Dubai Culture
Language and religion form the most important part in
cultural life of Dubai. Islam is the official
religion of the emirate, with vast majority being the
Sunni Muslims. There is also a significant Shiite minority
residing in Dubai. In addition, there are several religious
minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians
living harmoniously in Dubai for many decades.
In fact,
Dubai is the only emirate housing Hindu temples, churches
and a Sikh gurudwara. The local government follows a
policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and they are
free to practice their religion. The religious communities
of Dubai have their own schools and social and cultural
institutions.
Dubai Communities
The emir of Dubai has also granted lands to different
communities for construction of temples, churches, gurudwaras,
cemeteries etc. Lands were also sanctioned for the construction
of the first Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai.
Christian churches are permitted to openly advertise
certain church functions, such as memorial services,
in the press. Visitors to Dubai will find temples dedicated
to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna in the
Meena Bazaar area.
Language of Dubai
Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but
English is widely spoken and understood in the
emirate and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of
commerce. Urdu is another major language spoken
and understood in Dubai, along with Hindi, Persian,
Punjabi, Malayam and Tagalog.
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