Dubai Guide: Culture
Getting used to a completely different culture isn’t easy. This section is specially designed to help you adapt to live in Dubai. It provides useful information about religion, social customs and national holidays in Dubai.-
Social Customs What are local customs like?
Needless to say, many Arab customs are very different from those in the west, and you should be aware of what you’re expected to do and not to do. more » -
Religion Some tips about Islam
Needless to say, Islam is the main religion in Dubai, although the practice of other religions is permitted. more » -
National Holidays Important dates in the Islamic calendar
Important dates in the Islamic calendar are the Prophet’s ascension ( Al Isr’a Wal Mairaj) and the Prophet’s birthday ( Maulid Al-Nabi), the start of Ramadan and the two ‘festival’ ( eid) holidays, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, which are observed as holidays in all the Gulf states except Saudi Arabia, where the two Eid holidays are the only official holidays, although some of the others might be observed by private institutions. more » -
Legal advice The Islamic system of law
In general, Gulf states operate as largely patriarchal societies, headed and administered by ruling families, whose aim is to maintain the status quo while moving towards increased democracy (although in many cases the authorities seem to follow the old adage: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’). more » -
Marriage & Divorce All you need to know about Muslim marriages
Although Gulf Arabs are entitled to marry as soon as they reach puberty, the average age at which people marry has increased considerably in recent years, to around 20. more »