IMT

Course
UAE Culture & Society
BBA 221
Dr. Mansour Allan
State
President

Society

Laws
 Define
.Society the
 The Society is
A group of individuals living
together in a geographical
area, with its borders,
interacting with each other to
satisfy their basic needs
(food, clothing, shelter and
security).
The conditions of society

The existence
of people

Geographic Social
location system
 Social component‫ منجزاتهم‬..

The Cultural component

components
of the
society Demographic component

Physical component
 Education

The
Elements Family
Of
the social
component Politics

Economy
Q. How does
the previous elements
affect the characteristics
of your society?
 Culture

Culture is a complex whole

that makes the behavior patterns
and interactions between members
of societies unique and distinct.
It is defined as the body of knowledge
that is passed down the generations
and comprises all the traditions,
habits, customs, beliefs, and capabilities
that are acquired by the people
by virtue of being a member of the society.
Culture is all things that are acquired
and not ingrained or present by birth.
 What are
the
possible
meanings
of the word
Culture?
 Values Religion

Language
The elements of
the cultural
component Norms

Customs and traditions Arts

 The UAE is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been strongly
influenced by the resourcefulness of its people who exploited the region
to the limit.
There are many elements that build up the
cultural component in UAE such as:

1- Religion
2- Language
3- Values
4- Norms
5- Customs and Traditions
6- Arts
 - Religion Culture of UAE is enriched
Islam dominates all aspects of life. with Islamic heritage and
All Emiratis are Muslims. Matters tradition.
relating to marriage, divorce,
inheritance, economics, politics, and
personal conduct are affected by
Sharia (Islamic) law.

The deep rooted Islamic

UAE culture has helped it to
maintain a strong bond with
the rest of the Arab world.
- Language
Arabic is the official
language of the UAE.
English is used as the
favorite medium of
communication in the
majority of trade and
commerce activities, along
with Arabic.
- Values
Values are related to People of UAE set some basic values
norms of a culture, but that are largely shared by them such as
they are more global and cultural values.
abstract than norms.

These cultural values are associated

with the lifestyle of the people in the
past, present, and future.

Further, cultural values enable the people of

UAE to progress and develop through the
promotion of these values among them.
- Norms
In UAE, there are many cultural norms which
are important for impressions. Here are some
of the cultural norms in UAE:
1- Men should always respect women.

2- Wearing national dress in public.

3- The holy month of Ramadan is a

particularly special time for
Muslims.
4- Removing shoes when entering an Arab house.

5- The official weekend is Friday and Saturday.

Friday is the Islamic holy day.

6- “Al-Salamu A’alaykum” is the common Islamic

greeting.
- Customs and traditions
Customs and traditions are passed on from parents to
children and in the long run they are inherited by
generations. The people of UAE are known for their
generosity, bravery and friendliness. The people of UAE
have also adopted some of the various customs and
traditions brought into their country by expatriates from
all over the world. It is the custom of the UAE people to
entertain their guests warmly. They usually serve Arabic
coffee to their guests as a gesture of respect and warm
welcome. Folk dances and other traditional sports are still
highly appreciated by many people. Falconry, horseback
riding, camel racing, boat racing and rowing are a few
examples.

UAE is predominantly an Islamic country. As a

result, the local customs and traditions are
reflective of and influenced by Islam.
Weddings: Weddings are special affairs in the region as in
any other part of the world. The bride is expected to stay
at home for at least forty days before the wedding. Her
hands and feet are adorned with henna before marriage
and there are cultural songs and dance by family members.

Dress: The cultural dress for men is "kandura" - a long

white robe along with a headgear known as “Gutra". Women
in the region wear a long black dress called “Abaya" over
normal garments. They also wear a scarf in public places.
Traditional and Cultural Dresses in UAE
Etiquette: is an important aspect of UAE culture and
tradition, to which visitors are expected to conform. Unlike
many other countries of the gulf, UAE is more forward and
tolerant as far as respecting international clothing and
culture goes. Politeness and respect to the elders are
generally expected when in UAE. Showing respect towards
the women is another important component of UAE etiquette.

Food: Before the 1960s,

food consisted mainly of
fish, rice, bread, dates,
yogurt, homegrown
vegetables, and meat from
sheep, goats, and camels.
Many Emiratis prefer the
cultural style of eating
with the right hand.
 - Arts
Arts and crafts of UAE is
playing a vital role in not only
helping the country maintain its
own distinct identity but also
promoting tourism in the country.
In fact arts and culture in UAE
is attracting millions of art
lovers across the globe.

Support for the Arts. The state

generously supports writers,
painters, actors, and folk
dancers. Sharjah is particularly
active in promoting culture and
was chosen by UNESCO as
the Arab Cultural Capital in
1998.
 Popular Arts
- Music and dance in UAE:
The UAE in general and Ras Al Khaimah in particular is well known for
its folklore, folk music, folk dance and other traditional and popular
art forms which embody and reflect the social, ethical and aesthetic
values of the community. Traditional dances for example are
meaningful movements played rhythmically to symbolize the common
ideas and likes of a certain community. Music and dance in UAE forms
a part of the culture and reflects the rich heritage of the country.
There are at least three types of cultural dances in UAE. Music and
dance is common in UAE in most of the festivals and cultural events.
People express their joy by dancing even in weddings in UAE. Drums
are an integral part of folk music in UAE.
Types of cultural dances
Ayyalah is one among most popular folk

1
dances in UAE. It represents a battle
signifying the defeat of enemy and
celebration of victory. Ayyalah is usually
performed in groups with up to 200 men,
organized
Harbiya isinanother
such a popular
manner so thatin
dance they

2
face
UAE.each
Likeother.
Ayyalah, Harbiya is also
performed by two lines of men
confronting each other, but the recitation
is based on the repetition of
unaccompanied melodic phrases.
Other popular traditional dances in UAE

3 include the Liwa. It is generally

performed to a rapid tempo and loud
drumbeat. This is also based on the
theme of a war song whose purpose is to
The elements of the Demographic component

Distribution

Size of population

Characteristics
 Climate

The elements of the

physical component

Resources Land
 The reasons for
studying UAE society

To define the traits and features

of UAE society

To analyze the structure of the

society and its elements

To understand the dynamics of changes

which occurred in the society due to different factors
 The reasons for
studying UAE society

To identify the various roles preformed by social

institutions to cope with the changes at present
and future

To be aware of the roots of the identity of

the society and its features

To be aware of the historical

development in the society
What are
the traits
of UAE
society?
Arabic Islamic society
Strategic
geographical location

The traits of U.A.E society

Demographically
is small Highly developed
 International status Wealthy society

The traits of U.A.E society

United society Authenticity

& modernity
 Oil has led to changing
.the characteristics of individuals

Oil Oil has led to establishment

Played of the infrastructure.
An
Effective Oil has led to providing individuals
role .with high quality of social services
In
UAE Oil has led to enhancement the relationship
.of the society with many countries
society

Oil enabled UAE society to assist many

countries all over the world.
GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES
OF UAE SOCIETY
World Map
UAE Map
UAE Map
UAE Map
 Geography
United Arab Emirates
 THE GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF
UAE SOCIETY

Location
Position
It refers to different forms of land
in the society

Astrological Sea location Borders

 Astrological

Sea
Borders
location
Location
 Astrological Location

The United Arab Emirates

lies between 22 degrees and
26.5 degree north latitude 51
degrees and 56.5 degrees
longitude.
UAE’s Astrological Map
 Geography & Borders

It lies , in the eastern part of the

Arabian Peninsula, extends along
part of the Gulf of Oman and the
southern coast of the Arabian Gulf.
The neighbors are: Saudi Arabia to
the west and south and Oman to the
east.
UAE Map
UAE Map
 Geography

The total area is 83600Km2

What are the
advantages
of this
location?
 The advantages of the
location

UAE Society has stable

and strong relationship
with their neighbors.
 The advantages of the
location

.. This relationship led to

stability and
enhancement of the
economy and prosperity
of the society.
 The advantages of the
location

All issues and problems,

if any, are treated co-
operatively.
 THE AFFECTS OF THE ASTROLOGICAL
LOCATION ON THE SOCIETY

1. The weather is always hot during the year.

2. It is always humid.
3. The rain is very rare.
4. Short coming of the cultivable of land.
5. Shortage of agricultural production.
6. It affects the energy of individual while
performing their work.
The sea location
 Sea location

1. UAE society occupies the middle

position among the world societies.
2. UAE lies on Arab Gulf from the west
and on Gulf of Oman from the east. So
it enjoys two coastal Plains.
3. Land location relationship with other
countries.
UAE Map
What are the
advantages
of the
coastal
Plains?
 The advantages of the
2coastal Plains

It enables the state to establish

many commercial ports which
facilitate the process of imports and
exports with most of the world
societies and that affect positively
the national economy.
 The advantages of the
2coastal Plains

Most of the resources

(especially oil) locate near to
the western coastal plain
most of population are
located to stay on this coast.
 The advantages of the
2coastal Plains

The location enables the

state to expand its social
and cultural communication
with many countries.
 The comparison between
western coastal plain and eastern coastal plain.
S.No

Western Eastern
1 It represent (% 18.8) of the total area It represents (% 1.6) of the total area of
of the society. the society.
2 It includes (%81.2) of the total It includes (%4.5) of the total population.
population.
3 Density of population is 58/KM2. Density of population is 37/ KM2

4 It is long (640 KM). It is short 90 KM.

5 It lies close to Arab Gulf. It lies close to gulf of Oman.

6 Many recourses are available. Recourses are limited.

7 It includes most of the state It includes one emirate.

emirates (six emirates).
8 Many economic activities are Very few economic activities are
practiced. practiced.
 THE GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF
UAE SOCIETY

Location
Position
It refers to different forms of land
in the society

Astrological Sea location Borders

83600 KM2
 Western
Islands Coastal Plain

Eastern
The different Coastal Plain

forms of land in
UAE Mountains

Stony
Desert
Plains
 The Western Coastal
Plain

• It represents (% 18.8) of the

total area of the society.
• It includes (% 81.2) of the total
population.
• Density of population (58/KM2)
 The Eastern coastal

• It represent (1.6) of the total

area of the society .
• It includes (4.45) of the full
population .
• Density of population is
(37/KM2).
 The Mountains

• It represents (%2.6)
of the total area of
the society.
• It includes (% 1.5)
of the total
population.
• Density of
population is (8/
KM2).
 The Stony Plains

• It represents (%2.8) of
total area.
• It includes (%9.2) of
the total population.
• Density of population
(%45/ KM2)
 The Islands

• The total number of the

islands in UAE is 200
• They includes (0.2%) of
the total population
• Density of population is
(33.8) KM2 only in (the
inhabitant islands)
The Sandy area (Desert)

• It represents (%73.8)
of total area.
• It includes (%2.6) of
the total population
• Density of population
(%1 / KM2).
But

Why the
density in the
sandy area is
only 1/KM2
 Because of
the following

• The dry soil and hot weather.

• Rarity of rain.
• scarcity of water and
recourses.
 The formation of the UAE society
comes back to very ancient time.

The The depth and authenticity of historical

historical relationship of UAE state with other
and cultural societies.

dimensions
of UAE The main identity of UAE is the
Society Arabic - Islamic identity.

Participation and support of UAE

peoples for Islamic mission.
 The Major component of
the history and the culture

• The history of UAE cannot be

explained away from the gulf
history.

• The identity of UAE is explained

by the Arab Culture with its
elements.
 The ancient The period before
history period and after Islam

The colonization The modern period

period (from 1560- (independence and formation
of the federal state)
1970)

The historical periods of

UAE society