Navigating the Culture and Customs of the UAE – Guide  

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an incredibly diverse country with a rich cultural history and customs. With so much to experience and learn, it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to navigating the culture and traditions of the UAE. This blog post provides an invaluable resource to help you get up to speed with the UAE’s culture and customs. 

Navigating the Culture and Customs of the UAE

Let’s begin!

1) What to Expect When You Arrive in the UAE

 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an incredible and diverse place. When you arrive in the UAE, you will be immersed in a vibrant culture and warm hospitality. The UAE is Muslim, so visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. You will find friendly people, interesting places to visit, delicious food to try, and plenty of things to do. It is important to keep an open mind and remember that you are a guest in this beautiful country.

2) How to Greet People in the UAE 

Greeting someone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is important for expressing respect and friendship. The most common greeting is “as-salaam alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” This phrase can be used when meeting someone for the first time in a casual or more formal encounter. Handshakes are also acceptable and can be accompanied by the phrase “khush amended,” which means “welcome.” It is important to remember that people from different backgrounds may greet each other differently, so it is always best to be respectful and ask for clarification if unsure. 

3) The Importance of Eye Contact in the UAE 

Eye contact is a basic form of respect and politeness in the United Arab Emirates. When you greet or are introduced to someone, you must make eye contact to show respect. This is also a sign of confidence and trustworthiness in the UAE. It also indicates sincerity and attentiveness towards the person you are speaking with. Eye contact should be made for a few seconds, but don’t stare for too long, as it can come off as aggressive or intrusive.

4) The Significance of Personal Space in the UAE 

The concept of personal space is taken seriously in the UAE, and it is important to be mindful of how close you stand or sit to someone. Respect for personal space is very important in UAE culture, and it is best to remain at least a metre away from someone when speaking to them. Avoid any physical contact, such as patting on the back or touching, unless you are a close family member or friend. Try to maintain eye contact when speaking with someone, as this shows respect and engagement.

5) Table Manners in the UAE

When dining in the UAE, it is important to be aware of local customs. The right hand is considered the “clean” hand and should be used for eating, while the left is reserved for handling food and disposing of waste. If a spoon or fork is provided, it should be used to eat with instead of your fingers. It is also considered rude to slurp when eating or drinking directly from the plate. Finally, it is polite to thank the host at the end of the meal. 

6) Gift-giving Etiquette in the UAE 

In the UAE, bringing a gift when invited to someone’s home or for special occasions is considered polite. Some common advantages include dates, sweets, chocolates, and flowers. Skills are typically opened before the giver and should be wrapped nicely with appropriate colours and patterns. When giving gifts to people of the opposite sex, it is important to exercise discretion. If in doubt, it is best to stick to flowers or other gender-neutral gifts.

Offering your host a token of appreciation, such as pastries or fresh fruits, is also customary upon arrival. It is also important to remember that when dining at someone’s house, one should wait until their host has begun eating before starting. Additionally, one should use their right hand when eating and drinking, as the left hand is considered unclean in many Middle Eastern countries.

7) The Role of Religion in Daily Life in the UAE

The UAE’s official religion is Islam, and it plays an important role in the daily lives of its citizens. The UAE is home to several mosques and religious events, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, celebrated nationwide. The importance of religion is further highlighted by the laws and regulations that are in place to ensure its adherence.

For instance, there are laws governing the consumption of alcohol and public displays of affection based on religious principles. Additionally, non-Muslims may find themselves restricted from entering certain places of worship or engaging in activities deemed offensive to Islam.

8) Business Etiquette in the UAE 

The UAE is a business-focused country, and following certain business etiquette is important when interacting with people in a professional setting. Punctuality is highly valued and expected, as is being courteous and respectful. Showing respect for the hierarchy within organisations is also important, as is being aware of the cultural sensitivities within the region.

It’s wise to address people by their titles and to dress formally when attending meetings. Business cards should be presented, accepted with both hands, and reciprocated. Gifts are typically not exchanged during business meetings but may be appreciated afterwards. Lastly, remember to say thank you in the local language, shukran.

9) Dos and Don’ts When Visiting a Mosque in the UAE

Visiting a mosque in the UAE is a wonderful experience that should be done with respect and reverence. When visiting a mosque, it’s important to remember a few etiquette tips:

• Wear modest clothing, cover your arms and legs, and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
• Do greet other worshippers with a handshake, smile, or nod.
• Please don’t take photos of people without their permission.
• Don’t talk loudly or make noise inside the mosque.

Following these guidelines will ensure that your visit to the mosque is respectful and enjoyable.

10) Beach Etiquette in the UAE

When visiting the beaches of the UAE, it is important to adhere to the local culture and customs. Respectful behaviour should always be maintained, as some areas may have specific religious or cultural prohibitions. As such, swimwear should be modest and cover the body adequately.

While the dress code may vary depending on location, women should generally cover up to their elbows and knees, while men should not take off their shirts in public. Additionally, photographing other beachgoers should be done with permission, and loud music or disrespectful behaviour is strictly prohibited.

11) What to wear in the UAE

In the UAE, it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Women should cover their shoulders, upper arms, and knees in public. Men should also wear conservative clothing, such as long pants and shirts covering their shoulders. Swimsuits should only be worn at beaches or swimming pools. You may need to wear a traditional abaya in some places, such as malls or religious sites. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dress conservatively.

 12) Avoiding offences in the UAE 

When visiting the United Arab Emirates, it is important to be mindful of customs and cultural sensitivities. Respect for local culture and traditions should always be exercised to prevent potential offences. Some offences to be aware of include public displays of affection, eating and drinking during Ramadan, and inappropriate dress. Additionally, photography of local people or places should be done with permission from those involved. These simple guidelines ensure a positive and enjoyable experience while visiting the UAE.

 13) Dealing with Authorities in the UAE

Awareness of the cultural norms governing interaction with authorities in the UAE is important. When dealing with any administration in the UAE, it is important to show respect and politeness. A respectful attitude and good manners will go a long way in ensuring that your interaction with authorities goes smoothly. Additionally, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary documents when dealing with leaders in the UAE.

14) Resources for Further Reading on the UAE

 If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and customs of the UAE, there are plenty of resources available online. The Emirates Diplomatic Academy website provides a wealth of information on the country’s culture and traditions, with sections on “Respect for Cultural and Religious Differences” and “Religious Beliefs and Practises in the UAE.”

Several books are also available, such as the Official Guide to the United Arab Emirates by Clifton W. Potter, which is an informative introduction to the UAE’s history, people, and culture. Additionally, sites such as Lonely Planet and Culture Trip offer comprehensive articles on the country’s culture and customs. Finally, a great resource for staying up-to-date on current events in the UAE is the official website for The National newspaper.