Culture of Dubai: 5 Essential Insights to Discover this City

The culture of Dubai raises many questions. Traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle in this city and the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are strongly influenced by Islam, making many things different from the way they are in the West.

However, it’s also true that over the years, Dubai’s residents have slightly changed their lifestyle, forming a more open society that invites people from other countries to feel included.

To help you better understand the culture of Dubai, we’ll tell you about its main customs: the religion practiced in Dubai, how people dress, how to behave to avoid any legal trouble, what the cuisine is like, and which languages are most spoken in the city.

Scroll down to learn more!

What is religion like in Dubai?

Religion is one of the most intriguing aspects of the culture of Dubai. The first thing you should know is that over 70% of the population in the UAE practices Islam; in fact, this faith is the official across the country according to the Emirati constitution!

However, Dubai is a very cosmopolitan and Westernized city, so other religions are also practiced here. For example, it’s estimated that more than 9% of the population is Christian (there are around 53 churches), and there are also followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Judaism, though in smaller numbers.

Remember: there is freedom of religion in Dubai.

What is the dress code in Dubai?

The dress code is another feature of the culture of Dubai that can cause some controversy. Conservative Muslims typically wear traditional clothing as prescribed by Islam; many men wear a kandura, a white wool or cotton tunic that usually reaches the ankles.

Muslim women often wear an abaya, a black tunic that represents “modesty.” Women who choose to wear it must do so in public places and can only remove it in private spaces, like at home.

However, this dress code is not mandatory. Many Dubai residents, both men and women, have adopted Western fashion, so they wear pants, skirts, dresses, and shirts (not too flashy or daring to avoid unwanted attention). Nonetheless, during traditional festivals and in mosques, they usually wear kandura or abaya.

What are the social customs in Dubai?

Out of respect for the culture of Dubai, certain social “rules” have been established:

• Avoid public displays of affection (passionate kisses, touching…), as this could land you in jail! Holding hands is acceptable.
• Avoid using bad language in public places; it is frowned upon, and authorities could fine you for indecent behavior.
• Always try to greet with your right hand. It might sound odd, but since Muslims use their left hand for personal hygiene, they avoid touching others with it!
• Do not walk on the street or drive while intoxicated, as you could be fined or even jailed.
• Do not shake hands with a Muslim woman you just met unless she initiates it; some people find this uncomfortable.

What is the cuisine like in Dubai?

Cuisine is another fascinating element of the culture of Dubai. Something many travelers don’t know is that the consumption of pork and its derivatives is forbidden for Muslims, as mandated by Islam! Generally, Emiratis eat beef, chicken, goat, fish, and camel on special occasions.

Foreigners can eat pork if they wish. However, you can only consume it in restaurants authorized by the city government or buy it in select supermarkets.

Now, if we talk about traditional dishes in Dubai, the main ingredients are vegetables, fruits, and spices of all kinds of flavors and scents. Many traditional recipes include cucumber, tomato, eggplant, mango, saffron, turmeric… Here are some popular dishes:

• Fouga: rice with grilled chicken marinated with spices.
• Haris: boiled wheat porridge prepared with butter and chicken.
• Kabsa: rice with marinated chicken, goat, or camel meat, accompanied by almonds, dates, or tomatoes.

Is anyone else getting hungry? Because our stomachs are growling.

What languages are spoken in Dubai?

You might be wondering what languages are spoken in Dubai. Well, “gulf Arabic”, also known as Khaleeji, is the official language; it appears in most official, administrative, and legal documents issued in the city, and is used by many Dubai residents for daily communication.

However, the culture of Dubai has influences from other countries, so more languages are spoken in the city. The most important one, without a doubt, is English, a language taught in schools and widely used in business, services, and tourism to facilitate communication.

To a lesser extent, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Bengali, Malayalam, and Persian are also spoken.

What cultural attractions should you visit in Dubai?

Now that you know a bit more about the culture of Dubai, we want to tell you about Emirati attractions you can’t miss on your next trip. Keep in mind that some are traditional cultural places, so you should be very respectful and dress appropriately when you visit.

• Al Fahidi: one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, dating back to the 19th century, and home to interesting museums and cultural exhibitions.
• Al Shindagha Museum: a museum in Al Fahidi dedicated to Dubai’s history, where you can see the city’s evolution and appreciate the area’s architecture.
• Bur Dubai Grand Mosque: a traditional Muslim-style Mosque open 24/7. For an in-depth visit, you can take a guided tour.
• Grand Souk Deira: a traditional Arab market built in the 19th century where you can buy fabrics, herbs, spices, perfumes, gold, toys…
• Jumeirah Mosque: one of the largest mosques in Dubai, open to everyone six days a week for guided tours.

Plan your itinerary and start planning your great trip to Dubai!

Experience the culture of Dubai by studying and working there!

The best way to learn about Dubai’s culture is to live in the city for a while, so why not take a study trip? At GrowPro, we offer experiences that allow you to study and work without hourly limits, and we guide you to help you choose the school and course and apply for your visa.

If you want more information, check out the courses you can take in Dubai by clicking the link and fill out the form below with your details. Within a couple of days, we’ll contact you to provide free advice and explain what you need to do to join our community of students in Dubai.

Will we see you soon in the Middle East, future grower?