Religion & Culture
RELIGION
Many faiths are acknowledged and facilitated in Dubai, various Churches and places of worship are located within 2 main areas - Jebel Ali & Oud Metha. Many of these offer structured religious education classes for children and young adults or for anyone wishing to learn more about a specific faith.
Islam is the widely practiced religion of the UAE and there are many Mosques located throughout Dubai. The beautifully ornate Jumeirah Mosque on Dubai's Beach Road is opened to the public and guided tours are organised to give a greater insight to the Islamic way of life.
Ramadan is celebrated for 30 days each year, celebrated from end of August in 2009 and brought forward by 10 days each year. It is a time when Muslims abstain from food, drinks and other pleasures for the hours of daylight. From a non-Muslim perspective - public restaurants and cafes are closed until dusk each day and eating or drinking is not allowed in public view.
Restaurants in hotels are open however, but no alcoholic beverages are served during the day.
CULTURE
Dubai boasts a very colourful past, it's progression in time from when it was a mere fishing / trading port connecting East to West to the tourist magnet and financial capital it has become today provides for a very interesting story indeed.
Dubai Museum - original residence to the Ruler of Dubai, renovated to house a museum in 1970, represents all aspects of Old Dubai living, it is located in the neighbourhood of Bastakiya an area that has been carefully restored to depict old Arabia.
Traditional souks still exist in Dubai, - textile, spice and gold souk are lively colourful bazaars. Modern day takes on these are being introduced, capturing the charm in a far plusher surround. (see listings).
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding - was established to help visitors understand the customs and traditions of the UAE. This is achieved by means of cultural awareness programmes, Arabic courses, visits to Jumeirah Mosque and much more.