Local Culture

The holy month of Ramadan is here, which means fasting during daylight hours and breaking the fast in the evening with Iftar. For non-Muslims living in Dubai, the do’s and don’ts during Ramadan are generally known, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world for the second year in a row, with Dubai close behind in 11th place.

Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah opens this September on the banks of Dubai Creek. Bringing to life the traditions of Emirati architecture and hospitality, this charming 200-room hotel is tucked away in the Al Seef souk development and spread across 22 traditionally designed Arabian bayt (homes), complete with iconic wind towers.

Following a successful competition held last year by Etihad Airways to identify the best local talents for creating new designs, the airline has collaborated with an Emirati brand – A Friend of Mine by Xpoze – to launch an exclusive luxury loungewear line for its first-class guests.

Designed to frame all other iconic landmarks, the newly opened Dubai Frame – adorned with gold motifs – measures 150 metres high and 93 metres wide.

By January, visitors of Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah will be able to dive for their own pearls – without the risk – at the first cultured pearl farm in the Gulf.

Flags at the ready! The Ministry of Cabinet and the Future has announced that UAE Flag Day celebrations will take place on Thursday, November 2 this year instead of Friday, November 3.

Henna, also known as Mehndi, was one of the first beauty products ever developed and is an ancient form of body art that has been practiced in the Middle East, India and Africa throughout the ages.

A sign of simpler times before even the most basic technology, the firing of the Ramadan – or midfa al iftar – announces the breaking of the fast during Ramadan.

Few of us have ever really explored the oldest neighbourhoods of Dubai, or taken a walk through the Indian areas of Deira during Diwali. We have a melting pot of cultural sights and sounds waiting to be experienced, tasted and most importantly captured.

Anyone who spent their childhood in Dubai knows a good ‘Chips Oman Sandwich.’ It is the national sandwich of UAE, but it is not a sandwich that you will find in supermarkets or cafes.

The tradition of pearl diving and its cultural impact has long been a source of pride in the UAE. Pearls have always been associated with beauty, longevity and perfection and the warm waters of the Gulf produced highly prized, colourful pearls.

Following its inauguration by the rulers of the Emirates on December 2^nd 2016, the UAE’s 45^th National Day, Etihad Museum has opened its doors to the public.