Cultural Etiquette in the UAE – Do’s and Don’ts for Expats and Tourists

Respect, modesty, and public decorum are the main cultural practices that foreigners and visitors should be aware of before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. These practices are a reflection of Islamic and Arab traditions.

• Generally, men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees in public places. Steer clear of extremely revealing, transparent, or tight clothing.

• Avoid making intimate physical contact with anyone in public. Married couples may hold hands, but anything beyond that is forbidden.

• It is strictly prohibited to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan.
• Eating, drinking, greeting, and passing objects or cash should all be done with your right hand.

The fundamental rule of modesty when dressing in public is to cover one’s knees and shoulders.

• General Public Areas – Everyone should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Steer clear of clothing that is extremely tight, transparent, or low-cut.

• Mosques and Religious Sites – Mosques and other places of worship require visitors to dress modestly. Both men and women must fully cover their arms and legs, and women must cover their hair with a scarf. Before going inside, shoes must be taken off.

• Beaches and Hotel Pools – Hotel pools and beaches are the only places where swimwear is permitted. When you walk to or from the hotel’s pool or beach, as well as in other public areas, you must dress appropriately.

In the UAE, public displays of affection (PDA) are generally forbidden and should be strictly regulated.

• Acceptable – Married couples are usually allowed to hold hands in public spaces like parks or big shopping centers, especially in liberal places like Dubai.

• Avoid – Even married couples may face warnings, fines, or even arrest for kissing, cuddling, intimate hugging, or any other excessively personal contact in public areas (streets, malls, restaurants). Intimate gestures should be saved for the privacy of your hotel room.

• Standard Greeting – The most obedient and standard greeting is the Arabic phrase: “As-salamu alaykum”. “Wa alaykum as-salam” is the reply.

• Handshakes – A handshake is customary between individuals of the same gender. Handshakes are usually gentle and last longer than Western norms.

• Opposite Gender – Men should wait for their female counterpart to initiate the handshake. The most appropriate and courteous thing to do if she keeps her hands to herself is to smile amiably, nod slightly, or put your right hand over your heart.

Etiquette centers on gratitude and respect, and hospitality is fundamental to Emirati culture.

• Accept Hospitality – If you are offered Arabic coffee (Qahwa) or dates, it is polite to accept at least a small amount. Refusing hospitality too quickly can be considered impolite.

• Await the Elders – Wait until the oldest person or the host starts eating before taking your first bite if you are seated at a meal with other people.

• Leaving Food – To show that you are satisfied, it is courteous to leave a very small amount of food on your plate; otherwise, it might be assumed that you are still hungry.

Everyone, including non-Muslims, must show greater respect during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

• Avoid Eating, Drinking, and Smoking in Public – It is forbidden for non-Muslims to consume any food, beverages (including water), or cigarettes or vapes in public spaces during the day (from sunrise to sunset). This includes chewing gum.

• Be Discreet – You are allowed to eat and drink in private spaces, such as your hotel room or specific sections of offices or shopping centers. Even in your car, be discreet if the windows are open.

• Dress and Behavior – Keep a stricter measure of humility in dress and bypass any loud music, dancing, or overly loud behavior in public.

It is customary to address Emiratis with their title and then their first name when doing so formally or respectfully.

• Emirati Men – Put “Sayed” or “Sheikh” after their name if they belong to the ruling family.

• Emirati Women – Use “Sayeda” or, if from the ruling family, “Sheikha” followed by their name.

• Professional/Western Context – Although using the Arabic titles is always appreciated, it is generally acceptable to use “Mr./Ms./Dr [Last Name]” in a business setting.

It is common practice to take pictures of landmarks, but there are strict rules about photographing people and sensitive sites –

• Request Consent – Never take a picture of someone without their express verbal consent, especially Emirati women and children. Without permission, taking or disseminating someone’s photo is a grave violation of cybercrime and privacy laws that can result in fines or even jail time.

• Restricted Areas – Do not take pictures of royal palaces, ports, airports, military installations, or government buildings. Seek out “No Photography” signs.

Body language is crucial, and specific standard Western gestures are offensive –

• Showing the Soles of the Feet – Avoid crossing your legs while seated so that the soles of your feet or shoes point in the direction of other people. It is extremely disrespectful to point the soles of your feet at someone because they are thought to be unclean.

• Pointing – Make gestures with an open hand or the entire hand rather than pointing an index finger at someone.

• The gesture of thumbs up – The “thumbs up” gesture is common in the West, but in some Arab countries, it can be seen as impolite or offensive. Expressing approval with an open palm is safer.

Culture and religion are important factors that need to be respected according to etiquette –

• Avoid Talking About Sensitive Subjects – Don’t publicly discuss or criticize Islam, the government, the ruling families, or local politics.

• Respect Prayer Times – When the call to prayer (Adhan) sounds, pay attention, turn down the volume, and avoid walking right in front of someone who is praying in public.

• Alcohol Consumption – The consumption of alcohol is only allowed in licensed establishments (hotels, bars, restaurants) and in private residences. It is strictly illegal and punishable by severe consequences to be drunk in public.