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Serving
Students at
Santa
Ana College and
Santiago
Canyon College
United Arab Emirates
Culture
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Cultural
Orientation
The people
of the U.A.E., like those of the rest of the peninsula, are of Arab stock.
Their forefathers formed part of successive waves of migration 2,000-3,000
years ago that spread eastwards across Arabia, bringing with them their
culture, their language and their skills at surviving in what was becoming
an increasingly harsh climate.
As they
arrived, they mingled and then merged with the people already living in
the region now known as the U.A.E., people who, like them, were of Semitic
stock. Inscriptions in now-extinct Semitic languages found on archaeological
sites at Mileiha, in Sharjah, and at al-Dur, in Umm al-Qaiwain, testify
to the presence of these early inhabitants, but in the centuries that followed,
the population coalesced into a homogeneous whole, united by a common heritage,
and, since the coming of Islam in the seventh century AD, by a common faith.
The people
of the U.A.E. have seen dramatic change in the few short years since the
state was established, change that has provided them with all the benefits
of a modern, developed society. At the same time, however, both government
and people are determined that their heritage shall be preserved, in line
with Sheikh Zayed's belief that 'a people that knows not its past can have
neither a present nor a future'. In the past, life in the U.A.E.
was hard and it took extraordinary skill to be able to survive in the harsh
terrain and arid climate. Today, things are easier, but by holding
on to their heritage the people are able to draw upon their confidence
in their past to tackle and overcome the challenges of the present and
future.
The U.A.E.
maintains an extensive cradle-to-grave welfare system for U.A.E. nationals,
comprised of numerous subsidies, grants, loans, and free services.
Most employed U.A.E. nationals work for federal or emirate governments.
The government also provides many subsidized services for foreigners, who
constitute around 80% of the population and 93% of the workforce.
Equality
Women
in the U.A.E. have had the complete support and commitment of Sheikh Zayed
and the U.A.E. Government in their quest to play a full role in the development
of the country. The belief that women are entitled to take their
place in society is grounded in the U.A.E. Constitution which states that
the principles of social justice should apply to all. Under the Constitution
women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education
and the right to practice professions as men. The guarantees enshrined
in the Constitution have been incorporated into implementing legislation.
However, a legislative framework by itself, although valuable, would not
have been sufficient to achieve emancipation. The President's wife
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, therefore, has worked tirelessly since the
establishment of the Federation to implement Sheikh Zayed's vision of a
modern society based on Arab and Islamic traditions, recognizing that it
was only by organizing women that real progress could be made.
Elders
In the
Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring
for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered
an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.
Mothers are particularly honored. When they reach old age, Muslim
parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
Death
Like Jews
and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation
for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include:
the Day of Judgment, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim
dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean
white cloth, and buried with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims
consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives,
and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth.
The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even
after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught
and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.
Cross
Roads
Due to
its location the U.A.E. has been able to act as a connecting link between
Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa. It has
always played the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures.
Traditional
Arab hospitality and a delightful winter climate complemented by
a highly sophisticated infrastructure and crime free environment, have
also contributed in recent years to creating an ideal atmosphere for the
development of tourism. The U.A.E. is also endowed with an extensive
coastline, sandy beaches and varied landscape, where a wide variety of
activities can be indulged, ranging from powerboat races to sand-skiing.
Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment and for the less active
shopping opportunities abound. In addition, the country's deep-rooted
cultural heritage, accessible in the many cultural centers and at traditional
sports such as falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing, has been a powerful
attraction for tourists. The U.A.E. has also become a much sought
after venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and
major sports events, as well.
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Links
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Traditions
The
Role of Women
Social
Profile
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