Language:
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and most road and shop signs and restaurant menus are in both languages. The further out of town you go, the more Arabic you will find, both written and spoken.
There are three types of spoken Arabic in contemporary Abu Dhabi. The oldest form of the language is known as Classical Arabic (think Shakespearean English), which is not commonly spoken by Arabs today, at least not in their everyday conversations. The revelation of Quran in Classical Arabic explains for the most part why the language has been preserved down the centuries; it is also the language of royal and princely courts, and the educated elite throughout Islamic history.
Literary Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), on the other hand, is used in formal or business settings such as in the broadcast media or in governmental proceedings. University or formal courses in Arabic language are oriented towards this type of spoken Arabic. The third type is Colloquial Arabic, which combines some of the features of both Classical and Modern Arabic, but assumes regional nuances and is used by Arabs in everyday conversations. Colloquial variations explain the different pronunciations or spelling for the same alphabet in Arabic. For example the alphabet “qaaf” is pronounced “g” in Bedouin dialects, and then becomes ‘k’ in places like rural Palestine. However in most Gulf countries the same alphabet could be pronounced or spelt as “j” or “g”.
Abu Dhabi locals speak Gulf Arabic, which is the native spoken language of Arab nationals in countries such as
Bahrain,
Kuwait,
Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Southern Iraq, UAE and to a lesser extent,
Oman
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practised. The basis of Islam is the belief that there is only one God and that Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is his messenger. The Islamic holy day is Friday and there are five pillars of Islam, which all Muslims must follow: the Profession of Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and the Pilgrimage to Makkah. Additionally, a Muslim is required to pray (facing Makkah) five times a day. The times vary according to the position of the sun, when the modern day call to prayer is transmitted through loudspeakers on mosque minarets.
The UAE Constitution provides for freedom of religion in accordance with established customs. Abu Dhabi is tolerant of other religions with people being free to practice their religious beliefs, so long as they do not interfere with Islam. Non-Muslims can get an insight into Islam through complimentary guided tours of the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - one of the world's largest. The tours run at different times during the week.
Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims fasting and abstaining from all food, drink, smoking and unclean thoughts (or activities) between dawn and dusk. At sunset, the fast is broken with the Iftar feast, the timings of which are published in all daily newspapers. All over the city, festive Ramadan tents are filled to the brim each evening with people of all nationalities and religions enjoying traditional Arab mezze and sweets. The dates of Ramadan change each year following the Islamic lunar calendar. Non-Muslims are respectfully required to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places during daylight hours. Failure to do so could upset people or lead to an official complaint. During Ramadan, the sale of alcohol is restricted to after dusk, while shops and parks usually open and close later. In addition, no live music or dancing is allowed (so nightclubs tend to close for the entire month) and cinemas limit daytime screenings. Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration and holiday called Eid Al Fitr, which is characterised by gifts being given amongst families, friends, neighbours and charities.