Essay Sample on Architecture and Urbanization

Introduction

The UAE was made of small town settlements and villages in the 1960s. The rich oil resources enabled modernization at a high rate. The towns are now commercial capitals of the world's economy. The interior is made up of harsh deserts; therefore 80% of the population lives in the coastal cities. Abu Dhabi is among the leading modern cities of the world with skyscrapers, shopping malls, highways and everything that comprises a modern state of the art city. Arab-Islamic architectural designs are incorporated into buildings. These designs include arched windows, gates and use of traditional materials like lime, mucilage, mortar, and gypsum. They also incorporate decorative aspects of local themes that relate closely to the national heritage. Preservation of culture and heritage is also seen in the rejuvenation of old forts, marketplaces, palaces, and mosques. Also, Date palm trees have been planted along roads within the city as they are a symbol of Arabic culture.

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Museums

There are 47 museums spread throughout the UAE to preserve culture and heritage through the various artifacts. They include the Al Oqaili Museum which originally was home to an Emirati poet by the name Mubarak Al Oqaili. In the museum, his life, poems, cultural and social life is displayed. He is one of the greatest poets of UAE. There is also the Camel museum which is specially dedicated to showing information about camels which were an essential part of life to the inhabitants of UAE. Since it is in the desert, the camel was an important animal used in trade to carry goods in caravans. Notably, there is the Heritage village which displays the lifestyle of locals before oil money changed their lifestyle. Here you can experience the traditional way of life which included fishing, metal works, pottery, weaving, and many others. as students of art, visiting these sites will give you an insight into the traditions and historical Values of UAE Before it was known to the world (YATEEM, 2017).

Religion

Islam is the main religion in UAE, and most Emiratis belong to the Sunni sector of the Islam religion. Sharia laws govern the social life from marriage, inheritance, dissolving of unions, politics, personal behaviors and politics (Albano, & Morgan, 2017). The Emiratis are open about other religions of the world and foreigners are allowed to have their places of worship. The most significant Muslim ritual is five times of prayer in a day. People usually attend the nearest mosque but can also pray at home. The pilgrimage to Mecca is the epitome of a Muslims faith.

Dressing, Gender Roles and Statuses

Emirati men mostly the older ones wear traditional clothes which comprises mainly of kanduras. These are woolen or cotton shirts which reach down to the ankles. Women mostly dress in abayas which are over-garments mostly black in color and a headscarf (Yuting, 2016). These modes of dressing are well designed for the hot, dry weather. Men continue to dominate the labor market as many women opt to be married and raise their children. The role of family is highly valued, and despite women being educated, they stay at home or work in places near their homes mostly in the education and health sector.

Socialization and Etiquette

Children are raised with affection, physical contact, and care. They are taught to respect elders and parents alike. During socialization, it is normal to ask someone about their family's health and wellbeing before engaging in anything else. Men greet each other by having a nose to nose touch while shaking hands. Women, on the other hand, greet each other by kissing cheeks several times. However, women and men do not shake hands publicly. Respect is highly advocated for and when elders are speaking young people are expected to listen more than they talk.

Literature and Poetry

The most significant themes of Emirati poetry are chivalry, patriotism, satire, love, self-praise, family and religion. Poetry has a major influence on the culture of the UAE and has been part of their time from a long time ago (Jayyusi, 2016). These poems, pamphlets, and narratives explain and reflect on the traditional UAE traditions and are essential for teaching students the culture of their predecessors.

Music and Dance

Music and dance is a great way of learning the historical values of the UAE people. A type of music adopted from the Bantu people of Africa called Yowla is performed during celebrations. Dances and songs which were performed during celebrations have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to exist even today. They involved young women dancing by swaying their bodies and hair in conjunction with the strong beat. Men would simulate battles that took place during triumph hunting often using sticks, gun, and swords. The culture of the UAE people is also popular in Hollywood movies.

The UAE culture is rich and can be analyzed through many perspectives. Students of art can learn a lot on UAEs historical values by visiting the various museums and historical sites spread throughout the country.

References

Albano, C., & Morgan, L. W. (2017). The Intersection of Sharia and Family Law: A Policy and Case Summary. J. Am. Acad. Matrimonial Law., 30, 219.

Jayyusi, S. K. (2016). Literature Of Modern Arabia. Routledge.

YATEEM, B. J. A. M. (2017). Virtual Museums Technology: A Case Study in the UAE Museums (Doctoral dissertation, The British University in Dubai).

Yuting, W. (2016). Chinese or Muslim or both? Modes of adaptation among Chinese Muslims in the United Arab Emirates. Connecting China and the Muslim World, edited by Ma Haiyun, Chai Shaojin, and Ngeow Chow Bing, 55-72.