GFDL/Tobias Walter

While carrying out business in any foreign workplace, it is necessary that certain norms relating to etiquettes followed by that country should be embedded within us. Known officially as ‘Business etiquettes’ these norms follow different rules in each country. Working Hours:  Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the UAE located in the Mid East region. Topically it is known to face harsh summers with temperatures rising to boiling points. Due to this taking a break between working hours is a common practice in all Dubai offices. A typical working week in Dubai proceeds from Saturday to Wednesday with the working day starting at 8:00 pm till 1:00 pm. Afternoon hours from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm are siesta times after which business recommences at 5:00 pm and runs till 7:00 pm in the evening. During Ramadan working days are two hours shorter. Formal Dress Code: Although the most liberal of all emirates, Dubai still follows a silent and assumed dress code that adheres to mild conservatism. Business suits for men and formal office wear like jackets & trousers for women is essential as covered arms and legs are termed as appropriate. Women should dress conservatively refraining from short skirts and low necklines when on business. If you are working in rural Dubai, dress up in their traditional attire. Casual Conversations: Business meetings with Arab clients can take place in informal places such as restaurants. The conversation generally starts by inquiring about the family and making a polite chat; say about the Dubai weather. It’s possible that you may quickly arrive at the formal business conversation part with the meeting getting over in a shorter period of time than stipulated. Keep controversies apart: Don’t criticize an Arab business colleague or start a controversy regarding business or personal matters, in public places. This will be termed as an ‘insult’ of the colleague which will be resented by him. An Arab Handshake: Arab handshakes are very gentle compared to the West. Just the touching of the palms of the right hands is fine. Call the colleague by ‘Mr’ (Sayed) or ‘Mrs’ (Sayeda) if a woman. Don’t initiate a handshake with a woman, unless she offers to do so. Business Cards: Have one side of your business card translated in Arabia as a gesture of politeness. While presenting your business card to an Arab colleague/client keep the Arabic side of the card face up.

Tourists at The Dubai Mall

Dubai is predominantly a Muslim society but yet doesn’t impose any stringent rules or regulations on its visitors with reference to personal lifestyle. Amongst all the Emirates in UAE, the laws in Dubai are the most flexible allowing complete freedom to a tourist / business expat in its city.

But as a guest in a foreign country, it becomes our duty that we govern our social behavior or act according to the customs prevailing in the said country. Compared to other Arabic/Muslim countries, women have the freedom to wear, say and roam according to their wishes. But certain limitations are to be self-imposed in the dressing style. At one point of time exposing skin was banned in public places like shopping malls or beaches. But with booming tourism, rules have been relaxed and women tourists can now enjoy wearing “western” clothing as long as it’s not offensive. Bathing suits are okay at hotel pools and private beaches, but if possible refrain to one piece suits.
Men are also expected to dress demurely with no bold overtones. Don’t go over the top with eccentrically designed crazy or tacky clothes. You wouldn’t be really welcome in Dubai.
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims holds utmost importance in Dubai. The festival which takes place during the ninth month of Islamic calendar, generally occurs during September – October according to Roman calendar. Dates aren’t fixed as it is dependent upon the sighting of the new moon. Guests and tourists as a sign of regard are also expected to abstain from alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking and singing in public places during the day. This is obligatory according to Dubai Law.  Accordingly you won’t find any food or drink shops open in the day. But the life in evenings brightens up with the city, restaurants and pubbing places working overnight.

General Etiquettes in Dubai:

1. Make sure that your Arab friend consumes alcoholic drinks before offering.
2. When in the sitting position, keep your legs firmly placed on the ground and not crossed.
3. Always eat/drink with your right hand as the left hand is considered to be unhygienic by the Arabic world.
4. Do not show the soles of your feet or shoes as this implies as a mark of disrespect to the other person. It could mean that you are comparing him to the soles which correspondent to ‘dirt’ or ‘trash’.
5. If a Moslem is praying, do not walk in front of him or stare at him.
6. If you have not accepted Islam as your religion, then take out prior permission before entering a Mosque.
7. Do not point fingers at the other person as this is considered impolite or disrespectful.
8. No public display of affection.
9. Avoid aggressive behavior withstanding any condition you are faced with.
10. Ask permission before taking photographs of local people