Many foreign visitors are put off by popular preconceptions about Islamic Culture. The often misunderstood view is that local Uae Culture is overly conservative and visitors will need to constantly follow very strict rules and laws. This isn’t true. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable or daunted by local UAE culture. The culture is rich, fascinating, and incredibly welcoming.

Here are the basics about respecting local UAE culture and customs. The article considers how to dress in different places, where you can do certain things, and behaviour that should be avoided.

Relax. It’s Not How You Think It Is.

You’re visiting UAE, an Islamic country in the Middle East. The international media has been filled with very negative coverage about Muslims and Islamic culture in recent years. This has created the myth that all Islamic countries are ultra conservative and run along the lines of Sharia law. The UAE does not have an overly strict culture. Instead, the country introduces you to a very historic and traditional Arabian culture, one that’s filled with charm and colourful hospitality. So before worrying and getting fearful about what to do, take a moment to relax and enjoy UAE culture for what it is, rather than how the media might portray the Middle East.

Hospitality is Central to Local UAE Culture

The beautiful heart of UAE (and Islamic) culture beats to a rhythm of hospitality. It is normal to meet strangers and invite them to share a cup of tea. Rather than rush greetings, it’s tradition to spend long minutes saying hello to acquaintances and friends. It’s not just how are you. It’s how is your father, how is your grandfather, how is your wife, and how is your neighbour. The longer the greeting the more that respect is bestowed.  This focus on hospitality makes UAE culture incredibly warm and welcoming. So don’t rush. Meet people’s eyes, ask them how they are, and absorb the hospitality that’s integral to everything in the country. As Islam says, hospitality is a right rather than a gift, and there’s a duty to offer it.

The Difference Between Public and Private Places in the UAE

On a UAE holiday you’ll visit both public and private places. The definition is crucial as it affects what’s seen as acceptable. In public places you’ll be expected to respect all the basic customs of UAE culture (see below), particularly around dressing appropriately and not drinking alcohol. Public places include anywhere outside on the street, shopping malls, buses and the metro systems, public beaches, and open outdoor areas. Private places include hotels, hotel restaurants, places with entrance tickets, taxis, and outdoor areas that are away from public areas. Rules and customs are relaxed when you’re in a private place. So yes, you can have a drink and wear a bikini on the beach – as long as it’s a private hotel beach (which most of the beaches are).

Respecting the Basic Customs of Local UAE Culture

Islamic culture can be seen as conservative when compared with the West. Certain things are disrespectful and should be saved for when you’re in a closed private place. These include:

• Only drinking alcohol in private places – Alcohol is not part of Islamic or UAE culture. However, it is tolerated, as long as it’s done in hotel bars and restaurants (there’s lots of them, especially in Dubai.) Don’t drink alcohol in public or visibly carry alcoholic drinks in a public place – hide bottles in a backpack if necessary.
• Avoid overly intimate displays of affection in public – In a foreign country, it’s usually wise to avoid any undue attention. When you’re in the UAE it’s just about acceptable for couples to walk hand in hand, although not close to mosques or during the holy month of Ramadan. But intimate shows of affection like long kisses and hugs, grabbing or touching, are a definite no no. Save it for your hotel room.
• Avoid swearing and rude gestures – Expletives fly regularly from mouths in many Western cities. But using the F word in the UAE is about as disrespectful as you can get. Remember, this is a culture where hospitality is seen as a right not a privilege. Swearing at somebody is the antitheses of hospitality so expect to cause deep offence if you do.

Dressing to Respect UAE Culture

There are no strict laws on what foreign men and women can wear. However, dressing in revealing clothes is seen as a sign of contempt against UAE culture. In public places, women should cover their shoulders and knees. Men should also dress respectfully without revealing too much skin. But remember the difference between public and private places. It’s absolutely fine to wear a short dress or shorts, as long as you’re sticking to private places. So if you’re visiting two Dubai hotel bars and taking taxis, the miniskirt is fine. It’s not okay if you decide to walk between the two hotel bars.

Many of the UAE beaches are private and it’s more than okay to wear a bikini, swimming trunks, or bathing suit. Note that women going topless is not acceptable anywhere. You’ll also get away with more overt shows of affection on the private beaches – just don’t overdo it, if everyone is staring at you then you’ve probably gone to far. Also remember that some beaches are public and you’ll need to dress much more conservatively for these. These three blog articles offer more detailed advice on what to wear, especially for women: World Nomads, Traveling Mom, Expat Woman.

Cultural Differences Between the Different Emirates

The UAE consists of a series of different Emirates, each at a different place on the cultural scale. Dubai is the most liberal, something that’s reflected in the sheer abundance of hotel bars and restaurants. Ras Al Khaimah is also relatively liberal, promoting itself heavily as a beach destination. Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are a little more conservative and you’ll find a much higher density of mosques in these two Emirates. However, the same guidelines apply to public and private places, so you shouldn’t fall foul of local UAE culture. Sharjah is the most conservative and alcohol is prohibited, except at the Sharjah Wanderers Club. In this Emirate you’ll need to more aware about what you wear and do.

Last Words of Advice: Relax and Respect

UAE culture often brings a few worried nights before travelling. If it’s still preoccupying your thoughts, consider this final piece of advice. Relax. And come with an attitude of respect. Like anywhere in the world, all the locals ask if that you respect their culture. Arriving with a proactive attitude means you’ll always be warmed by their hospitality, and invited to share all the enchanting aspects of UAE culture.

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