Get creative
The traditional technique of weaving the hair of camels and the wool of goats and sheep into fabric for blankets, carpets, pillows, tents, saddles, and belts is called Al-Sadu. The process begins with the cutting of wool and goat hair and the collecting of camel hair. The wool or hair is then sorted and cleaned, spun into yarn using a drop spindle, then dyed using local plants and spices like henna, turmeric, saffron, cactus, and indigo. The yarn is woven on a floor loom made of palm or jujube wood. Traditionally, weavers gather in small groups to spin and weave, exchanging family news and occasionally chanting or reciting traditional poetry, such as Al-Taghrooda. Take a turn at weaving by learning how here.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for movies taking place in the UAE include:
- 6 Underground (2019)*
- Star Trek Beyond (2016)
- Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
*Rated R (may not be suitable for all students)
Study some history
Did you know the United Arab Emirates is made up of seven principalities? The UAE includes Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Bedouins, or semi-nomadic desert-dwellers, are the oldest inhabitant of the Arabian deserts. Learn how they survived the arid deserts, how they used camels and falcons, and how they navigated using only the sun, stars, and sand dunes. Then, marvel at the modern UAE with this virtual tour of Dubai and the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- The Diesel by Thandi Al Suwaidi
- The Sand Fish: A Novel From Dubai by Maha Gargash
- Beyond Dubai: Seeking Lost Cities in the Emirates by David Miller
- Burqalicious by Becky Wicks
Fill up your plate
Emirati cuisine is the traditional Arabic cuisine of the United Arab Emirates. Meat, fish, and rice are the staples, and dates are usually consumed with meals. Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional such as baleelat (a sweet and savory breakfast dish), beidh wa tomat (eggs with tomato), or shaksuka. Know a chef? Hold a cooking class with your travel group, or consider a group outing to a restaurant that offers traditional food of the UAE.
Learn the language
Call up a friend and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with basic words and phrases which can be used throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
The world’s tallest building, called the Burj Khalifa, is located in Dubai. The building is 828 metres (2,717 feet), or over 160 stories.