As the UAE celebrates Eid Al Etihad with a major festival held against the majestic backdrop of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain – a city steeped in history and home to 5,000-year-old tomb structures marking the dawn of the Bronze Age – the nation reflects on more than five decades of extraordinary progress and innovation.
Guided by forward-looking leadership, the UAE has masterfully woven its ambitions into a profound respect for its rich heritage and enduring traditions. This seamless balance between honouring the past and embracing the future has been the cornerstone of the country’s stability and success.
Eid Al Etihad, or National Day, is a time for joyous cultural celebrations that highlight the pride and identity of the Emirati people. Yet, culture in the UAE extends far beyond annual festivities – it permeates daily life, shaping the collective consciousness and values of the nation. Thanks to the foresight of its leadership, the UAE has established festivals, museums, educational initiatives and institutions that preserve and celebrate its cultural heritage.
Rooted in Bedouin and Islamic traditions, practices such as falconry, pearl diving, poetry, weaving, camel racing, the improvised poetry of Al Taghrooda, Arabic coffee, calligraphy and Al Ayyala are not merely relics of the past but vibrant elements of contemporary life, inspiring the nation as it advances toward its future.
The UAE’s approach to development, in which culture plays a central role, extends naturally to the broader region and the world. The Emirates has positioned itself as a beacon of cultural exchange, showing how reciprocity, dialogue and mutual understanding can strengthen bonds among nations.
Efforts to promote Arabic art, literature, music and traditional practices reflect the UAE’s philosophy of balancing heritage with innovation. By fostering spaces where Arab and international artists, writers, educators and performers can thrive, the Emirates ensures that the narratives and traditions of the Arab world are preserved, celebrated and passed on to future generations. In doing so, the nation acts as both a microcosm of and a catalyst for an Arab cultural renaissance.
The UAE’s cultural initiatives also serve a larger purpose by attracting global attention and acting as a meeting point for the diverse communities residing in and visiting the country. For the region, the UAE is a torchbearer, illuminating the richness and diversity of Arab culture to the world. On an international scale, it functions as a bridge between civilisations, fostering recognition and pride in Arab heritage and identity.
Culture in the UAE extends far beyond annual festivities – it permeates daily life, shaping the collective consciousness and values of the nation
This role as a cultural mediator, connecting East and West, tradition and modernity, is exemplified through the UAE’s world-class cultural and educational institutions. Venues like Louvre Abu Dhabi – a symbol of global co-operation and a testament to the shared narratives of humanity – epitomise this mission. The Abrahamic Family House, with its focus on fostering peace, tolerance and coexistence, further underscores the UAE’s commitment to cross-cultural dialogue. Together, these initiatives make the UAE a fertile ground for cultural exchange, demonstrating how diversity and mutual understanding can lead to resilience and shared progress.
At the heart of the UAE’s national identity lies a unique capacity to embrace and celebrate diversity. This ethos stems from a deeply humanitarian philosophy, rooted in harmony, generosity and respect for all peoples – a philosophy championed by the nation’s leaders and intrinsic to the Emirati character. This inclusivity has practical benefits, underpinning the UAE’s historical trading legacy and supporting its modern multicultural landscape. The result is a society that can be likened to an intricate mosaic, a richly detailed tapestry or a complex melody, where every piece contributes to the greater whole.
This deeply humanitarian Emirati philosophy has informed our approach to diplomacy. Our international relations seek dialogue, the prevention and resolution of conflict, as well as co-operation between nations. We seek to articulate what is humane, and what leads to human well-being. In this context, culture is a coherent and useful tool because cultural exchange not only expresses and reminds us of the heights of human endeavour, it leads to dialogue, mutual understanding, reciprocity and respect. In an often-divided world, culture serves as a reminder of what unites us as humans. Culture connects.
It is no coincidence that culture is central to Emirati identity, development, and diplomacy. The UAE’s rise as a cultural powerhouse is a testament to decades of leadership that has recognised the vital role of culture in shaping a nation’s destiny. Through its celebration of national heritage, the UAE inspires local pride, strengthens community bonds and nurtures future generations. At the same time, its international cultural outreach builds bridges that foster mutual understanding and co-operation on a global scale.
In preserving its heritage while embracing global diversity, the UAE has become a shining example of how culture can unite in an increasingly fragmented world. The Emirates are not only a cultural hub for the Arab world but also a bridge for humanity, demonstrating the transformative power of culture in connecting people and building a brighter future.
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What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company%20Profile
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Other ways to buy used products in the UAE
UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.
Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.
Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.
For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.
Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.
At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.
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