The Magical Tales of the Arabian Nights: Tracing the Traditions of the UAE
The United Arab Emirates, a country with a history that flows all the way till the sands of time, has everything to explore the mythical spirit of the southern tales of the Arabian Nights. Beneath the towering skyscrapers and lavish retail centers of the UAE lies its true value, age-old cultural heritage which was preserved over the years. The fine artisan craft in the ancient souks to the vast stretching deserts, the UAE is a beautiful representation of Arab practices and culture.
The Lost Charm of The Desert
The rich history and culture of the UAE lies in the expansive desert that surround it. To begin with I can try going on a desert safari for the first time. Where indeed Arab desert sands have waxed and waned through the desert movement of time, cooler periods beckoned nomadic tribes to shift over along with their bedouin culture, trusty local guides have stood the test of the desert, imparting their tips and tales. As darkness falls, this isolated region erupts with music, dance, storytelling, culture – everything about the glorious adventures from the Arabian Nights, all waiting to be told as the day draws close.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors in the Souks
To call a trip to UAE souk’s colorful markets a cultural eye opener would still be an understatement. Whether it’s the Dubai Gold Souk or the Souk in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Fujairah for that matter, embark on a journey of delightful exploration. One cannot overlook the beautiful pieces of gold and silver jewelry, intricately woven textiles, and various other spices galore which were a byproduct of ancient trade routes some so long ago.
Oases of Tranquility: Traditional Emirati Villages
Apart from all the rapid commercial development in the surrounding areas, there are a number of untouched traditional Emirati villages that offer an opportunity to understand the past significantly better. Al Ain, also known as the “Garden City” certainly comes to mind as one of the examples in this case. The interactive nature of the location allows visitors to see historic buildings, falaj systems, and even some archaeological sites that assist in comprehension of customs a long time ago.
Exploring Emirati Cuisine
Every culture has its own form of food, and for the UAE, its cuisine is a combination of Bedouin and Persian and Indian and Arab cultures. You will absolutely not be disappointed by traditional Emirati dishes that include Al Harees, (smooth pureed wheat and meat) Machboos (a mixture of meat or fish with spiced rice) and Luqaimat (syrup-coated donuts). Emirati cuisine should be tried by travelers if they want to embrace the UAE culture because the country has many restaurants from across the globe, and it has an aesthetic culture.
Rounding Off the Traditions: Heritage Villages and Museums
If you want to take a step closer in understanding UAE’s culture, then visiting heritage sites and museums is the best option. The Heritage Village located in Abu Dhabi, along with the Dubai Heritage Village create an ambience, complemented by breakdowns of local crafts, warmth from the Emiratis and practical sessions of age-old practices, those two villages are a treat for the eyes. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, The Etihad Museum based in Dubai as well as many other museums provide additional knowledge on the history, the art and the culture of the region.
Festivals and Celebrations: Celebrating Togetherness
The cultural diversity and the tolerance to different beliefs is something that the UAE is proud of. Every year, there are a number of different events that celebrate this oneness. Feel the thrill of the Dubai Shopping Festival, feel the devotion of Ramadan, enjoy the dances during Eid Al Adha, and join in the National Day celebrations. All these events give an opportunity for the tourists to experience the never-ending energy that the Emirates possess.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
The citizens of the United Arab Emirates have their ancestral roots deep within the sands of time along with dreams and thoughts of future. The Emiratis have the best of both worlds, gaining insight from the soaring skyscrapers which showcases advanced technology whilst also naming cultural preservation as an integral part of their nationality. Geographical borders are mere separators to those who wish to travel and Boasting the captivating Tales from the Arabian Nights and the culturally-rich Emirati customs, they take them on a source of transport that extends from one intersection of time to another and serves them with nothing short of a beautiful experience.
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