Dubai has a diverse and multi-cultural society. However, Dubai’s culture is shaped by the Islamic traditions of Arabia, with religion touching all aspects of everyday life. Locals still continue to wear their traditional dress even today, which indeed is a symbol of national pride and identity. Arab culture and folklore find expression in the music and dance of Dubai. Traditional sports such as Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.

Dubai is a tolerant and relaxed society, with the local population known for their traditional hospitality towards foreigners. Unlike other Islamic nations, Dubai also has a liberal attitude towards women. Women are respected and are free to join schools and work in offices. Visitors to Dubai will find world-class hotels, beach resorts, nightclubs and bars serving alcohol. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts that cater to all tastes and ages. The UAE respects other religions and followers are allowed to practice their beliefs.

Food & Drink

Thanks to its visitors from many parts of the world and its multi-ethnic resident community, Dubai has developed a sophisticated and innovative food culture. Almost any type of food is available, ranging from Mexican, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean to Indian, Pakistani, Persian, Italian and French cuisines.  You will also find International fast-food chains, serving the standard fare of hamburgers, chips, pizzas etc.

International theme restaurants such as TGI Friday’s, Planet Hollywood, Fashion Café, Hard Rock Café etc. are available in a wide variety of venues. Fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf is a must try along with the local fare. Dubai is also bustling with small ethnic cafés and corner stalls. Shisha cafés offer an opportunity to smoke a shisha (hubble-bubble pipe) and serve food, coffee, tea and fruit juices while corner stalls serve sharwamas and other sandwiches. Muslims are prohibited from eating pork so it is not included in the menus. Hotels frequently have substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labeled as such and alcohol is generally served only in hotel restaurants and bars.

Shopping

You name it and chances are you can find it in Dubai.  The city now boasts 40 shopping malls – some of the largest in the world, with nearly every high-street store represented. Individual fashion and jewellery brands are now setting up shop in malls and in five-star hotel boulevards to sell to an exclusive clientele.

Wafi City is one of the best-known malls, housing Chanel and Givenchy. BurJuman has Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Ferragamo and Prada.  Deira City Centre has DKNY, Karen Millen and Dolce & Gabbana. Add the stylish Emirates Towers Boulevard featuring Gucci, Yves St Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta and Villa Moda and Dubai has the full array of international designer names. The same holds true for jewellery and watches with Bulgari, Cartier, Virtu, Harry Winston, Tiffany and Graff catering to discerning tastes.

As an open port with low import duties, Dubai’s retail prices are reasonable. The retail trade encompasses souk (market) shopping – where bargaining is very much the order of the day. Somewhat incongruously lie small booth-type shops where the traditional goods of the east like spices from India, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar permeate the air, and perfumed oils are ready to be mixed. Gold is another of the city’s best-buys. The Gold Souk in Deira houses rows of shop windows festooned with glittering jewellery. Towards the Trade Centre landmark, is the Karama district where a sprawling array of small shops and restaurants are a bargain-hunter’s playground. The fish, fruit and vegetable markets of Karama and Hamriya are ideal tourist haunts with lively photographic opportunities.

Apart from competitively priced electronic products, popular traditional Arabic items like coffee pots, silver and brass swords, soapstone figures, items decorated with lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones, marble work, silver antique jewellery, Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings) etc. also make for some lively shopping.

Shopping Hours

Normal Dubai hours are from 9.00am–1.00pm and 4.00–9.00pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Shopping malls tend to open from 10.00am–10.00pm. Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open 24 hours. Shops close for prayers on Fridays from 11.30am–1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Transportation with a Metro Guide

If you moving to Dubai and not sure about your transport options, then the Dubai metro system will be a welcome sight for you.  Although not all stations are open, they are completing all stations at a rapid pace, and this ultra-modern method of transport is a reliable and comfortable way to get around, whether you are travelling to and from work, or planning a weekends ventures.

Metro guide and map:  http://dubaimetro.eu/dubai-metro-map