Dos & Don’t in the UAE
Dress Code
- Residents and visitors should to dress modestly, especially in conservative neighborhoods and public venues.
- Swimwear is permitted on private beaches and around private pools, but guests should dress appropriately otherwise.
- Cross-dressing is illegal and can result in detention by the authorities.
- In many regions, shorts and t-shirts are acceptable wear. When visiting mosques, religious sites, or older parts of town, however, both men and women may feel better at ease wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers their shoulders, arms, and legs.
- When entering mosques, women are normally obliged to wear a headscarf.
Gesture
- Avoid beckoning or pointing with your finger.
- If you need to make a hand motion, make it with your entire hand.
- Making obscene hand gestures in public may result in incarceration.
In public
- Being inebriated and rowdy in public is illegal and can result in a fine or worse. In the United Arab Emirates, drunk driving is not tolerated.
- Photography should be done with caution, and you should always obtain permission before photographing a UAE national or resident, especially if the subject is a woman.
- It is unlawful to drink in public, and it is also illegal to have alcohol or other illegal substances in your possession at any time.
- Public shows of affection should be kept to a bare minimum — holding hands is fine, but kissing and hugging in public is not.
- Disturbing the peace, using foul language, making obscene gestures, and disrespecting Dubai’s religion or leaders in any way are all prohibited and may result in legal action.
Invitations and interactions
- Remove your shoes at the entryway if you are invited to a majlis.
- Males and females may be guided to separate sections on occasion.
- Accept food and refreshment if you’re enjoying a meal with your host before getting down to business.
- It is customary for men to stand when a lady enters the room, especially for new guests and older or higher-ranking people.
- It is crucial not to offer to shake hands with a Muslim member of the other sex unless they extend their hand first — both men and women (most usually women) may opt not to shake hands with the opposing sex for religious reasons.
- It is normal to accept food and drink with your right hand, and you should likewise consume with this hand.
- Avoid exposing your feet’s soles or pointing your foot towards anyone. Crossing your legs in front of an important guest is considered impolite.
- If you’re entertaining Muslim guests, don’t provide them alcohol or pork.
Others
- Charitable fundraising and the promotion of charitable or humanitarian organizations can only be done through legally permitted channels after obtaining the necessary licenses.
- Non-fasting residents and guests are expected to respect specific etiquette norms during Ramadan.
- Drug usage or possession, cohabitation, sex outside of marriage, having a child out of wedlock, adultery, and homosexuality are all considered unlawful.
Useful Links
UAE Government www.government.ae
Emirates News Agency www.wam.ae
UAE Ministry of Economy www.economy.ae
Abu Dhabi Police www.adpolice.gov.ae
Dubai Police www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi ae.nepalembassy.gov.np
Ministry of Human Resources www.mohre.gov.ae
Pacifico HR Consultancies www.epacifico.com
Khaleej Times News www.khaleejtimes.com
Etisalat GSM Provider www.etisalat.ae
Government of UAE www.u.ae