Customs in the UAE

Most tourists when mentioning the rest in the UAE imagine only ultra-modern Dubai , giant skyscrapers , palm islands , city shopping centers and magical beach resorts . However, behind the brilliance and luxury lies a diverse mosaic of 6 other emirates , each of which has its own character and charm. Today we will tell you more about the amazing culture and customs in the UAE , which every traveler who is planning to travel to this hot colorful land should know.

Culture of the United Arab Emirates

The surprising combination of modern international trends and ancient Arab traditions is the determining factor in the local culture, therefore every foreign visitor planning to go to the UAE should first of all become familiar with some of the trivial truths of this region:

  1. Religion. The basis of the culture, political system and lifestyle of the local population is Islam, but it is also multicultural and tolerant of other religions that the country's guests can profess. Nevertheless, knowledge of the main regulations is still necessary. Among them, in addition to the belief in one god and the compulsory tax once a year, include prayer 5 times a day, fasting in Ramadan and pilgrimage to the holy land - Mecca. To joke or in any way show their disagreement and disrespect to the five pillars of Islam in the UAE is not only ugly, but also punishable.
  2. Language. The official language of the country is Arabic, but one can say with certainty that most residents know it badly. This is especially true in the largest city of the United Arab Emirates - Dubai, where the majority of the population are immigrants from Iran, India, Asia, etc. Since the state for some time was a British protectorate, many of its residents studied English at schools and they are quite good, not to mention employees of hotels , restaurants, etc. commercial establishments whose duties include knowledge of English.
  3. Clothing. National dress plays an important role in the lives of UAE citizens, so they wear them not only on holidays, but also as everyday clothes. Men wear traditional kandur (a long white shirt) with a white or red checkered kerchief fixed with a black cord on the head. As for women, their apparels are also rather conservative and closed. Most often this is a free dress in a black floor with long sleeves - abaya. And although foreign tourists are not required to wear a hijab, an appearance on the street in a T-shirt and shorts / a skirt above the knees will cause great disapproval from the local.

Rules of table etiquette

Many customs and traditions of the UAE for tourists, especially from European countries, are incomprehensible and sometimes ridiculous, but it should be remembered that this is a historical heritage that must be honored and respected. Speaking about the culture of this amazing eastern state, we can not fail to mention such an important aspect as table etiquette. Regardless of whether you are in a restaurant at a business meeting, dinner on a visit in an informal setting or just decided to have a snack in one of the street cafes, you need to remember a few rules:

  1. Muslims in the UAE eat only with their right hand. The left should not touch either the food, or even the edge of the table.
  2. Local residents never throw their feet on their feet - this position is seen as rough and disrespectful.
  3. In public catering establishments and today it is often possible to see how men and women eat in different rooms. Especially this rule is honored in conservative families, although, of course, foreign guests are not required to follow such a tradition.
  4. Most residents of the UAE do not drink alcohol at all, but in this respect the laws of the country are liberal enough to foreign travelers. You can buy alcohol at specialized shops, restaurants and bars in 5-star hotels, but note that the legal age for making such a purchase is 21 years.
  5. Try to avoid traveling during the month of Ramadan. During this period, Muslims fast. Alcohol for the local in the holy month is taboo, but tourists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can still buy drinks at night in one of the bars.

Traditional celebrations and celebrations

Where else can you better get acquainted with the culture and customs in the UAE, how not at one of the local celebrations? If you were lucky enough to be invited to a holiday , be sure to take the opportunity to participate in this grandiose event.

Among the main national holidays in the Emirates are the days of the beginning and the end of the month of Ramadan, Kurban-Bayram and the birthday of the prophet. These celebrations are of a religious nature and are celebrated with special luxury: during a few days (and sometimes a whole month), large street marches are held, accompanied by hymns and dances, mosques and houses are decorated, fireworks and many more are thundering. etc. The number of important non-religious holidays includes the New Year and the National Day of the UAE.

Another significant event in the life of every Muslim is a wedding . Among the many centuries-old customs that are still observed today, one of the most interesting is the Night of Henna (Leilat al-Henna), when the hands and feet of the bride in the presence of all friends and relatives are decorated with ornate patterns. As for the scope of the holiday, then at most weddings there are more than 200 guests. Invited relatives, friends and neighbors are not obliged to bring gifts, and even on the contrary - such a gesture can upset the newlyweds. By the way, the happiest day in the life of lovers often turns into a whole week of festivities.

Useful tips for tourists

The traditions and customs of the Arab Emirates are truly unique and unusual for guests from abroad, and although Muslim laws are tolerant enough to a freer way of life for tourists, they should not be neglected. Among the general recommendations that will help make your trip even more enjoyable, also include the following:

  1. Plan your time for shopping. Large shopping centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi work from 10:00 to 22:00 daily, and on holidays even longer, but the situation with local markets, bazaars and small shops, the schedule of which is from 7:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00. Closed on Fridays, Saturdays.
  2. Be careful with the camera. It is allowed to take pictures of landscapes and sights , but local residents, especially women, need to ask for permission before filming. In addition, the presence of a camera may be prohibited in some public places intended only for women and children. Photos of government buildings, military facilities, etc. is also prohibited.
  3. If your trip is of a business nature, then you should know some mandatory rules. So, for example, all meetings should be scheduled in advance, in a few weeks, and the preferred time for negotiations is the morning. Do not make yourself wait, because the delay in the UAE - a sign of frivolity and disrespect. As for handshakes, they should be light, not strong and dominant.
  4. Carefully choose a topic for conversation. You can start the conversation with discussing the weather, general questions about the family are also acceptable. Speak quietly and politely, without affecting politics, etc., contentious issues.