Respectful traveling is possible only due to cultural awareness since the UAE is the country of over 200 nationalities, and it welcomes millions of tourists every year. United Arab Emirates possesses a spectacular blend of the modern and the traditional that will be relished by the visitors. Among the skyscrapers, the shopping and high-tech facilities, the country is still very Islamic in values, family relations, and hospitality.
Learning about cultural practices and etiquette is also a sign of respect, but a means of making the visit seem less difficult and more pleasant. The following are some of the main rules of how to act, dress, and socialize in the UAE.
Respect for Local Culture
UAE is an orthodox, religious and family oriented country. Saudi Arabia does not allow the tourist to indulge in loud behaviour, uncivil gestures and disrespect to religion and national symbols.
The English language is common but to be polite and impress, it is important to speak Arabic, some few simple lines, like As-salam alaykum and Shukran.
Dress Code Guidelines
In malls, offices and mosques, modest clothing is required. Toes and shoulders must be covered, and provocative clothes must be avoided.
Women who come to mosques are required to wear an abaya covering their hair. In beaches and pools, swimsuits are acceptable, but not in the streets.
Greetings & Social Etiquette
Shakings of hands are courteous and formal. Men shake hands yet they are not supposed to be first to offer their hand. Such expressions as Salaam alaykum are welcome.
Elderly respect is important, first greet them, do not point with one finger, and should not sit facing them with crossed legs.
Dining Manners
Hospitality is a core value. When offered food or drink it is well behaved to accept at least some. Food can be shared and have common meals.
One is expected to only use the right hand to eat; the left hand is regarded as dirty. In addition, you should not wear your shoes at home.
Religious Sensitivity
The UAE follows the Islam way of life with its daily prayers and Ramadan regulations. Daytime eating, drinking or smoking in the open air should be avoided by the visitors. It is obligatory to dress modestly and respect in mosques.
Public Behavior Rules
Holding hands is discouraged as is any open demonstration of affection. Kissing, hugging, or more sexual gestures are not decent in the street and may even present legal issues.
The law does not allow swearing, lying on the street, and indecorous gestures. Remember to regulate voice tone, never use obscene language and maintain all the public and sacred areas.
Photography Etiquette
It is always better to seek permission before taking photos of people and mostly women and families. Numerous government structures, military bases and certain areas of traditional privacy are prohibited to photography.
Being respectful to the signage: when signages say no photography, obey them. It is always better to be safe than sorry even when it appears right.
Key Do’s and Don’ts in UAE
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use As-salam alaykum and Shukran. | Touch members of opposite sex without invitation. |
| Wear plain clothing (shoulders, knees should be covered). | Wear worn out, transparent, or tight clothes in society. |
| Eat/use right hand: accept offers of hospitality. | Eat left, refuse hospitality, impolitely. |
| Address people with respect; be submissive to the elderly. | Cuss, make crude signs or make noise. |
| Be respectful to the religion, observe laws in season (e.g. in Ramadan) | Forget prayer hours, eat or drink during daytime in Ramadan. |
| Get permission to take photographs; take advice. | Take pictures of individuals, particularly women without their permission or limited buildings. |
Conclusion
It is a good and enriching experience to visit the UAE when one does so with great respect, interest and knowledge. Not only by adhering to the local traditions, which is dressing decently, respecting the religious traditions, being polite in greetings, acting and behaving properly in public, but also by selecting your words and your actions and behavior carefully, you can not just find yourself without any misunderstandings or any legal problems, but you can also get to know the culture and the people you meet better. Go in the middle between traditional and modern, and your stay in the UAE can be really unforgettable.