CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Renaissance (Al Nahdda):

  • The literal translation is Rebirth (Born again) 

Many countries experienced renaissance which means the movement from a specific way of ruling to another. It can be political, cultural, educational, industrial, or otherwise. 

  • The most famous was the French Renaissance which led to the removal of the French King LouisV And his wife, MaryAntoinette


(What are the roots of the cultural development in the UAE? )


  1. Cultural Development Roots:

  1. Religion: a major force that influences the values, norms, and attitudes of national and social development. (a significant factor that can shape the values, norms, and attitudes of both national and social development. It plays a crucial role in influencing the way people think, behave, and interact with others in a society. Religion often provides moral and ethical guidelines that influence individuals' choices and actions.)

  2. Education: a key factor in shaping and influencing the culture of the individual and its/upbringing. (it is the way to raise students into thinking through the idea)

  3. Leadership: by developing strategies, establishing cultural institutions, and influencing people. (influencing the society with their words) 

  4. Child raising: is one of the most effective means to transfer culture. When children are young, they learn from their parents their religion, language, values, systems, and many more things. 

  5.  Media: it impacts the behavior of people. This might be a direct or indirect influence.


What is cultural development and what are the tools that lead to cultural growth? 


 2) Factors Leading to UAE’s Cultural Renaissance:

Before the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gained statehood(being a full country like United), it experienced various forms of isolation imposed by British colonization. This isolation affected different aspects of the UAE's development, including politics, economics, society, and culture. The British colonization limited the UAE's political independence, economic opportunities, and social interactions with other nations.


However, despite this isolation, there was a cultural revival in the UAE between the 1920s and 1960s. This cultural revival can be attributed to several factors. Here are some possible reasons: 

  1. Intellectual Links(communicate with each): The intellectuals in Emirati society had connections with Arab and Muslim intellectuals مفكرين , pioneers, and reformers. These links were evident through the exchange of letters between them. This exchange of ideas and intellectual discussions helped to inspire and shape the cultural revival in the UAE.

  2. Trade and Travel: The UAE was not completely isolated during that time. Delegations and commercial ships passing through the area on their journeys between Africa and India played a significant role in bringing external influences and cultural exchanges. The presence of well-known navigator Ahmed Bin Majed in the Gulfar region further facilitated these connections.

  3. The First Newspaper: In 1934, Mesbih Bin Obaid Al Zahiri established the first newspaper in the UAE called "Al Nikhi." He would post 10 copies of it on his café door every week. Al Zahiri also added news he heard from the Voice of Arab Broadcasting Service in London. This newspaper helped spread information and fostered intellectual discussions among the local population.

  4. Economic Boom: The economic boom at the beginning of the 20th century, based on the pearl trade and trade trips, played a vital role in the emergence of the cultural renaissance. The prosperity brought by these economic activities contributed to the growth and development of arts, literature, and other cultural practices.

(However, it's important to note that the economic boom associated with the pearl trade eventually declined due to various factors, including the development of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil in the UAE. Nevertheless, the economic boom of the pearl trade remains an important part of the UAE's history and its transformation into a modern and prosperous nation.)

  1. Cultural Movements: The UAE had strong linkages with the cultural movement in Egypt and the Coast of the Levant. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 enhanced these connections, as British shipping lines increased from London through the Suez Canal to Bombay and Dubai. Regular trips from Dubai to Bombay, which began in 1902, further facilitated cultural exchanges and intellectual exchanges between these regions.

  2. Infrastructure Development: The opening of the desert road between Baghdad and Damascus in 1924 improved transportation and facilitated more connections between different regions. This infrastructure development played a significant role in bridging cultures and facilitating intellectual exchanges.

  3. Merchant-Intellectual Relationship: The relationship between the merchants and intellectual Arab pioneers in Bombay (now Mumbai) led to some reforms undertaken by the pearl traders in the UAE. These reforms were evident in the establishment of the first schools at the beginning of the century, reflecting the growing importance of education and intellectual development during that time.





  2) Cultural Developments After the Federation 

The booming pearl market in the early 20th century in the UAE led to significant reforms and cultural developments. These included the establishment of schools, the rise of cultural figures, the spread of libraries and a national printing press, the growth of writing, research, and translation movements, the founding of cultural institutions, and the focus on individual development. These changes contributed to the cultural revival and progress of the UAE during that time.


The Roots of Cultural Growth in the UAE

While access to education and information may have been limited, the educated elite in the UAE made sincere efforts to connect with the outside world through listening to radio broadcasts and engaging with intellectuals. These connections were crucial in broadening their knowledge and facilitating a sense of connection. (the Arab Broadcasting services “Sawt Al Arab”)


Cultural Establishments

The UAE government has established several cultural institutions with the purpose of improving cultural awareness among the people. Here are a few examples of these establishments:

  • Ministry of Culture, Youth and Society Development: Established in 1975 as the Ministry of Media & Culture, this organization was the first dedicated culture and media institution in the country. It aims to develop cultural life by establishing cultural centers throughout the UAE. These centers serve as hubs for cultural activities and events, fostering artistic expression, preservation of heritage, and enhancing cultural awareness.

  • National Council for Media: The council publishes information in ten foreign languages to provide up-to-date insights on economic, political, social, and cultural developments.

  • Emirates News Agency aims to introduce distinctive journalistic services.

  • Khor Dubai Cultural Project (2008)

  • Arabic Poetry House: (2008)

  • The National Cultural Encyclopedia:(2007)

  • The Cultural Weeks: organized in many countries to achieve cultural interaction.

  • Zayed Book Award: established in (2006) to raise the standard of culture. 


How is culture related to the development of the personality?


The Role of Cultural Establishments

Cultural establishments in the UAE played a significant role in expanding the scope of culture within the country. They not only embraced creative talents but also created an environment conducive to their growth and future contributions.

These cultural establishments provided suitable programs and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the local culture. By offering platforms for creative expression, they offered opportunities for talented individuals to showcase their skills and contribute to the cultural landscape of the UAE.

Cultural Challenges & Negative Effects

  1. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pronounced the year 2008 as the year of identity. 

  2. Identity represents the common feelings of the citizens who are tied together by blood, religion, relationships, history, language, customs, and traditions which are considered the original factors in the initiation of nations. 

  3. Identity unifies the sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation, its history & land.