Relationships within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded to the elder members. Marriages are arranged between families, although the bride and bridegroom naturally have to agree to the liaison. Wedding celebrations are major occasions lasting for several days. They involve feasting, music and dancing. Women are respected in Islamic society, taking their place at the heart of the family.
Women also have equal educational opportunities and increasingly work outside the home.
Traditional Sports Among the many traditional pastimes still practised is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird, and it is not unusual to see a hooded falcon being trained on its owner s gloved wrist. The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for champions. Throughout history, the Arab has maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on today in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai in recent years, including the establishment of the Dubai World Cup the world s richest horse race.