Unwritten things to know

[Cikomyr]

Hi everybody. as said earlier on another post, I will soon move into Dubaï, and I wondered if there are.. you know, un-written customs to respect in this city?

The things you never really learn on official channel that might be peticular to the people living there?

Thanks a lot,

[cairogal]

Aside from many of the usual things,(don't show the bottom of your feet, eat w/ your left hand if invited to an Emirati wedding/household, etc.) I think women need to be aware of their behaviour towards the opposite sex. Many men will not shake your hand (no physical contact w/ women they aren't related to). What might be friendly in your home country can be perceived as flirtatious (and therefore inappropriate) over there. Also be aware that most "friendships" with men from the UAE are not really just friendships-it's an unusual concept for the culture.

[cairogal]

I assumed you were female, but if, in fact, you're male, then I would caution you about how you interact with Muslim women. This varies from culture to culture (and you'll be around a lot of Muslim women who are not Emirati). If you are male, then wait to see if a female extends her hand in greeting. No pet names even in jest, no touching, etc. Of course, once you're there, you'll meet people and get a vibe for what they think is appropriate. Just best to err on the side of caution.

A friend told me a story of someone she knew-he was in a bakery when a fight broke out. He tried to shelter an Emirati woman waiting in line from the action. Her husband saw it from the car and came in. Police were called, charges filed, etc.

[Cikomyr]

Originally Posted by cairogal

Aside from many of the usual things,(don't show the bottom of your feet, eat w/ your left hand if invited to an Emirati wedding/household, etc.)

All right, these ones were new to me. I should never show the bottom of my feet? I heard something about wearing shoes without socks being illegal, is it true? Are sandals allowed in the street?

And I should eat with my left hand with Emirati? All right... (may I know the reason? I am.. curious)

Other suggestions of the kind?

(I will be very careful with muslim women, thanks for the tip)

[sgilli3]

I think Cairogal was saying without eating with left hand.
In many cultures here, you only eat with your right hand, as the left is seen as dirty (its the hand used to clean oneself..toileting etc)

Nearly everyone wears sandals here...too hot for socks most of the time.
When sitting and eating with bare feet, keep soles of feet facing down.

The Emiratis are very welcoming people, so relax and enjoy getting to know the local people and the wonderful culture.

[Cikomyr]

Originally Posted by sgilli3

I think Cairogal was saying without eating with left hand.
In many cultures here, you only eat with your right hand, as the left is seen as dirty (its the hand used to clean oneself..toileting etc)

Nearly everyone wears sandals here...too hot for socks most of the time.
When sitting and eating with bear feet, keep soles of feet facing down.

The Emiratis are very welcoming people, so relax and enjoy getting to know the local people and the wonderful culture.

Thanks a lot, this is very informing!

I look forward to discovering their culture. But I just want to know beforehand anything that might be considered insulting/innappropriate that is acceptable in a Western country.

[cairogal]

I think Cairogal was saying without eating with left hand.

Yes-sorry about that! I left out the word that mattered the most! I'm left-handed. I attended a couple wedding parties, and since everyone ate w/ their hands anyway, I just used my right hand to pick things up.

If you are invited to someone's home, don't go empty handed. Chocolates or a baskets of fruits/nuts/dried fruits are appreciated. Don't expect them to open your gift while you're there (don't expect them to serve it if it's food). As Ramadan is approaching, don't drink or eat in front of your Muslim colleagues (you work environment will dictate if there is a safe place to eat/drink during the month). No smoking or chewing gum, either. This would go unnoticed in many places, but I find that banks, the phone company, etc...these are where you might be asked to spit out your gum.

[chiquita]

i've found that the Culture Shock books have come in handy.