Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
INTERCULTURAL RELATIONSHIPS
Aim and purpose of research work, INTRODUCTIONThis research paper conglomeration is made to be a faithful and concise depiction of what a
culture and heritage is: - The identity of a people, the distinct mark left by a mixture of
uniqueness, varying ideals, and nature of a populace. The existence of such a practice gives all
corners of the earth a striking contrast, it allows for one to gain a deeper understanding of a
nation and its residents, it helps color the palette that runs across the terrain of the Earth
By learning different, seemingly idiosyncratic cultures we spread a basis for mutual love and
care, and allow relations that harbor peace, love and curiosity amongst the people, to emerge.
A Culture also aids in identifying a land, a piece of the Earth that is known specifically for the
uniqueness and the notable characteristics of the individuals that inhabit it. This eases the process
of labeling and grasping the core cognizance of a territory.
The different aspects of a culture allows us to gain expanded knowledge, it aids us in recognizing
different norms and social behaviors, and helps us to see different ways of life and organization
of a system, and how that system incorporates changes to adhere to their heritage ahead of the
basic systems set in place required to allow the society to thrive.
This paper will cover different aspects of a culture and the differences between the UAE’s
culture from the many different nations, it will also brush upon the many ways different societies
interact with each other and how said nations establish a peaceful frontier of knowledgeable
expedition into a country’s values and habitual similarities.
Learning and understanding different heritages can allow a society to learn and adapt in a way to
improve their own ways of living by employing rules that nations share, it may also be a way to
enlighten the people of one’s nation by displaying the various cultural commodities in the
country.
By living in a society that is filled with people from different cultures, traditions and festivities it
brings a sense of diversity and variety into an area which allows for societies to fruitfully
develop with a united stance
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Invisible and Visible Aspects of Culture
Visible cultural aspects
Visible Aspects of Culture relies on the tangible objects and artifacts that define a culture, these
things make up a society’s material cultural environment, visible culture can be classified as
many major things, these include:
 Architecture - The architecture of a nation is one of the most notable features of their
culture and heritage, they reflect the values and beliefs of a society for example the ornate
temples of ancient Rome and the tall and sleek skyscrapers of New York, The UAE by
itself is filled with divine and definitive cultural architecture, In the past, the UAE was
influenced by the desert climate’s harsh environments and made use of the materials
present and came up with ingenious systems and architectural marvels as to bring ease in
to their lives and oppose the aridness of the barren lands, things like the Falaj irrigation
system which brought monumental change in the lives of all who inhibited within the
villages. The Barajeel is a vital and important architectural piece which started the
transition of the UAE into modern architecture and advancements
 Cuisine –
The cuisine is a reflection of the diverse culture of UAE, augmented with a number of
spices and ingredients such as dates, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, etc. A Bedouin
recipe in which a cooked camel stuffed with goats, sheep, and chickens, is the specialty of
this country. Though since camel meat is expensive, it is usually reserved for special
occasions. Some other popular food items in this country are the following:

Harees, prepared by slowly cooking cracked wheat and meat, and served in a small
quantity during Eid and Ramadan.

Maqluba, a popular dish prepared by blending and cooking meat, rice, and
vegetables in a pot and turning them over in the end so that the bottom layer lays on
the top, is served with a simple salad, yogurt, or sauce.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Invisible aspects of culture
Invisible aspects of culture are those cultural elements that are not immediately visible or
obvious, but which shape and influence the way people think, feel, and behave. These can
include things like shared values, beliefs, and assumptions, as well as deeper cultural patterns
and structures that operate at a more unconscious level. Some examples of invisible aspects of
culture might include the ways in which people relate to authority, the role of individual versus
the group, the importance of tradition and history, and the meaning and significance of social
hierarchy. These elements of culture often go unrecognized by outsiders, but they can have a
powerful impact on how people interact and communicate with one another. Some of the most
important intangible aspects of culture in the UAE are:

The importance of family - family ties are a strong pillar in life and one that most
Emiratis adhere to profusely, extended family networks and joint properties and business
are common amongst families in the UAE, it also plays an important role in the socioeconomic aspects of life

The Centrality of Islam - Islam is the official religion of the UAE and the laws and
regulations provided from the religion of monotheism (sharia’) Islam, are followed and
adhered to very strictly, one of the driving factors in the success of the nation which is
invisible to the common viewer, any acts of vandalism or ill-will against Islam is never
tolerated and acts as a viable reason for deportation, extensive jail time, or massive
legality fines, and may also prevent the possibility of job acceptance and may be a reason
for refusal of Visa and ID renewal.

Respect for authority – The UAE has a hierarchical society with a strong tradition of
respect for authority, whether in the form of government officials, Islamic leaders, or
family elders.

Importance of hospitality - Hospitality is a heavily valued trait amongst the Emirati
people, visitors and guests regardless of background are most often treated with respect,
generosity and warmth.

Significance of Social Status – Status and social standing are marked as important in the
UAE, and this can be reflected in almost everything from the way people dress and
present themselves to the neighborhoods in which they live and the schools their children
attend.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Relationship between invisible and visible culture.
Some cultural differences are visible, whilst others are hidden. Visible culture refers to elements
of culture that are visible. Although they are the most obvious, visible cultural differences
comprise only ten percent of our cultural identities.
Visible culture refers to the aspects of culture that are immediately apparent or visible, such as
language, clothing, architecture, art, and other forms of material culture. Invisible culture, on the
other hand, refers to the deeper, underlying cultural elements that shape and influence the way
people think, feel, and behave, but which are not perceived immediately. These can include
things like shared values, beliefs, assumptions, and patterns of behavior that are often taken for
granted within most cultures.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Examples of Visible Culture
Example of visible culture include artifacts, symbols, and practices such as: art and architecture;
color, and dress; and traditions.
Emirati Culture & visible examples
Emirati culture is based on Arabian culture, with influences from the cultures of East Africa and
Indian Subcontinent. Some visible elements presently seen are its local architecture, attire,
cuisine, sports, arts, crafts, and places of historical and archaeological importance.
The culture of the Philippines:
comparison of UAE culture with other cultureFirstly, one must be acquainted with the roots of the culture of the Philippines. The Philippines is
a culture in which East meets West. The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a
strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinese
traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
UAE's invisible culture
Islam influences holidays, occasions and/or celebrations; Eid al-Fitr – This is a three-day
celebration which commences two days after the start of Hajj (the Islamic pilgrimage to
Mecca). The start of Eid depends on the sighting of a new crescent moon. Mawlid - Prophet
Mohammed’s Birthday which lasts for one day and is observed in Rabi al’Awwal, the third
month in the Islamic calendar.
The relationship between visible and invisible culture is complex and dynamic. On one hand,
visible culture can serve as a reflection of underlying invisible cultural elements, and can provide
clues about the values, beliefs, and assumptions of a particular society. At the same time, visible
culture can also play a role in shaping and influencing invisible cultural elements, as people’s
behaviors and practices can help to reinforce or challenge underlying cultural norms, Most forms
of visible culture is a testament to the strength and importance the intangible culture holds, as the
values, rules and principals of a culture are shown in the material form through visible culture,
they are molded by the principal values upheld by each contributing member of the culture’s
society.
Both form a cultural presence, Due to the existence of both forms of culture, together bring upon
an accumulation of values, knowledge, norms and many other things that shape a person's view
on the people of that land. Together they coincide to bring about the distinct presence and mark
themselves on the planet’s terrain as a unique people, who are to be respected and meant to
befriend and understand, and with whom to share foreign cultures for the furthering of
betterment for the people of both parties, and to bring in a mutual love and honor each other’s
cultural pillars.
Overall, visible and invisible culture are interconnected and often influence one another in ways
that are not always immediately apparent. Understanding both visible and invisible culture is
important for fully grasping the complexity and diversity of human societies .
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Cultural Differences and Similarities in the UAE from European
Culture.
The cultures of UAE and Europe drastically vary and contain many different social norms and
situations, the values with which their societies are upheld are extremely different, and the social
acceptance, the traditions are very different as the environmental factors and climates made the
people of the areas use what was there for them and came up with different inventions to suit
their needs and requirements, both peoples used the resources around them to formulate and give
birth to diverse cultures that represent what each society stands for, and tells us a story about the
hardships, generosity and good-will they encompassed within themselves.
#1 – Dressing
The dressing and traditional garments are very different from each other as they represent
different things and have emerged from disparate circumstances. It is a tangible denotation of a
ones culture and heritage, and teaches us about the environment, customs and struggles that the
clothing represents. It gives a distinct color to the country one heralds from. This is something
that is drastically varied.
The Arabs adorn themselves in the classical kandura and the head covering that is wrapped
around the head, leaving the back of it to flail and droop. It is known as the kaffiyeh, which is
usually in a red and white stripes color. it is usually worn with the iqal, which is a black ribbon
positioned at the top of the head as if it was a crown,
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
For women the dressing is a fully covering garment called an abaya which is generally worn by
the women in the Middle East. It is also worn with a face covering scarf as it is strictly enforced
in Islam and is therefore mandatory to wear. Women are also allowed to wear gold and silver
jewellery, this may sound strange but only women can adorn themselves in gold and silver. Men
are strictly forbidden from wearing any sort of gold and silver on themselves and it is seen as
disrespectful and scornful by society. Men are also completely forbidden from getting tattoos of
any sort on their bodies as it is seen as dirtying a man’s body and make it impure in Islam.
In Europe all most any sort of clothing is permitted and not paid much mind to, but each
respective country does have its own cultural and traditional clothing. For example; In Greece
the traditional clothing for men is known as the tunic, which is a heavy woolen fabric and also
went with a cloak. For women it is known as the peploi. In France, Men’s traditional sort of
clothing is known as the paletot coat, and for women it is usually associated with the beret.
#2 - Cuisine
The cuisine in Europe is extraordinarily known for its uniqueness and major breakthroughs and
innovative techniques that brought new and coruscating flavor in its dishes, The traditional
cuisine shows the specialties of each country and depicts the natural and distinctive flow of
creative development in the land, it tell us about the way the people got to live, and how they
made use of what they had to bring forth joy, happiness and taste in their food despite the
circumstances they were being through.
In UAE the traditional dishes are a testament to the toughness and resilience of those who
managed to live in the blistering and arid heat of the desert, it shows the kind heartedness of
those who remained humble and maintained simplicity within their souls.
A popular traditional dish called the Kunafa, is loved dessert amongst most foreigners and is
widespread in the UAE, being in high demand in most Emirati restaurants. Other popular
traditional dishes such as the Harees and Madrouba are also loved and rejoiced by many.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
European foods and cuisines are known all over the world and are served everywhere due to their
colossal demand. Foods such as pizza and pasta with meatballs from Italy and Baguettes and
croissants from France are widely popular. Other such foods are Waffles, which are often used
for breakfasts around the world and Europe is also known for bringing in the addition of seafood
and catering it to produce many dishes made from sea animals.
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
#3 - Societal Norms
It is fairly conspicuous that the way society manages to function is entirely different in European
countries compared to the UAE. The structure is contrasting and is a major shock for those
visiting the Middle East from Europe.

Women are not allowed to dress freely and have a fixed way of clothing

The Azan is recited as per the 5 daily prayers, so it might be an odd new experience for
foreigners.

Public forms of affection are very strictly prohibited and can lead to jail time or massive
fines for violating public appropriation

Alcohol is strictly prohibited and only approved areas by the Sheikh are allowed to serve
drinks, drinking in public can again, lead to jail time, deportation, or huge fines.
Similarities
Both Cultures have a profound stance on education and believe that education is the basis by
which any human can truly understand life due to analytical thinking, which provides a person
with necessary wisdom that will empower future generations.
The twain also have a keen emphasis in hospitality in both cultures as it this singular aspect that
gives a man honor, respect and reputation. It is a gesture that is appreciated by all, and acts as
basis for friendly and cooperative relations to further a friendship or advances at professional
levels.
Both cultures also have a very diverse and rich heritage, European history is among some of the
most influential in the world and is filled with many groundbreaking discoveries, developments
and is home to many sorts of institutions and human intellectual treasures. The same can be said
about the UAE and how the societies formed there, their importance in trade routes and
locational criteria. It is home to a long line of Arabs, all which have persevered and brought great
scientific, technological and philosophical advancements and contributions to the complex
infrastructure which is fruit of thousands of years of European and Arabian knowledge and
heritage being passed down and used for the betterment of humanity
Muhammad Faizan Kaleem
11-D
MSC PROJECT TERM-2
21345
Conclusion and Bibliography
Culture is an important characteristic for any nation, it defines it, and allows it to proudly stand
and be content with their own history and heritage. It is a symbol of what that country and its
society represents, and why it does so. It allows a society to celebrate and honor their ancestors
and their acuity. Culture can vary across the world due to the many factors that influence a
society to form a culture that is renowned amongst themselves and outside of their main circles.
Respecting one’s culture and ethnicity is a beautiful act that should be enforced in all lands to
show and protect a country’s heritage.
SourcesWikipedia
Encyclopedia.com
u.ae- culture and heritage
wikihow.com
forbes.com
THE END