It is essential and fair to conduct your research before travelling to any nation to avoid upsetting someone. This will also guarantee that you have a trouble-free vacation. It is essential to be knowledgeable about local traditions before booking a flydubai flight and travelling to any nation. By doing so, you’ll be able to communicate with locals and enjoy your vacation without upsetting anybody and avoid making any cultural misjudgments.
The blend of Arabian, Islamic, and Persian civilizations has left its imprint on many parts of the UAE’s seven emirates. The lifestyle, food, traditions, dancing, music, and many other aspects of UAE culture all exhibit the country’s rich cultural diversity. Visitors to any Emirate should be aware of some modest gestures in daily life since Emirati culture differs significantly from Western equivalents in many aspects. This is a comprehensive guide to UAE behaviour and customs in Emirati culture.
- Visiting a residence in the UAE
Locals in the UAE are quite friendly. Every time they have guests, they always welcome them with coffee and sometimes even a date. Accepting coffee is courteous, and waving your cup side to side to indicate that you’ve had enough is also polite. Refusing coffee or food might be seen as rude. It’s crucial to take your shoes off before entering an Emirati house and to express your gratitude for the food that is offered. Furthermore, before entering and leaving the host’s house, guests should shake hands with the hosts.
- Greeting Emirati People
One of the most essential points to note is that since Emiratis are so friendly and hospitable, they regularly welcome acquaintances with extended pleasantries that include gratitude to God as well as hugs and kisses. This is how guys often greet one another. Never attempt to shake an Emirati woman’s hand until she initially offers her hand, and neither try to embrace or touch one.
- Taking Precautions During Ramadan
For the Emirati people and other Muslim cultures living in the United Arab Emirates, Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is of utmost significance. Muslims fast every day of the month of Ramadan from dawn to sundown. This event rotates around according to the lunar calendar, but it’s important to be aware that you shouldn’t consume any food or beverages, smoke, or even chew gum in public when in the UAE during Ramadan. The country’s laws forbid it in addition to being very disrespectful to individuals who are fasting.
- Dressing Appropriately
When travelling to the UAE, visitors should bear a few dressing considerations in mind. It’s considered rude for Western males to wear Emirati national dress unless they are visitors to a desert safari or another area that welcomes them to try one of the nation’s traditional attire. Women should also be careful about what they are wearing. Although certain Emirates have more permissive dress restrictions than others, ladies should strive to dress in a way that won’t be seen as indecent when entering an Emirate residence.
- Following Suitable Body Language
A foreigner’s connection with an Emirati native might be made or broken by their body language. When communicating with Emiratis, there are a few tiny things you should be aware of. For instance, unless it is a member of the staff, it is customary to stand whenever someone walks into the room. Additionally, sitting with one’s feet towards them is thought to be exceedingly disrespectful by the locals. The left hand should never be used to serve food, and it is against the law to make public displays of love.
- Respecting the families living there
For Muslims, and especially for Emirati people, the family is one of the most essential aspects of life. Locals in the UAE are very close to their families. not only their close family but also their grandparents, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. They often live close together, either in the same neighbourhood of homes or just nearby. These links between families are quite strong, thus it’s important to respect the locals’ families.
- Adhering To The Eating Preferences
Visitors should take the time to savour some of the delectable Emirati cuisines since it is so good. Locals in the UAE love to eat, and they often give God gratitude before and after meals. Dates and camel milk are a few of the most popular treats that Emirati people like to eat. It’s vital to remember that locals don’t drink, therefore it’s preferable to choose a restaurant without alcohol if you’re going out to dinner with an Emirati buddy. Furthermore, never offer pork to locals or Muslims in general since it is against their faith to consume it.
- Being Careful With Emirati Females
Minor things that are typical in Western society are very upsetting when undertaken with Emirati women. Photographing an Emirati woman is not permitted under any circumstances. Additionally, staring at a woman wearing traditional clothing is quite insulting. This is not appropriate to do at all, despite the fact that visitors might be doing it unintentionally and out of curiosity. Even chatting with Emirati women is disapproved since it is considered disrespectful to make any kind of unwanted physical contact with them.
- Taking Caution About Your Behaviour In Public
A few public actions are exceedingly taboo in the UAE, and in certain cases, they are outright prohibited. Being drunk and rowdy is a huge no-no in the UAE since residents don’t drink, and doing so might result in arrest by the authorities. Furthermore, it is thought that public shows of devotion are somewhat demeaning to Emirati culture. What to photograph is another consideration for travellers. Along with military and governmental buildings, it is prohibited to snap pictures of women.
- Dancing And Music
This last custom is one that you should appreciate as a tourist, not be cautious of. Tourists are sure to enjoy the pleasure and excitement of Emirati music and dancing. They can see it when on desert safaris or while travelling to the UAE during national holidays. Emirati music dates back to the period of the Bedouins and was performed by camel herders, and stage performers, and was also quite renowned with pearl divers.
