Dubai's cultural life comes in a distant third to making money and having fun. With cultural activities limited. Dubai's cultural life has always suffered from not having a major venue for cultural performances, however the Dubai Community Theatre is scheduled for completion in early 2003.

Cultural events

Dubai's dominant culture is focused on the Muslim religion, with the main cultural events being religious, with little opportunity for tourists to participate. The year's major event is the November fasting of Ramadan , a month-long Muslim celebration of the truth of the Holy Koran. Directly after Ramadan is Eid Al-Fitr , a three-day celebration held in December. Eid Al-Adha is the four-day festival in February/March that follows the main pilgrimage to Mecca (the Haj).

Dubai Summer Surprises is an attempt to attract visitors during the summer months, from June to September, with a wide range of cultural events, including henna tattoo painting and traditional handicraft making, in many of Dubai's shopping malls and large hotels. UAE day, 2 December, is a public holiday celebrated in all 7 emirates and increasingly is becoming a cultural event.