13 • Education
Public schooling was almost nonexistent before the late 1950s. Today enrollment at public primary schools is almost 100 percent. Education is required from age six to age twelve, and it is free through the university level. The government also provides full scholarships for study abroad. The United Arab Emirates University opened in Al Ain in 1977.
14 • Cultural heritage
The only native Emirian artistic traditions are those passed down from the Bedu (or Bedouin) nomads. These include traditional Arab music and dances, and a strong passion for poetry. Traditional Emirian music has a strong drumbeat accompanied by various percussion and stringed instruments. The oud is an ancient stringed instrument that is the ancestor of the European lute. Wind instruments include the Arabian flute or nai.
The ayyala is a traditional men's dance frequently performed in the UAE.
15 • Employment
About 90 percent of the work force in the UAE are foreign workers. In 1995, the UAE launched a nationwide campaign aimed at bringing more Emirians into the work force. Most of the UAE's income is from the oil industry. The oil wealth comes mainly from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In the smaller emirates, sheep and goat herding, fishing, and farming are the main occupations. Business and industrial workers in the cities often take a two-to three-hour lunch break. They then stay at work until 7:00 PM or later.
16 • SPORTS
The traditional sports of camel and horse racing attract great crowds. Owners and fans often speed alongside the race course in four-wheel-drive vehicles, shouting instructions and cheering. The annual Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament draws top international golfers. Water sports are also popular throughout the UAE.
17 • RECREATION
Movies are very popular with Emirians. Theaters show movies in Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and English. Videos can be rented, but they are censored.
There are radio and television broadcasts in Arabic and other languages. Broadcasts from other countries are also picked up via satellite dishes on apartment buildings and private homes.
18 • CRAFTS AND HOBBIES
Most of the folk art sold in UAE markets is imported. The UAE's Women's Association runs a Handicrafts Center in Abu Dhabi that produces some local basketry and weaving. Baskets are made of palm tree fronds, called al Khoos. Wool from sheep is woven into colorful fabrics that are then used for pillowcases, covers, blankets, carpets, and bags.
19 • SOCIAL PROBLEMS
The emirates have a long history of inter-tribal wars and violence. Although they are now united, old conflicts continually erupt. Abu Dhabi has the greatest authority because of its size and its wealth (due to oil reserves). This creates resentment among the smaller emirates. Dubai is the only emirate large and wealthy enough to challenge Abu Dhabi's decisions. Dubai occasionally acts independently of decisions handed down by the Abu Dhabi leaders.
20 • Bibliography
Crocetti, Gina L. Culture Shock! United Arab Emirates. Portland, Ore.: Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co., 1996.
Higgins, Kevin. The Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ajman. Reading, Pa.: Garnet Publishing, 1995.
Peck, Malcolm C. The United Arab Emirates: A Venture in Unity. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1986.
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