When most people think of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), images of futuristic skyscrapers and extravagant shopping malls come to mind. While the UAE dazzles with its bold architecture, extraordinary wealth, flashy cars, and exclusive yacht rental there’s another side to the country that offers a deeper, richer understanding of its history. If we look at the UAE from that “other side,” we find a country that proudly embraces its history and keeps its heritage very much alive.

In this article, we look at how to have some fun with cultural traditions in the UAE.

The Desert – A Connection to the Past

The UAE’s desert landscape evokes the nostalgic era of the country’s historic roots: its Bedouin ancestors.

Long before the discovery of oil that gave the country the wealth and prosperity it enjoys today, nomadic Bedouins traversed the vast Arabian Desert, living in tents made of goat and camel hair. They made bags from goat or camel skins to store milk and water and used animal hair to weave intricate colorful rugs and carpets – a craft that has survived to this day and can still be bought in the country’s many traditional souks (markets).

Nowadays, the desert is a popular attraction with tourists keen to experience authentic Bedouin culture by going on desert safaris, riding camels, sleeping in traditional Bedouin tents, and enjoying Bedouin meals around a campfire under the stars.

Camping in the desert is an almost surreal experience, taking one back in time: the snort of camels nearby, the peaceful serenity of the vast desert, watching the magic of a golden sunset over the dunes as the shadows make changing patterns in the sand, and gazing up at the stars into a crisp and clear sky as night falls. For those wanting to relive a true slice of history, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Traditional Souks 

The UAE, especially Dubai, is famous for its high-end skyscrapers, yachts, cars but most of all for its shopping malls. But there’s another side to this commerce, one that is steeped in history: its traditional souks (markets). Souks have the power to transport one back in time when life was simpler and vigorously haggling over prices was (and still is) a time-honored Arabian tradition.

Souks date back to the UAE’s earliest trading history when visiting merchants traveled from as far afield as Persia, India, and East Africa, trading goods such as spices, textiles, and pearls.

Today, these lively bazaars with their narrow winding alleys and enticing fragrances, are lined with shops and stalls that sell anything from aromatic spices, gold, textiles, pottery, and perfumes, to handmade crafts.

Taking a few hours to immerse oneself in the bustling atmosphere of a souk is about more than just wanting to buy things – it’s a cultural experience where, for a brief moment, you’re transported back in time and can truly feel connected with history.

Camel Races and Falconry

Camels were the foundation of every aspect of the old Bedouin way of life.  They served as a mode of transport (hence their description as the “ships of the desert”), as well as a source of food, milk, and textiles. But they were also used for entertainment as racing animals. Although camel racing, often called the “sport of sheiks,” is a centuries-old practice based on early Bedouin culture, it is still alive and well today, and you can attend frequent camel races in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Similarly, falconry is another ancient tradition that is still alive. These strong, fast, and agile birds were traditionally used for hunting. The Bedouins captured falcons and trained them to hunt desert game, including large birds, rabbits, and even small gazelles. Today. Falconry exhibitions in the desert give visitors a glimpse into this centuries-old tradition.

Conclusion

From its desert roots to its trading past, the UAE is a place where history and the modern world have been blended over time in unique and fascinating ways. For history buffs, it’s definitely worth taking the time to step away from the malls and the high-tech glitz for just a moment to savor a world that is rich in tradition and grounded in history – and still very much alive.

Description

The UAE (United Arab Emirates) dazzles with its bold architecture and extraordinary wealth, but if we look at the UAE from the “other side,” we find a country that proudly embraces its history and keeps its heritage very much alive.