Navigating United Arab Emirates Cultural Norms as a Foreigner: Dos and Don’ts
The United Arab Emirates is a culturally diverse country, with people from various backgrounds living and working together. It is essential for foreigners to understand and respect the cultural norms, values, and traditions followed by the locals to engage adequately with them. Here are some dos and don’ts that foreigners must keep in mind while navigating UAE’s cultural landscape.
DO:
– Dress modestly: UAE is a Muslim country, and modest dressing is expected in public places. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should cover their shoulders and knees.
– Respect religious customs: Prayer times are essential in UAE, and all shops and businesses are closed during prayer times. Foreigners must be respectful and not disturb people during prayers.
– Greet people appropriately: Greetings are essential in UAE, and people place great importance on them. Men and women greet each other with a handshake in professional settings, while women may greet each other with a kiss on either cheek.
– Use the right hand: The left hand is considered unclean, and people use it for toilet functions. It is essential to use the right hand to eat and pass objects to others.
– Show respect to elders: UAE culture places great importance on respecting elders. It is important for foreigners to greet them with respect and avoid addressing them by their first names.
DON’T:
– Drink alcohol in public: Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in UAE, and violators can face fines or imprisonment.
– Display affection in public: Public displays of affection are not acceptable in UAE’s culture and can lead to legal consequences for foreigners.
– Eat or drink in public during Ramadan: It is considered disrespectful to eat or drink in public during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Foreigners must ensure that they eat and drink in private spaces during this time.
– Engage in offensive or disrespectful behavior: It is important for foreigners to be respectful of the culture and customs of UAE locals and not engage in any behavior that can be considered offensive or disrespectful.
CONCLUSION:
Navigating UAE’s cultural norms can be overwhelming for foreigners, but understanding and respecting cultural sensitivities can help them engage effectively with locals. Being mindful of dressing sensibilities, religious customs, and showing respect to elders can demonstrate cultural awareness. Similarly, avoiding public displays of affection, refraining from drinking alcohol in public, and avoiding engaging in any offensive behavior can prevent legal consequences. Ultimately, it is a foreigners’ responsibility to educate themselves on cultural norms and engage respectfully with locals.
