Cultural Aspects of Dubai

Dubai has developed from a sleepy desert fishing village to one of the most modern cities on the planet. Like the rest of the UAE, the city of Dubai is filled with a rich cultural heritage that has been strongly influenced by its once desert and oasis living people who were adept at surviving in one of the harshest climates on Earth. No wonder the skills of desert life are held in high esteem by many of the UAE’s people – as members of the older generation remember that these were crucial to their own survival. The modern visitor can experience desert life by taking part in a range of organized desert trips that usually include transport by four-wheel drive vehicles, camels or sometimes horses. A night spent under the stars is usually of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Dubai.

Some aspects of Dubai’s culture can be seen by visiting places still favored by local people such as the fishing harbors or fish souks, boat-building yards, gold souks, spice souks, falconry centers and other venues. Throughout the year various cultural events such as exhibitions, theatrical displays, sporting events, lectures etc. are organized by different bodies like the Emirates Heritage Club which runs camel races, dhow races, longboat races, and a host of other activities that encourage and develop interest in the UAE’s culture and heritage.

Meanwhile the Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi also holds quite a number of important cultural events and can also be a good source of information about what is happening on the cultural front in the UAE.