Abu Dhabi Culture

Abu Dhabi is an example of precisely how well an indigenous community, which survived an adverse environment for thousands of years by observing a strict tribal code, could in just a few short decades absorb great change in lifestyle and provides the better of two worlds. Today, the  indigenous values, heritage and culture which were refined from the  adoption of Islam over the past millennium or so, go on to thrive  not- withstanding the ultramodern look, infrastructure and facilities from the city, in addition to its cosmopolitan, moderately liberal lifestyle.

Regardless of the restrictions of a mainly desert environment and a semi-nomadic way of life that prevailed to the mid-20th century, Abu Dhabi has a rich past evidenced by scores of refurbished mud fortresses across the emirate and remnants of an underground irrigation system in Al-Ain oasis, a site that has been constantly inhabited for more than 4,000 years.

Abu Dhabi’s traditional life is rooted in a long tradition of literary work, horseback riding, falconry, traditional artwork and the cultural exchange brought about by trade. Today, culture and arts are witnessing a renewal in the emirate with many clubs and funds committed to their development.

Abu Dhabi Heritage

For centuries the tribe or clan served as the principal building block in Abu Dhabi’s society, and still is nowadays. Centuries of semi-nomadic existence followed by the conversion of its people to Islam, and the consequent economic prosperity didn't diminish the role accorded to the tribe or clan within the area of politics or commerce.  Hence, hereditary rule is inseparable from the social and political fabric of the emirate as well as the entire state, such that the ruling family and also the government are virtually indistinguishable from each other.

The Bedouins are an essential part of Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage. So far, the nomadic Bedouins comprise a shrinking minority of the population in Abu Dhabi. As may have been illustrated by hundreds of books, the Bedouins are a nomadic people who move from oasis to oasis and are known for maintaining a rural lifestyle by raising camels, sheep or goats. Women Bedouins also engage in handicraft making.

The effect of Bedouins remains visible in the modern culture. For  instance, most Arabic restaurants, hotels and conference centres today  go on to feature various nuances of the majlis (or meeting place),  where people can sip coffee under a cosy tent. This practice has been handed down from the Bedouin chieftain of olden times.

The ubiquitous date palm played a vital role among the Bedouins. Its fruits were harvested for food, the palm fronds (barista) were put to use to build the wall and  roof of houses, its trunks supported the roofs of mud-brick houses and  stone castles, and the midrib of the fronds were used as shashah  (canoe) for boats.

In addition hunting, seafaring and pearling were the most typical in the Abu Dhabi coastal area. It is believed that at the height of the  pearling industry (at the turn of the 20th century) an estimated 1,200  pearling boats engaged in the trade with about 22,000 able bodied men  plying the pearl banks of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah during the  summer months seeking pearl-bearing oysters (lulu).

Falconry is yet another major passion even for the contemporary Emirati.  Historically falconry was practised to supplement the hunter’s diet.  Today falconry is said to be a national pastime if not a high-profile sport, or art as others prefer to call it, in Abu Dhabi. In many ancient cultures falconry skills were a status indicator, where specific species of birds such as hawks and falcons are associated with one’s position or wealth.

Camel racing and horse racing are likewise indelible in the local culture. The Arabian horse is known throughout the world because of its beauty, elegance and unmatched power, drawing the admiration of global enthusiasts.

Furthermore, traditional singing and dancing feature strongly in Abu Dhabi’s local culture reflecting a time-honoured passion. Songs were composed to accompany various tasks from hauling water at the well to diving for pearl oysters in the Gulf. Ayallah is one of the most common cultural dances that are performed in various celebrations such as weddings through- out the emirate. Traditional musical instruments such as goatskin bagpipes, flute and drums are used in this dance.