Most countries possess attributes that make them unique and different from other countries. However, there are characteristics that transcend these national boundaries and exist across all counties. This essay sets out to compare a Spanish-speaking country, Colombia, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their similarities and differences in terms of culture and politics shall be highlighted so as to provide a deeper understanding of both countries.
The biggest difference in these two countries can arguably be seen to lie in their religious beliefs. The UAE has a strong Islamic background and Islam is the official religion in the country, underscoring this point even further is that fact that Arabic is the official language. On the other hand, Colombian culture has a rich Spanish background and the majority of Colombia’s population are practicing Roman Catholics. Despite this big difference, both countries exhibit a similarity in their tolerance for other religions. Both societies are accommodative of other religions practices and do not try to impose their values on people.
The UAE is by large a conservative nation. Practices such as drinking in public are shunned and places that serve alcohol are restricted. A conservative mode of dressing is also practiced with the men favoring ankle-length shirts and headdresses while the women are seen to cover their bodies from head to toe with cloaks. There have been cases of foreigners in the Emirates being arrested for indecent dressing. On the contrary, Colombia is far from being conservative and the numerous beauty contests exhorting women and their bodies points to a more securely all open culture. The dress code in Colombia is contemporary and demonstrates great western influence.
The UAE is still rooted in folk dances and music which characterize most celebrations. Most of their dances are male-oriented in conformance to the restrictions imposed on the womenfolk. Clapping almost always accompanies most of these dances. While most of the music in the Emirates has a local root, some are “imported” by immigrants and assimilated into the UAE culture. Colombian culture shows a more vibrant and upbeat approach to music and dance as can be seem from the world-widely renowned carnivals. These festivals attract thousands upon thousands of revelers both from Colombia and from all over the world.
In sports, both countries show a love for football. The UAE has football as its national sport and the presence of many soccer clubs in the country further emphasis the love of the sport by the Emirate population. However, there exist sports which are unique to each respective country. Camel racing which reflects on the traditions of the desert and the importance that the camels once played in the Arabian world is still practiced in the UAE. Major competitions are held annually attracting many spectators in the Emirates and further popularizing the sport.
The traditional meal in the UAE consists primarily of fish, meat and rice. The fish is mostly as a result of the geographical positioning which places it close to large water bodies thus creating an abundance of fish. The UAE’s population is also especially fond of its spiced tea which is offered to visitors as a welcoming gesture. Colombia exhibits a wider and more exotic variety of foods. Chicken, plantain and various varieties of soup laced with herbs are some of the specialties that Colombia offers.
As can be seen from the above essay, there exist various differences between the two countries that are a result of the cultural, geographical and social factors. However, there also exist similarities in both nations. Understanding of the differences and similarities of the two countries gives one a better appreciation of each nation and its ways of life.