Education
School education in the public sector is subdivided into 4 levels quite similar to those we know: a pre-elementary school, an elementary school, an intermediate level (equivalent to our collège) and, finally, a secondary level (equivalent to our lycée). It should be pointed out that from the fifth grade onwards, co-education is no longer an option. What's more, the Emiratis are one of only fifteen countries in the world where the number of girls exceeds that of boys in the school system. Education is in Arabic, with English taught from elementary school. The equivalent of our baccalaureate is called the "Thananwiya Amma" and can be taken in three streams (science, literature and technology). 14% of the federal budget is devoted to education.
In the private system, these are international schools, most of which follow the American or British system. Almost 58% of Emiratis choose international schools rather than the public system. In each emirate, an authority responsible for knowledge and human development regulates timetables, inspects schools and intervenes in certain programs, such as the content of history books, regulates civic education in private and public schools and ensures that priority is given to science teaching.
The place of women
Emirati women achieve high levels of education. 77% go on to higher education, and 56% of science, technology, mathematics and engineering graduates are women. Even if parity is not yet the order of the day, women represent 30.9% of the working population, and gender equality is enshrined in the constitution. They are still mostly employed in the public sector (education, police, administration), where they hold 2/3 of positions, 20% of which are in positions of responsibility. However, they are beginning to be seen in many other sectors, such as banking, telecommunications, hospitality and even in key positions, as female success stories are becoming increasingly common. Numerous associations defend women's rights in the Emirates (Abu Dhabi Women's Society, GWU...) and multiple awards encourage their emancipation, particularly in the business world. 8 women are ambassadors, one of whom has a permanent seat at the UN, and 20% of diplomatic staff are women. 9 women are ministers, while parity is respected in parliament. In 2021, it was the turn of the first Emirati woman astronaut to be chosen. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the last wife of Sheikh Zayed, played a key role in promoting women's access to the highest positions of responsibility. On a day-to-day basis, Emirati women lead a fairly free social life: they are mostly to be found in the malls in the evenings. Many drive, while others prefer to have a chauffeur. They sometimes go out alone, but in reality they are often in groups, with friends or family. It's not uncommon to see them at night, in small groups of three or four. Immutably veiled, they are nevertheless often very elegant, wearing generous amounts of make-up and perfume!
Marriage and polygamy
Polygamy is authorized in the Emirates, provided that the husband has sufficient resources to ensure the material comfort of all his wives. Indeed, the Koran allows any Muslim to take up to four legitimate wives, on the imperative condition that they are treated equally. In practice, given the high cost of living, polygamy is less and less practiced. Mixed marriages are also permitted under Islamic law: a Muslim may marry a woman of another faith, provided their children are brought up in the father's religion. On the other hand, a non-Muslim must convert to Islam before marrying a Muslim woman. Although Emirati men outnumber women, the authorities became concerned in the 1990s about the growing number of unmarried young women. This was due to the exorbitant cost of the dowry, which the government had to limit, and it even created a "Marriage Fund" to help young couples on limited incomes. Traditionally, it is the young man's family who chooses a wife for him, from among young girls of their acquaintance whom they deem worthy of marriage. Increasingly, however, young people are having a say in these arranged unions.
Homosexuality
Same-sex sexual relations are illegal for men and women in the United Arab Emirates, under Article 354 of the Sharia-based Federal Penal Code. It's a taboo subject in families.
The social importance of the majilis
It is probably the most important social and cultural institution in the Arab world. It provides an understanding of the values so dear to the Bedouin, such as loyalty, family, honor and keeping one's word. For younger guests, these values are taught in these family salons. Surrounded by oriental carpets, the majilis offers a hushed comfort where a family ballet is orchestrated: children come in, cousins arrive, uncles leave, brothers intervene, and we don't always understand what's going on. We probe, we listen, we chat, we talk about everything and anything. Knowing how to be in a majilis is quite an art, as is knowing how to leave, neither too early nor too late. Coming back is just as important, sometimes for no other reason than to maintain friendships, congratulate families on weddings or console the bereaved. The majilis is part of this legendary Gulf hospitality. Since time immemorial, even in short-lived camps, a place has been reserved for these salons, where everyone is welcome. Its role is so vital that it has been included in the list of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. Each emirate still operates, to a greater or lesser extent, according to the majilis system. In this case, it is understood as a council held by the sovereign. It is to this sheikh that the population is accustomed to refer requests and grievances relating to all areas of public or private life (obtaining a grant, a plot of land, financial difficulties, slowness of administrations...). This ancient mode of operation, based on the authority of the local sheikh and the principle of freedom of speech, is still in use in the Emirates. Far from being mutually exclusive, modernity and tradition feed off each other, with the sheikhs maintaining real contact with the population.
Hospitality
The reputation of Bedouin hospitality is no legend. It manifests itself in a very generous welcome and a desire to share ancestral traditions. It's part of every Emirati's DNA, but it doesn't mean you're friends, just that hospitality is part of the art of living.
Coffee and dates. Sugar-free black coffee flavoured with cardamom is served with dates to soften its bitterness. A symbol of hospitality, it is offered at every meeting, especially in the majilis. Not to be refused under any circumstances.
The oud is a precious wood like sandalwood, or a rose-scented paste burned in a censer. It is passed to all visitors in the majilis. Using your right hand, you draw the smoke over yourself.
Gifts. A faux pas not to be missed: if you're moving into a Dubai street with a high concentration of Emiratis, it's traditional to introduce yourself to your neighbors by bringing a gift, preferably of XXL size: a box of dates or chocolates will always be warmly welcomed.
Greetings
The tradition between men is to touch noses. It's a sign of great trust, as getting so close to each other makes you vulnerable and impossible to escape having your throat slit. Men and children have great respect for their elders, and mothers and grandmothers are always kissed on the forehead. Women greet each other by kissing the same cheek several times. The closer you are, the more you kiss, usually two or three times.
If you have any questions about social life or customs, don't hesitate to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centrefor cultural understanding in Dubai's historic Al Fahidi district, where you can ask all your questions (all of them!)..
