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WORLD CULTURES & FOLK CUSTOMS

      SIMO JELAČA, PhD

FOREWORD

This book summarizes information about culture and customs of different nations. Noticeable differences in customs are among Christian, Islamic and Buddhist’s nations, although in all prevails intention for nice and greatest.  

It will be too much to include every country, as there are similarities among many nations of the same or close nationalities. Characteristic are Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Belarus, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, or as well as Germany and Austria. The similar conclusion values for Latin nations, among themselves too.

Readers will find basic information about each country, such as its location and size, population and Ethnic Make-up, Religion, Climate, Language, Etiquettes and others. 

This book can equally be used for travelers, either as tourists or business people, therefore everyone will find necessary information about Etiquette of people at their homes as well as at the business.

My intention was to find as much good information as possible. How much I have succeeded readers will judge it. 

                                                                                                            Author

UNITED ARAB EMIRATE

CULTURE AND FOLK CUSTOMS

Facts and Statistics

Population: 10 million.

Capital: Abu Dhabi, population 1.5 million.           

Size: 83.600 sq.km.                                       

Identification 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of the seven small emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah, which were united as a federal state on 2 December 1971. 

Location and Geography 

The UAE covers 83,600 square kilometers and is located on the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. The United Arab Emirates is bordered by Qatar to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Oman to the east and northeast.

Demography 

Relative to its size and oil wealth, the UAE has a small population, estimated at 2,624,000 in 1997. The commercial production of oil triggered rapid population growth as a result of an increase in the national population from improvements in diet, health care, and living standards and the importation on a large scale of mostly male foreign laborers. About two-thirds of the immigrants are Asians, mainly from India, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The remainder are Arabs, Europeans, and Americans. 

United Arab Emirates 

Federation of seven emirates along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Climate

The climate is hot and humid along the coast and is hotter still, but dry, in the interior. Rainfall averages only 100 to 150 mm annually, though it fluctuates considerably from year to year. The average January temperature is 18 °C, while in July the temperature averages 33 °C. Summertime highs can reach 46 °C on the coast and 49 °C or more in the desert. 

Linguistic Affiliation 

The official language is Arabic. Among the immigrant population, English, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, and Filipino are spoken. English is the language of commerce. 

Urbanism and Architecture

Before 1960, the only settlements were small towns and villages. Oil resources have enabled massive modernization. Towns have been transformed from mud-walled communities into commercial capitals integrated in the global economy. Urbanization has been characterized by unparalleled growth. Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world.

The cities have a multiethnic composition, with segregated housing areas for nationals and the immigrants.

Food in Daily Life 

Before the 1960s, food consisted mainly of fish, rice, bread, dates, yogurt, homegrown vegetables, and meat from sheep, goats, and camels. The diet has improved in quality and variety, with modern supermarkets offering imported foods. Lunch is the main family meal and is eaten at home at around two o'clock. Emiratis are known for their hospitality; they feel honored when receiving guests and socializing with friends and relatives. Guests are welcomed with coffee and fresh dates.

Basic Economy 

Income is among the highest in the world, but there are large differences between the emirates, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah producing the most oil. With declining oil prices, the government has attempted to diversify the national economy. This has led to the growth of industry, construction, commerce, free trade zones, transportation, tourism, farming, fisheries, and communications. 

The national currency name is called the Emirian Dirham. 

Classes and Castes 

Emirati society is divided into two social categories: the nationals ( Al-Muwateneen ) and the foreign immigrants, referred to as the incomers ( Al-Wafedeen ). Citizens are subdivided into four main social classes: (1) the ruling sheikhly families, whose members hold the highest political positions and power and have immense wealth and prestige, (2) the merchant class, known as al-tujjar, (3) the new middle class, represented by increasing numbers of professionals who have benefited from free state education, and (4) the low-income groups, represented by newly settled Bedouin nomads and former pearl divers and oasis farmers.

Social Welfare  

The development of the infrastructure has been impressive. The welfare system offers womb-to-tomb free state services for all nationals, including high-quality health care, education up to the tertiary level, social security, family allowances, subsided electricity and water, and housing for low-income groups. 

Division of Labor by Gender

In higher education, female students outnumber males two to one. However, women's participation in the labor force remains one of the lowest in the world. Subsequently, most women are employed in education, health, and civil service.

Marriage 

Arranged marriage within the kinship (tribal) units was the preferred pattern in the pre-oil period, but this pattern has changed somewhat. Emiratis are strongly discouraged from marrying non-nationals, and a young man receives $19,000 from the Marriage Fund if he marries a national. As prescribed by Islam, a man is allowed up to four wives, but most men have only one wife. Over 80 percent of national households live as nuclear families in their own houses. Large families are encouraged by the state as a national policy, and family size is six to eight children. The husband's authority is declining, while the wife is gaining importance as a mother and the manager of the domestic unit. 

Education

To age 5, a child is referred to as jahel ("the one who does not know"), and there is a tolerant attitude toward children's behavior. Most families employ maids to share child caretaking, and this has introduced a foreign cultural element to child socialization. The school system has undertaken a greater role in children's socialization, significantly reducing the family's role in this process.

 Higher Education 

The government views higher education as a major instrument for development. The UAE has one of the highest ratios of students entering higher education in the world. There are seven universities and eleven higher colleges of technology. 

Etiquette 

Social customs are shared throughout the Gulf Arab countries. An Islamic greeting (al-salam alaykom) is the most appropriate, and men follow this with a quick nose-to-nose touch while shaking hands. Women greet each other by kissing several times on both cheeks. Men normally do not shake hands with women in public.

Religious Beliefs 

Islam dominates all aspects of life. Most Emiratis are members of the Sunni sect. Matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, economics, politics, and personal conduct are affected by Sharia (Islamic) law. 

Religious Beliefs 

Islam dominates all aspects of life. Most Emiratis are members of the Sunni sect. Matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, economics, politics, and personal conduct are affected by Sharia (Islamic) law. 

Health Care

Today Emiratis have a free modern health care system with numerous hospitals, primary health care centers, and private clinics staffed primarily by immigrants.

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.

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.

Dress

There are two distinct types of women’s clothing: one for locals, the other for expatriates. Most Arab women dress according to religious custom, which means that they must cover most of the body, from head to foot. The traditional black over-garment, and the hair is covered. Some Arab women are totally covered, including their face and hands.

Terms of Address

The general formal address is ‘Sayyed’ (‘Sir’) for a man or ‘Sayeeda’ (or ‘Sayedity’) for a woman, followed by the person’s full name. Arab women can be addressed as ‘Madame’. 

Invitations

If you’re invited to the home of an Arab, you should always accept. You should generally take every opportunity to become acquainted with local people.

Other Dos and Don’ts

·         Don’t offer alcoholic drinks to an Arab. This can cause great offense. 

·         Don’t walk on a prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer. Don’t try to enter a mosque without first asking permission. 

·         In Saudi Arabia, don’t try to enter the Holy sites of the areas surrounding Mecca and Medina. 

·         Avoid putting an Arab in a position where he might suffer a ‘loss of face’ in front of other Arabs. 

·         Don’t beckon to people with a finger, as this is considered particularly impolite. 

·         Avoid shouting and displays of aggression or drunkenness. 

·         During Ramadan, don’t eat, drink or smoke anywhere where you can be seen by Muslims during the hours of daylight and don’t engage in any noisy behavior or embrace or kiss anyone in public.

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