UAE Culture, Customs And Etiquette

Introduction about

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

( U.A.E. )THE COUNTRY LOCAL

CULTURE, CUSTOMS, AND ETIQUETTE

Main Topics

Geography and NatureA Birth of a CountryThe UAE Rulers (Sheikhs)The Original CitizensImmigration, Career and

Government AuthoritiesCourtesy PolicyDo and Don’tDriving In UAEHolidays and Anniversaries

GEOGRAPHY: United Arab Emirates is considered a Middle East GCC Country bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and south and Oman to the east.

NATURE: Most of the land is sandy, Weather temperatures can reach 45 Celsius in summer and 10 Celsius in winter.

The Original citizens called BaduAll the Emirates are located at the coast.

Geography and Nature

Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, First Governor of UAE called rulers for union and announced the constitution of country on 2nd December, 1971,

Includes 200 islands and the capital city is Abu Dhabi which is the largest city

Each Emirate has it’s local rules & regulations, but under the umbrella of the federal law.

THE MAIN NATURAL SOURCES: oil, natural gas, re-exports, fish, dates, P, petrochemicals.

The official local currency is Dirham (AED. or DHS.) and Fils, it costs 3.67 against 1.00 US Dollar

The mother language is Arabic and main religion is Islam.

A Birth of A Country

UAE Map

UAE (Seven Emirates) Map

UAE Seven Emirates Map

From left: H.H. Sheikh Khalif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler

of Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President

and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of

Umm Al Quwain

THE UAE RULERS (SHEIKHS)

Citizens are named Local or MwatenThey are 1,170,000 out of 9,205,651 according to

the Census Centers Survey of 2013They greet people with (Al Salamu Alaykum)They welcome guests with coffee and dates at home

and MajlisMen kiss each others noses and shack hands when

they meet, women doesn’t

The Original Citizens

Old Generations (Women dress)

Recent women wear (Abaya)

Old and recent citizens wear Kandoora & Qhootra(Men)

Citizens Clothing

UAE always welcome expatriates coming from around the world and encourage them to invest, work, live, study, in entertainment and tourism.

Manpower relations are operated by The Ministry of Labour.

202 Nationalities are living in UAE excluding Emirate.

Immigrants, Career and Government Authorities

UAE Culture Is Rooted In Arabic And Islamic Tradition

It is built on rich history and traditions, culture and heritage. Wearing anything goes? one can walk around in shorts and

flip-flops just about anywhere but do not walk around without your top off

Wearing clothes which are too revealing like cut and short pants for men and women, people have been refused entrance to public places in Abu Dhabi and Dubai such as courts and malls, Dress appropriately in public.

Wear swimwear on the beaches and at the pool only. As a general rule women should cover shoulders and knees. This is especially important during Ramadan.

Do not wear clothing that exposes stomach and transparent. It’s not allowed to do chargeable private parties at home or

yard.

Courtesy Policy

Taking of photographs can be sensitive, especially taking photographs of people; ask permission and avoid secure areas (airport, military camps, official buildings, some shops… etc).

Respect local cultures and traditions of the UAE.Sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public

or taking their photos without permission is strictly prohibited.

Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behavior (including hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in prosecution.

Holding hands for married couples is tolerated but kissing and hugging are considered offences against public decency.

Smoking is forbidden in government areas, offices and shopping malls.

Rules in UAE

Be conscious of the volume of your TV or music during prayer hours. Men should always show respect to women, general courtesy should

be applied.  Men should never visit, attend or go to places that are marked 'For

Ladies Only'.  As a male, do not stare at or compliment females. Do not enter an elevator if you are a male and a single female is

inside.  Men can shake hand while greeting with a male, but never with a

female, unless she offers her hand first. Females usually also shake hand between themselves.

Keep in mind that the concept of personal space is different than in the West. A man should not be surprised if he is touched, hugged or kissed by other men. Although this concept does not apply to male–female relation, and any public physical contact between the two should be avoided!

Remember that holding hands by two men is a sign of brotherly bonding, Friends of the same sex kissing on the cheek, doing ‘nose kissing’ or hugging in public is normal, it is a sign of friendship. 

Remember that sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal and carry a prison sentence.

Do not show any threatening gestures. Do not lose your patience or temper; it is a sign of being rude and of a

weak character.  A hand signal such as fingers joined together with a thumb means

‘wait a minute’, or it can also be a sign of impatience. Remember to touch, pass or accept anything with your right hand. Accept hospitality by accepting offers of drink, coffee or food. Remove your shoes when entering an Arab house. Remember that after the meal, if coffee is served it is a sign that it is

time to go.  Do not enter a mosque and do not touch the Qur’an if you are not a

Muslim.  Do not comment or criticize any religion, ruling families, local dress

or traditions of the local people.  Try not to express admiration for another person’s possessions as an

owner may offer this item to you. 

Legal drinking age is 21 and license must be available to buy alcohol from shops and bars for non muslims.

Drinking Alcohol while Driving cause Dhs. 20,000 fine and/or jail sentence & black points.

Drink Drive

HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN: is a very holy, precious and religious month for Muslim Society, Muslims fast 30 days, Fasting start after Al Fajer prayer call till AlGhareb Prayer call, Muslims shouldn’t eat, drink and smoke till Magreb prayer call.Work timings at Public & Private Sectors reduced by two hours generally.Don’t eat, drink or smoke in public in Ramadan. This

includes consuming anything in your car or taxi.

Eid Al Fitr & Al AdhaIts preferable to greet your connections at these

occasions by visits, call or sms

Occasions and Anniversaries

During the Holy Month of Ramadan traditional Arabian hospitality is active all over UAE and there's no better place to experience Iftar than Ramadan tents; Rich people build Ramadan Tents in huge yards and in mosques inviting poor people to break their fast for free.

Ramadan Iftar Tents

All UAE citizens celebrate this anniversary with fire works, snow spays, decorate cars and design special clothes and accessories, expatriates share this ceremony with locals in public streets.

Government announce 2nd and 3rd of Dec. as a holiday for public and private sectors

The UAE National Day, 2nd December

Thank you