Culture & Etiquette in Dubai

Standard Greeting

As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you), with response Wa alaykum as-salam

Key Etiquette Notes

Always use right hand for all interactions, including greeting. Left hand is considered unclean in Arab culture. Formality and respect are highly valued, especially when meeting someone for the first time.

Men

Avoid sleeveless shirts in public. Long pants and shirts with sleeves are more appropriate.

Women

Cover shoulders and knees. Sleeveless shirts are inappropriate in public. Pants and skirts should be ankle-length or knee-length. Headscarf required only when visiting mosques or religious sites.

Religious Sites

Both men and women must cover shoulders, arms, and legs. Women must wear a headscarf covering hair. Many tourist mosques provide traditional attire if needed.

General Guidance

Dress modestly in public places. Dubai is cosmopolitan but remains predominantly Islamic. Beach and resort areas have more relaxed dress codes.

Business Settings

Men: business suits with ties or formal attire in corporate/government settings. Women: modest yet professional attire covering shoulders and knees. Avoid overly casual or flashy clothing.

Privacy Respect

Avoid taking photos of people, especially women, without permission. This is highly disrespectful and may result in legal action.

Prohibited Locations

Do not photograph government buildings, military sites, or strategic locations. Photography of these is prohibited.

Expectation

Punctuality is respected and visitors should always arrive on time for meetings and appointments. However, Emirati counterparts may not always be punctual themselves.

Meeting Start

Meetings may start a bit later than scheduled, but this should not be seen as permission to arrive late yourself.

Common Observation

Government officials are often 15-30 minutes late. Patience and flexibility are advisable.

Hospitality

Accepting offers of Arabic coffee, dates, tea, or food is polite. Refusing can be seen as disrespectful. When offered coffee, indicate you have had enough by shaking the cup gently side to side.

Body Language

Close proximity during conversations is normal. Direct pointing with finger is taboo; avoid pointing the soles of your feet at someone. Eye contact and warm smiles are appreciated.

Dining Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, drinking, and passing food. Wait for the host or most senior person to begin eating before you start. Hosts may insist you eat more as a sign of generosity—accepting additional portions is polite.

Business Meetings

Often begin with small talk and polite inquiries about wellbeing before moving to business topics. Relationship-building is emphasized.

Communication Style

Indirect and polite. Confrontation is typically avoided in favor of harmony and respect for relationships.

Hierarchical Respect

Hierarchy and deference to seniority are deeply ingrained. Acknowledge the most senior person first when greeting a group.

Social Media

Posting defamatory comments or controversial opinions about the government, religion, or royal family on social media is prohibited and can have legal consequences.

Prohibited Actions

Swearing, shouting, loud aggressive behavior, and rude gestures can result in fines or legal consequences.

Prayer Times And Calls To Prayer

Be aware of and respectful toward prayer times. Avoid loud conversations or music out of respect for religious practices. Prayer (adhan) and the call to commence prayer (iqama) should not be disrupted.

Eid Al Adha

The Feast of Sacrifice, another major Islamic celebration with family and community meals.

Eid Al Fitr

Celebrates the end of Ramadan with grand festivities and family gatherings.

National Day

December 2 is UAE National Day, commemorating the founding of the federation.

Business Impact

Business activities may pause during these times as families come together to celebrate. Understanding and respecting these holiday periods is essential for effective business planning.

Formality

Address individuals by their titles (Sheikh, Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) and surnames until invited to use first names.

Women In Business

Women are increasingly involved in business and are respected professionals. Cultural etiquette still applies and should support collaborative relationships.

Respect For Authority

Hierarchy and deference to seniority are deeply ingrained. When meeting a group, acknowledge and greet the most senior person first.

Iftar

Families gather at night to break the fast in a festive atmosphere.

Greeting

It is customary to extend greetings and well-wishes to colleagues and business partners during Ramadan and the following Eid celebrations.

Fasting Hours

During daylight hours throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast. Non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those fasting.

Working Hours

Business hours are typically reduced during Ramadan. Working hours may be shortened to allow employees to break their fasts and engage in prayers.

Shoes

Remove shoes before entering unless otherwise specified.

Hand Usage

Always use your right hand when eating, receiving, or giving. The left hand is considered unclean.

Gift Bringing

Always bring a gift such as pastries, sweets, or flowers. Avoid alcohol or items made of pork.

Gift Receiving

Use your right hand to accept gifts. Open gifts privately unless prompted otherwise.

Hospitality Acceptance

It is polite to accept offered food and drink. Refusing can be disrespectful.

Handshake On Arrival Departure

Shake hands of same-gender hosts on arrival and departure. If the host is female, only shake her hand if she offers first.

Sensitive Topics To Avoid

• Politics or criticism of the government
• Religion (unless the other person initiates)
• Personal wealth or financial matters
• Negative comments about the UAE, its leadership, or culture

Status

Frowned upon and can have legal consequences

Specifics

Holding hands with a partner may be acceptable for married couples, but kissing, excessive hugging, or petting is illegal under UAE public decency laws and could result in fines or jail time.