color is silver.
Climate
Temperature and humidity are high in summer and rain season is between November and March
Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and Ajman is the smallest emirate (in terms of area)
Most of the agricultural oases are located in Al Ain and Liwa.
The word Abu Dhabi means ‘Father of Deer’.
UAE is the member of UN, ‘League of Arab States’ and ‘Cooperation Council of Arab States’
The mountain range of the country is spread in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan area.
The old name of Madinat Zayed (Western Region) is Bida Zayed.
The world’s tallest building ‘Burj Khalifa’ is in Dubai and its height is 828m (830 Meters to tip).
The national airline of UAE is ‘Ettihad Airways’.

Colors of Currency Notes and Coins

Currency Notes Color Front side Picture Backside Picture Size

5 Dirham Brown/Buni Central Souk Sharjah Landscape 145× 𝟔𝟏
10 Dirham Green/Akhdhar Arabian Dagger(Jambiya) Farm 147× 𝟔𝟐
20 Dirham Turquoise/Ferozee Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Dhow Called Sama'a 149× 𝟔𝟑
50 Dirham Purple/ Oryx Al Jahili Fort Al Ain 151× 𝟔𝟒
100 Dirham Red/Pink/Ahmar Al Fahidie Fort Dubai World Trade Center Dubai 155× 𝟔𝟔
200 Dirham Yellow Orange/Asfar Sharia Court & Zayed Sport City UAE Central Bank HQ 157× 𝟔𝟕
500 Dirham Blue/Azraq Falcon Jumeirah Mosque Dubai 159× 𝟔𝟖
1000 Dirham Brown/ Buni Al-Hosn Palace Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Corniche 163× 𝟕𝟎

UAE Coins
1 Fills Bronze Rarely Used Date Palms
5 Fills Bronze Rarely Used Fish
10 Fills Bronze Rarely Used Dhow/Ship
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25 Fills Silver Common Deer or Gazelle facing left

50 Fills Silver Common Oil Field Derricks
1 Dirham Silver Common Dallah/Arabian Coffee Pot
Driver should have at least one hundred dirham change at the start of his shift.

Sharjah is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the UAE, the emirates borders with Dubai in south, Ajman and Um Al Quwain in
north, Ras Al Khaimah in east. It is the only emirate that overlooks the coastline on the Arabian Gulf from the west and the gulf of
Oman (Indian Ocean) from the East, with the Sharjah coastal towns of Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

Code 303 Introduction to Islam

Islam is the official religion of UAE. Allah sent Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, 1400 years ago with the merciful global
message of Islam, to bring people out of darkness into light. Islam calls for surrendering to, believing in and worshiping Allah and
the Shahadah, ‘’ There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah’’ is the path to converting to Islam and is the
first pillar of the five pillars of Islam after which come Prayer (Salat), Fasting, Zakat and Hajj.
There are five pillars in Islam
1. Shahadah
It is saying ’’ There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah’’ which declares the belief in the oneness of
God and the acceptance of Mohammad is Allah’ prophet. This testimony assures converting to Islam and grants entering the
Heaven at the Day of Judgment
2. Prayer (Salat)
It is the second pillar of Islam and the most important after Shahadah. It is five times a day. Wudhu (ablution) is must for
prayer.
i. Fajr Prayer is prayed before sunrise.
ii. Dhuhr Prayer is prayed at noon when the sun is in middle of the sky.
iii. Asr Prayer is prayed when the sun inclines from the middle of the sky.
iv. Maghrib Prayer is prayed just after the sunset.
v. Isha Prayer is prayed shortly after the Maghrib when the darkness completely falls.
3. Zakat
It is the third pillar of Islam where rich Muslims pay a small percentage to the poor. Zakat Fund in Abu Dhabi is in Mushrif area on
Arabian Gulf Street.
4. Fasting in Ramadan
It is to refrain from eating and drinking etc from dawn to sunset. Muslims fast in this month to get closer to Allah. Suhour and
Taraweeh are the manifestations of Ramadan.
5. Haj to Kaaba in Makkah
It is the fifth pillar of Islam and means heading to Kaaba in Saudi Arabia to perform specific rituals in definite time.
Adhan is the calling Muslims for prayers by the muezzin form the minaret five times a day at the time of prayer.
Day of Arafah is the day that comes before Eid Ul Azha. Pilgrims assemble on the plain of Arafat and it is Sunnah that Muslims
other than the pilgrims fast on this day.
In Islam, male can handshake with male and female with female only, except close relatives like mother and sister
Isra Wal Mi’raj: Ascending of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH to the Heaven
Eid Ul Fitar: Muslim festival after the fasting month of Ramadan
Mawlid: The Birth of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH