The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states on the Arabian Peninsula that also borders the Persian Gulf. The UAE, like their neighbours, are oil rich and predominantly Muslim, with small minorities of Christians and Hindus. The culture among the states or emirates within the UAE varies, from very modern and liberal in Dubai to much more conservative in Ajman and Sharjah. Dubai is one of the few locales in the Middle East that allow alcohol, with the purchase of a license (one must prove that they are not a Muslim to get one).

The second largest city in the UAE, Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a population around two million. As such, there is an avid interest in contemporary film in Dubai, and the city now hosts its own International Film Festival in December of each year, showing hundreds of films from the Arab world and beyond. During the rest of the year, visitors and locals alike can see the best that Hollywood, Bollywood and the rest of the world has to offer on dozens of screens throughout the city.

The Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) is a great cultural centre with a full calendar of theatre, film, and visual arts events. With two live performance halls, the Manu Chhabria Art Gallery and space for visual arts workshops and performance practice studios, DUCTAC is a state of the art facility providing local and international artists a space to show off their talents.

The Dubai Museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1800 and may be the oldest building in the relatively young country. The museum was created to preserve elements of traditional life from the region, which seemed to be disappearing as the nation quickly modernized. Exhibits include artefacts that date back to 2500 BC and include weapons, musical instruments, maps and other common objects.