Dress.Many older Emirati men prefer traditional Emirati clothes, such as the kandura, an ankle-length white shirt woven from wool or cotton. Many local women wear an abaya (black over-garment) and a headscarf. On average, a UAE male national would have up to 50 kanduras to ensure cleanliness. This attire is particularly well-suited to the UAE's hot, dry climate. For special events and holidays, the women wear long light colorful dress that is parched with diamonds and Perls as well as wear a gold hair net accessory.
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Cuisine.Emirati dishes are flavourful and aromatic, with some of the most popular dishes including Harees, showcasing meat and wheat slow-cooked in a clay oven or pot and served with ghee (clarified butter), and Machboos, made by boiling meat in spiced water with dried limes. Being a coastal city, fish is the star of many local dishes, with Madrooba, a mix of salted fish, spices and thick sauce, being one of the most popular. Rice is ever-present and most often served with saffron, nuts and spices.
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Sports.Traditional sailing races are held at regular intervals from October to April. Majestic wooden dhows assemble at the start line, evoking the customs and traditions of a bygone era. Racing Camels are first put through their paces when they are about two years old. Initially the animals are trained to obey basic commands issued by the jockey. Then, a crucial two-kilometer gallop decides which have the ability for racing. To help build their stamina, the camels are made to run certain distances every day, which varies in proportion to their age.
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