Delve into the Emirati Culture with Cheap Holidays to Dubai

by Amanda Sutcliffe Travel Deals

From being a small fishing village in the early 18th century to becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Dubai has transformed greatly over the past decades. Today, it is visited by millions of tourists every year, who marvel at its modern architectural wonders and some historic attractions. What would amaze you even more while getting around in this city and its surroundings is how brilliantly it has maintained the balance between traditions and modernity. During your holiday in this elegant Emirati city, you'll get to explore its rich culture and heritage.

One of the most admirable things about the Emiratis is their traditional dress, which they wear with pride. While enjoying your cheap holidays to Dubai, you'll notice the Emirati men and women walking around in their traditional attire. This Arab national dress not only allows them to adhere to their religious beliefs but also gives them great comfort. Men wear a loose-fitting white garment made of cotton, which is called 'dishdasha' or 'kandora'. They cover their heads with a 'ghutra', which is held in place by a black cord called 'agal'. Women wear the 'abaya' over their western or traditional clothing, which is a black-coloured long coat. They drape a black scarf over their head, which is called 'shayla'.

Another delightful aspect of the Emirati culture is the traditional arts and crafts, which is still practised in the city and its surrounding regions. One of them is the Arab calligraphy, which represents beauty, unity, and power. Every year, the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition features the works of famous calligraphers. The exhibition also allows you to learn this fabulous art through workshops conducted by calligraphy experts. You can also get a glimpse of the Emirati traditions in the traditional methods of weaving used by the Bedouin women while creating some attractive fabrics.

While exploring the historic Al Fahidi Fort, you'll get the chance to learn more about the city's Bedouin traditions and its past as a pearl-trading hub. The Bedouins were the desert region's earliest inhabitants, who travelled through the dunes with their livestock. Camels were used by them not only as a mode of transport through the desert but also as a source of milk and meat. You can get such valuable insights into the lives of Bedouins with the help of exhibits housed in the Dubai Museum. They take you on a journey to the emirate's past dating back to the third millennium BC.

Other museums in the city would also allow you to explore the history and traditions of this region. Among them is the Saruq Al Hadid Museum, which is home to artefacts from the Iron Age. They have been brought from an archaeological site located on the Rub al-Khali desert's edge. A visit to the Etihad Museum would allow you to browse through a series of educational and interactive exhibits, which commemorate the formation of the country. You'll be able to know how the United Arab Emirates developed over the years through the photos and films.