What is Dubai?

1. Traditional

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Arabic and Islamic tradition.

Dubai is built on foundations that are rich in history and tradition. Dubai is a forward-looking society that is equally bound to its culture and heritage. Its religion is Islam, the timeless values of which lie at the heart of Dubai’s living heritage, providing strength and inspiration that touch all aspects of everyday life. Dubai holds the family as the most important institution in society and the cornerstone of societal life.

Dubai is a city that is proud and rich in its tradition, with its remarkable combination of the traditional values of the East, in terms of modesty, and the technologies of the West, in terms of development.

Dubai is keen on protecting and promoting its traditions as conveyed by Islam, as well as its Arab identity and culture. This makes Dubai a traditional and socially conservative yet progressive, open and tolerant city.

Dubai has always been renowned for its tolerant outlook.

Dubai has built a reputation for being open to new ideas and ways of doing things. This has enabled Dubai to become a global centre for innovation, tourism and business.

Living and working in an environment of open-mindedness and tolerance has encouraged many to have the confidence to discover their true calling in life, knowing that they will be supported and nurtured in their endeavours. This has enriched life in Dubai, just as Dubai’s spirit of freedom has enriched the lives of so many individuals.

From a business point of view, the reason why so many international companies have chosen to invest in Dubai is again Dubai’s pragmatic, open attitude. Thousands of companies have flourished in the Emirate’s free zones and commercial centres operating to global standards of governance and efficiency.

In line with Islam’s tradition of tolerance and openness, freedom of faith and practice is a reality in Dubai. This has allowed other belief systems to flourish in Dubai, a demonstration of Dubai’s respect for diversity.

Dubai is a city with style and charisma.

Dubai has successfully fused sophistication with charm. It has redefined the meaning of luxury with its stunning hotels, award-winning restaurants and its position as an international shopping destination.

Dubai provides an open environment where talented professionals can build their careers and entrepreneurs can create exciting opportunities on the back of world-class infrastructure and continuous government-led innovation. Tourists and residents alike can experience the finest service, state-of-the-art technology and exquisite luxury.

Dubai has also brought the meaning of sophistication to life by attracting worldwide media attention and high society, in addition to an ever-expanding list of sophisticated and stylish cultural, social, economic and sports events.

Dubai has an aura of vitality and a get-up-and-go spirit.

Visitors are struck by the ingrained optimism and spirit of adventure and innovation that permeates through all layers of the community. To a holidaymaker, a business traveler or a resident, Dubai is a place where there is always something exciting to see and do.

This energy gives people from around the world the opportunity to make their ambitions a reality. Many artists, entrepreneurs and engineers come to Dubai to seek inspiration and new ways of looking at things.

They are also attracted by Dubai’s unique entrepreneurial spirit. Since the days of the pearl diving industry, Dubai has been a place of successful trade. Traders have therefore learnt to be skilful and shrewd, to anticipate global changes and use them to their local advantage. This can-do spirit is an important driving force that filters through the ‘open for business’ culture.

Dubai aims to bring together the best in people.

Dubai’s success is based on the vision and commitment of its leadership, the generosity and aspirations of its people and the contribution of many people from different parts of the world, many of whom have chosen to make Dubai their permanent home. This creates a blend of many cultures that coexist peacefully.

With over 150 nationalities, Dubai is a rich melting pot that provides opportunities for people to meet, discuss ideas, innovate and forge new business relationships. Dubai’s streets and shopping malls are alive with numerous languages, customs and cultures.

Dubai also brings together tradition and modernity, as the past, present and future live harmoniously together, each drawing strength from the other. As such, Dubai is an international symbol of how different cultures can achieve mutual enrichment through sharing their ideas and experiences.

Therefore respect for one another’s values and cultures is intrinsic to Dubai’s residents who assimilate courteously into the community by adopting a spirit of tolerance.

Dubai’s doors are open to everyone.

Hospitality is central to the soul of Arabian culture and is deep rooted in Arabia’s history. In the past, desert travellers yearned for areas inhabited by Arabs, because the Arabs’ hospitality meant that the travellers could eat and stay with their hosts for as long as they chose to. Hospitality in the desert started as a custom, and has now grown into a social grace.

Dubai has always looked outwards towards the wider world. It has welcomed traders and visitors with tolerance and compassion. In turn, it has adopted an approach to foreign affairs that is compatible with its own identity.

Dubai has always looked towards the future.

Dubai has always played a pioneering role in encouraging its people to excel in an environment where the impossible is possible. The wisdom and perseverance of Dubai’s leadership and people have transformed what was once a small fishing community into a world-class commercial capital at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

An early example of Dubai’s visionary heritage can be drawn in the 1950s from the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He recognized then that Dubai’s future was firmly linked to trade from overseas and that careful development of its ports would be central to its long-term success.

Today, evidence of this vision can be seen in every aspect of the Emirate’s development, from embracing the latest technology, to multi-billion dollar investments in infrastructure, government services and security.

Dignity is a cornerstone of Dubai’s culture.

Based on the philosophy of respecting oneself before expecting others to respect you, Dubai has always encouraged its residents to behave in a humble and courteous manner. Therefore, in every part of life, whether it is the clothes people wear, the way they talk or their general behaviour in public, self-respect is vital.

As the Gulf region and Dubai are borne out of a tribal society, the behaviour of one’s friends and companions can also reflect on the way a person’s dignity and self-respect are seen by others. It is therefore equally important to treat others outside this circle in a way that honours their sense of dignity and respect. Speaking calmly and courteously to others, behaving in a serious and controlled manner in public places, and always honouring your word, are important examples of demonstrating this respect for others.

It is entrenched in Arabian tradition, passed down from generation to generation, that every human being must be treated with dignity. Dubai’s culture and laws are all designed to ensure that the dignity and self-respect of everyone are upheld to the highest standards, regardless of where people come from.