Abu Dhabi observes Ramadan, which culminates in a three-day holiday called Eid Al Fitr. Ramadan normally falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, where observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk, but in general practice restraint from all activities or behaviours that are not compatible with Islamic values. It is expected for non-Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places at daytime during Ramadan as a matter of respect to their host culture.

Furthermore traditional singing and dancing feature strongly in Abu Dhabi’s local culture reflecting a time-honoured passion. Songs were composed “to accompany different tasks from hauling water at the well to diving for pearl oysters in the Gulf.” Ayallah is one of the most common cultural dances that are performed in various celebrations such as weddings throughout the emirate. Traditional musical instruments such as goatskin bagpipes, flute and drums are used in this dance.

Local men and women in Abu Dhabi are easily distinguishable from expats because of their traditional dress: men wear Dishdasha, an ankle-length, collarless gown that is usually white, matched with headdresses (guthra), while women wear black Abayas over their clothing. Elderly married women sometimes wear the burkha, or a special facial covering, whenever they go to public places. Modesty as well as adaptability to the weather are key elements that have defined these traditional costumes.