UAE Society /Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Originality of the UAE: Society and Characteristics

Environment of the UAE

• Desert Environment: Dominates the landscape, influencing lifestyle and activities.

• Maritime Environment: Vital for trade, fishing, and sea activities.

• Industrial Environment: Emerging key element affecting society and economy.

Categories of Bedouins of the Emirates

• Migrants Bedouins:

  • Examples: Al-awamir, Al-Manaseer.

• Semi-Migrants Bedouins:

  • Example: Bani Qatib.

• Seasonal Migrants Bedouins:

  • Examples: Al-shohooh in Ras al-Khaimah and Dibba.

The Effect of Desert on the Bedouin

• Understanding the adaptation of Bedouins to desert life.

  • Challenges faced and coping mechanisms developed.

Effect of Sea Life on Inhabitants’ Trade

• 1. Ship Constructions:

  • Types include: Boogla, Sinbuk, Zarook, Jalbut.

• 2. Fishing Activities: Important source of livelihood.

• 3. Pearl Diving:

  • Locally known as Ghous, significant for trade and economy.

The Pearl Diving Professional Organization

• Importance:

  • Supports pearl diving trade economically.

  • Finance Supplies: Ensures financial stability for divers.

  • Working Supplies:

    • Captains (Nokhazas): Leaders of diving teams.

    • Divers: Perform the diving tasks.

    • Siyoub: Assist divers in various roles.

    • Attaban: Perform various support functions.

The Effect of Diving Season on Emirati Society

• Historical context of pearl trade.

  • In 1905, total pearl trade reached 8 million Rupees.

  • Influence of diving on social structures and economic conditions.

Characteristics of Change in Society

• 1. Movement for Bedouins: Transition from desert to urban areas.

• 2. Migration Trends: Influx from the Gulf region.

• 3. Emergence of Markets: Growth of trade and business firms.

• 4. Shared Responsibilities in Work: Increased roles for women in jobs and education.

• 5. Cultural Spread: Enhanced cultural exchange and societal development.

• 6. Education Growth: Both government and private sectors strengthening educational frameworks.

Social Heritage of the UAE

• Types:

  • 1. Non-material Side: Culture and traditions.

  • 2. Material Side: Civilization, reflected in infrastructure and social systems.

Cultural Factors

• 1. Religion: Predominantly Islam, shaping societal values.

• 2. Language: Arabic serves as a unifying factor.

• 3. Traditions and Customs: Vital in maintaining cultural identity.

Literature and Arts in the UAE

• A. Music: Characterized by harmonic and rhythmic styles.

  • Major song topic: Al-Hadaa.

• Folk Dance:

  • Major type: Al-Arada, a traditional dance.

• B. Fine and Applied Arts:

  • Al-hama: Handmade crafts by women for brides.

• C. Folk Literature:

  • Includes poetry, proverbs, and sayings reflecting cultural wisdom:

    • "Don’t postpone your work today till tomorrow."

    • "Caution does not prevent from fate."

    • "The person who does not know the eagle would grill it."

The UAE Heritage and Its Originality

• Emphasizing importance of cultural roots as articulated by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

  • "A Nation without roots is deficient of the Originality Factors."

Major Characteristics of UAE Society

• 1. Language: Arabic as a unifying factor.

• 2. Religion: Unity through Islam.

• 3. Human Homogeneity: Shared cultural practices.

• 4. Historical and Fate Unity: Common history shaping identity.

• 5. Geographical Unity: Shared landscape influencing life.

• 6. Customs and Traditions Unity: Collective adherence to cultural practices.

• 7. Similarity in Political Structure: Common frameworks in governance.