For centuries the tribe or clan served as the principal building block in Abu Dhabi’s society, and still is today. Centuries of semi-nomadic existence followed by the conversion of its people to Islam, and the subsequent economic prosperity did not diminish the role accorded to the tribe or clan in the area of politics or commerce. Hence, hereditary rule is inseparable from the social and political fabric of the emirate and the entire state, such that the ruling family and the government are virtually indistinguishable from each other. 
The Bedouins are an essential part of Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage. To date, the nomadic Bedouins comprise a shrinking minority of the population in Abu Dhabi. As may have been explained by hundreds of books, the Bedouins are a nomadic people who move from oasis to oasis and are known for maintaining a pastoral lifestyle by raising camels, sheep or goats. Women Bedouins also engage in handicraft making.
The influence of Bedouins is still visible in the modern culture. For instance, most Arabic restaurants, hotels and conference centres today continue to feature various nuances of the majlis (or meeting place), where individuals can sip coffee under a cosy tent. This practice has been handed down from the Bedouin chieftain of olden times.
The ubiquitous date palm played a crucial role among the Bedouins . Its fruits were harvested for food, the palm fronds (barasti) were used to build the wall and roof of houses, its trunks supported the roofs of mud-brick houses and stone castles, and the midrib of the fronds were used as shashah (canoe) for boats.
Furthermore hunting, seafaring and pearling were the most common in the Abu Dhabi coastal area. It is believed that at the height of the pearling industry (at the turn of the 20th century) an estimated 1,200 pearling boats engaged in the trade with about 22,000 able bodied men plying the pearl banks of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah during the summer months in search of pearl-bearing oysters (lulu).
Falconry is another major passion even for the contemporary Emirati. Historically falconry was practised to supplement the hunter’s diet. Today falconry is considered a national pastime if not a high-profile sport, or art as others prefer to call it, in Abu Dhabi. In most ancient cultures falconry skills were a status indicator, where certain species of birds such as hawks and falcons are associated with one’s position or wealth.
Camel racing and horse racing are likewise indelible in the local culture. The Arabian horse is known throughout the world for its beauty, elegance and unmatched power, drawing the admiration of global enthusiasts.
Language
There are three types of spoken Arabic in contemporary Abu Dhabi. The oldest form of the language is known as Classical Arabic (think Shakesperean 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.
Islamic Heritage
Other than the influence of their Bedouin ancestors or the traditional trading and livelihood practices, none influenced the local culture stronger than has Islam, the state religion. The mosques and minarets and the everyday call to prayer remind every resident and guest that the religious beliefs of the people in this emirate are unwavering, despite its rapid economic growth.
The ruler’s generosity in terms of helping the displaced and sick in poverty- and war-stricken countries such as Lebanon, Iraq and parts of Africa proves that the spirit of brotherhood and charity are well-imbibed among the Emiratis.