Last updated: February 2009

While this guide is not comprehensive, it aims at summarizing some of Dubai’s culture and social etiquette especially for visitors and new residents. Remember that courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.

Regarding your stay here, do note that the following are considered illegal in Dubai:  possession or use of drugs, co-habitation, sex outside marriage, having a baby out of wed-lock, adultery and homosexuality.

Firstly avoid bringing banned goods into Dubai.

Dress Code: You are expected to dress modestly and women should avoid low-cut tops, short skirts and bare arms. Men and women should not walk around in swim-wear or bikinis, unless they are at the beach or poolside.

Driving: Swearing & making rude gestures and all forms of road rage can lead to heavy penalties including a jail sentence. Breaking the traffic law carries serious consequences. For example, you can be imprisoned for running through a red-light, your car can be impounded and you will receive black points on your license.

Alcohol: Non-Muslims are permitted alcohol at hotel bars or at home (with a license). However drinking and driving or appearing in public drunk is not permitted.

Ramadan: This holy month commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran and is the holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, but should abstain from eating, drinking or smoking in public.

Other Religions: Even though Islam is the official religion, as per the UAE Constitution, Dubai respects and tolerates other religions and has churches and temples.

National Holidays: Usually important dates of the Islamic calendar and UAE commemoration dates are national holidays. Since the Islamic calendar is dependent on the sighting of the moon, these holiday dates change every year.

Entering a Majlis: Always remove your footwear. If you are with a female companion, be prepared for her to be escorted to another section. Accept food and refreshment first before you move on to any business. Sharing a meal together will give your host much pleasure.

Some other tips on social etiquette:

• Public displays of affection are not permitted. You can be arrested and jailed as per the law.
• Avoid taking photographs of mosques, military installations or other people, especially Arab women.
• Standing up for new guests and especially older, higher-ranking people is important. Typically, elderly people are greeted first. Men also are expected to stand when a woman enters.
• When a man meets an Emirati woman, do not offer to shake her hand, unless she extends her hand towards you first.
• Most men shake hands to greet and bid farewell to each other. Some Arab men even hold hands and walk. This should not be misconstrued as homosexuality, but as a sign of great brotherly love.
• After shaking hands or greeting, it is customary to enquire into each other’s health. Do not jump into business immediately, but spend a little time to get to know each other.
• Accept refreshments only with your right hand, which should also be used for eating and drinking.
• Do not offer any alcoholic refreshments or food with pork to your Muslim guest.
• Avoid showing the soles of your feet, or pointing your foot at anyone. Crossing your legs and sitting in front of an important guest or official is also deemed rude
• Do not beckon or ask someone to come to you with your finger. If you wish to use a hand gesture, use the whole palm and fingers.

Some more tips can be seen here, courtesy of the UAE Embassy in Washington DC. Also see culture in Dubai and Arabic phrases and responses

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Disclaimer
Even as Dubai eGovernment strives to ease your life in Dubai, we cannot guarantee 100 % that the information provided on these pages is accurate and up-to-date, since all information and procedures are subject to change and revision by the concerned authorities.