Unit 7

Vernacular and Modern Architecture

1. What does the UAE classical architecture reflect?
It reflects the traditional lifestyle of the people and their customs
2. Identify the two important factors in the layout of housing in the
UAE.
These factors are privacy and ventilation
3. Explain what is meant by the term vernacular architecture.
It is the kind of traditional buildings which are made without the intervention of
professional architects.
4. Write in your own words about the UAEs vernacular architecture.
Indeed, the UAEs vernacular architecture reflects the environmental,
cultural and historical context of the state. All the rooms are opened to
a central interior courtyard. The majlis, i.e. the meeting room, is confined to
the male family members to welcome their counterpart male guests. The
public buildings were seats of the local government, while mosques used
for prayers. Most of those public buildings, nowadays, have become
heritage centers.

5. Write a brief note about the main features of the UAE modern
architecture.
Modern architecture in the UAE is characterized by global and innovative
features. For example, sleek glass fronted skyscrapers, and well-designed
technologically-innovative buildings are well-established. Towns are changed
into commercial capital cities characterized by unparalleled growth. Multiresidential buildings, large shopping malls and extensive network of high
ways are other characteristics of urbanization. All of the above shapes the
UAE as a modern global state
6. Prove that the UAE has managed to preserve its Arabic-Islamic
architecture against the waves of modernization.
This is clearly witnessed in the arched windows, gates, decorative stucco and
the renovation of old forts, palaces, markets, mosques, and the plantation of
the date palm trees, along city roadsides, as a symbol of the local culture

7. Compare and contrast between the UAEs vernacular and modern

architecture.
The vernacular architecture reflects the historical, cultural, and environmental
context of the UAEs society. For example, the male reception room,
i.e. majlis, is confined to the male family members to welcome their
counterpart male guests and visitors. The ancient public buildings were
taken as seats of

the local government. Most of those buildings have now become

heritage centers. On the other hand, modern architecture and
urbanization has been characterized by unparalleled growth. This can
be clearly observed in global city-type skyscrapers, multi-storey
residential buildings, an extensive network of highways, and etc

Unit 8
Customs and Traditions

1. How do the Emiratis behave their guests and visitors?
They behave them with politeness, respect and welcoming attitude
2. The Emiratis have a strong sense of identity. Give a typical example to
clarify this statement.

Their strong sense of identity is clearly observed in their national attire.

That is, men usually wear kandoura, while women wear black
abayah
3. Tolerance characterizes the UAEs culture. Explain.
The UAE is an Arab Islamic country. Islam is the official religion of the
country and Arabic is its main language. However, English is widely
communicated and other religious faiths and rituals are practiced in a
socially secure atmosphere of tolerant culture.
4. Describe the food habits in the UAEs culture.
1. We are what we eat. This saying explicitly defines humans as
cultural beings, from the standpoint of food habits. From this
perspective, seafood is the mainstay of the Emirati diet for centuries.
The Emirati cuisine reflects the great Arabian heritage and its deeprooted civilization over time. Meat, fish and rice are the main
ingredients of the Emirati cuisine. Lamb and mutton are the more
favored meats, then goats and finally beef. All the eaten meat is
halal, which is slaughtered according to the Islamic rites. Many Emiratis
prefer the traditional style of eating with the right hand. Popular
beverages are coffee and tea.

5. People today are sensitive towards following correct rules and good manners. In
this context, what do you know about etiquette, with reference to the UAEs
culture?

Etiquette is one of the most important features of human behavior. The

approach to etiquette is determined by the conventional norms within a
society, social class, or group. In this context, the Emiratis possess
good manners and etiquette. For example, they welcome their guests
and visitors with a warm sense of greetings. Their greetings reflect their
Islamic and Arab culture; they say al-salaam alaycom. Their
generosity promptly follows their greetings. That is, while friendly
socializing with their guests, refreshments, such as coffee and fresh
dates, are served.