Religion & Culture
Many faiths are acknowledged and facilitated in Abu Dhabi, various Churches and places of worship are located around the city. Many of these offer structured religious education classes for children and young adults or for anyone wishing to learn more about a specific faith.
Islam is the widely practiced religion of the UAE and there are many Mosques located throughout Abu Dhabi.
The beautifully ornate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world. It is situated in the Al Maqtaa area of Abu Dhabi and has a white marble façade, it can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. It is opened to the public every day except Fridays and guided tours are organized to give a greater insight to the Islamic way of life. www.abudhabitourism.ae
Ramadan is celebrated for 30 days each year, celebrated from mid August in 2009 and brought forward by10 days each year. It is a time when Muslims abstain from food, drinks and other pleasures for the hours of daylight. From a non-Muslim perspective - public restaurants and cafes are closed until dusk each day and eating or drinking is not allowed in public view.
Some restaurants in hotels are open, but no alcoholic beverages are served during the day.
UAE CULTURE
Abu Dhabi boasts a very colourful past, it's progression in time from when it was a mere fishing / trading port connecting East to West to the thriving community it has become today provides for a very interesting story indeed.
Abu Dhabi has several museums and sites of historical interest, these sites give a glimpse into the Emirates not so distance past.
For further insight into the country there are numerous fascinating museums and historical sites in Dubai. www.cultural.org.ae Dubai Museum is one such example, the original residence to the Ruler of Dubai, renovated to house a museum in 1970, represents all aspects of old UAE living, it is located in the neighbourhood of Bastakiya an area that has been carefully renovated to resemble times past.
Abu Dhabi has ambitious plans over the next few years, with culture and heritage being high on the priority list for future developments. This includes branches of the world famous Guggenheim and Louvre Museums opening.
Traditional souks still exist in Abu Dhabi - The Central Market, Carpet Souk, Fish, Fruit & Vegetable Souk are lively colourful bazaars. Modern day takes on these souks are being introduced, capturing the charm in a far plusher surround – Souk Qaryat Al Beri.
Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, home to the National Archives, the National Library and the Institution of Culture & Arts www.cultural.org.ae www.abudhabitourism.ae
In Dubai, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding - was established to help visitors understand the customs and traditions of the UAE. This is achieved by means of cultural awareness programmes, Arabic courses, visits to Jumeirah Mosque and much more.