History
Originally
a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over around 1830 by a branch
of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who
still rule the emirate today.
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating
dates, fishing and pearling.
The liberal attitudes of the emirate's rulers made Dubai attractive
to traders from India and Persia who began to settle in the growing
town, which soon developed a strong reputation as the leading entry
port for the region
An independent emirate for most of its history, in 1971 Dubai came
together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and
(in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab
Emirates.
The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically transformed the emirate by
allowing the development of the economic and social infrastructure which
laid the foundations for today's modern society.
Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision
of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured
that Dubai's oil revenues were deployed to maximum effect.
Art and Culture
Traditional Music and Dance
Music and dance are inextricably linked in the traditional Arab world,
and each musical instrument plays for a specific style of dance. The
Ayyala, an ancient dance form that emulates battle, is one of the more
fascinating forms of Arabic dance practiced in the UAE.
The
Traditional Costume of UAE
UAE, as one of the most rapidly developing country in the world, exhibits
an amazingly perfect blend of traditionalism and modernism. All UAE
nationals continue to wear their traditional costume which indeed is
a symbol of national pride and identity.
The men of the Arabian Peninsula wear the immaculate pressed gleaming
white (sometimes brown or gray) ankle length robes called dishdasha.
Local men wear a small skull cap gafia, covered by the white or sometimes
red-checkered head cloth gutra and held in place by the twisted black
coil agal. Only rarely will a national appear in western dress within
the Emirates. For important occasions and men of standing, the white
dishdasha is covered by a flowing black cloak bisht edged with gold
braid.
Emirati women usually wear trousers sirwal fitted tightly at the ankles.
Over the sirwal is worn the jillabeeya, a floor length dress which is
often decorated in embroidery or beautiful beadwork and covered by a
black cloak abaya. Some women cover their face with a black cloth nikab
that only reveals the eyes and others, mostly older women, wear a canvas
mask called a burqa which covers eyebrows, nose and mouth. Almost all
women cover their hair with a shaila or hejjab as per the principles
of Islam.
The dynamic women of UAE
The dynamic women of United Arab Emirates have played a very important
role in the development of the country. Since the nomadic days, the
women of UAE took an active part in everyday activities. While the men
were out to earn a living, the women took care of agriculture, rearing
of livestock and domestic responsibilities. In the 21st century, as
UAE steps into an era of advancement, the national importance of women
has only increased manifold.
Women today are the cornerstone of national development and are participating
in all sectors of national life. Under the Constitution women enjoy
the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education and the
right to practice professions as men.
The UAE Women’s Federation, headed by Sheikha Fatima, wife of
the country's President, H H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was
founded in 1975 to encourage the country's women to play a full role
in society. It has a number of committees to run its activities, such
as religious affairs, mother and child care, social affairs, cultural
affairs, sports, heritage and the arts.
Female literacy rates now match those of males, while there are now
more women in University than men. Universities are producing women
graduates in disciplines such as the arts, engineering, sciences, including
environmental sciences, media and communications, as well as computer
technology.
Health
Dubai generally has a high standard of Medical care, both in primary
health and in Hospital facilities. It must be remembered that the conditions
in the Middle East are quite different from our home countries and these
conditions lead to some special precautions and requirements to live
in Dubai in a healthy manner.
Your employer will provide you with Private Health Insurance which
will cover you for almost 100% of your personal health needs. Your families
may not be covered by this or you may elect to utilize the public health
facilities which are open to anybody holding a resident visa. These
require a Health Card which are available through the public hospitals
(Dept. of Health), they enable you or your families to attend the Public
Hospitals and Community Health Centres. Cost of issue of the Health
Card is approximately 300 Dhs. (Note For HCT staff NGI covers you and
your families see the NGI section)
Primary Care Many Medical Centres exist around the city, the private
clinics are mostly for the local community, there are several catering
to the specific needs of the expatriate community. Most provide after-hours
care and some ,house calls. Look for a clinic which provides for your
specific family’s needs. (See Dubai Connector Publication for
a comprehensive list )
Hospitals The public hospital system provides a high quality of care,
especially in the case of a accident or injury, long waiting lists exist
for elective procedures. Private hospitals provide very good care as
inpatients and outpatient facilities. Specifically, American Hospital
(Ph.3367777) and Wellcare Hospital (Ph. 2827788).
Dentists. High quality of care available for general Dentistry and
Orthodontics, all are reasonably expensive but very good. (eg. Jumeira
Beach Dental Clinic Ph.3499433 and Drs. Nicholas and Asp Dental Clinic
Ph. 3454443 Full list in Connector)
Pharmacies Are located on every street corner, they are well stocked
, try to buy well known brands or company products. The staff have very
little training and don’t rely on their advice.
| Public Holidays 2006 |
| January 01 |
New Year's Day # |
| 1 Jan |
Arafat Day * |
| 11 Jan |
Eid Al Adha * |
| 4 Feb |
Islamic New Year's Day * |
| 13 Apr |
Prophet Mohammed's Birthday * |
| 6 Aug |
Accession of H.H. Sheikh Zayed # |
| 24 Aug |
Lailat Al Mi'raj * |
| 26 Sep |
Ramadan (expected to bigin) |
| 26 Oct |
Eid Al Fitr * |
| 2 Dec |
UAE National Day # |
* Islamic holidays
# Fixed holidays
The actual dates on which the Islamic holidays will fall might differ slightly from the dates mentioned in the above chart depending on the sighting of the moon.
Tours
In India
