Social Customs
05.08.2010
Customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates has its origins in the fact that this is primarily a Muslim country. Therefore, to achieve understanding and agreement with this country, and just to relax you need to know what is Islam and what its laws.
Religion
The word “Islam” literally translates from Arabic as “submission to the will of God”. This is the second in the number of believers world religion. The Muslims believe in a single, omnipotent and eternal God – Allah, and believe that since the creation of the world every little detail, manages by his will and mind.
Muslims worship the prophets Adam and Noah, Abraham and Moussa, Issa (known to all Christians as Abraham, Moses, Jesus) and many others. But the latest in a chain of prophets, they recognize the Prophet Muhammad. You must know that this name is not pronounced in vain.
Muslims are required to pray five times a day. Time for prayers is not constant, so is announced separately in newspapers, on radio and television every day. The call to prayer is heard from the minarets of mosques, amplified by speakers. If the prayer time caught the Muslim far away from mosque, he can perform this ritual at any place follow to certain formalities, one of which – an indispensable treatment to the direction of Mecca.
During the month of fasting, Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink, smoke in the daytime. So it will be a sign of respect not to do so at least in public places. Regarding alcohol, there are significant limitations, especially strict ban on alcohol in Sharjah. However, visitors still have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars of hotels.
We must always remember that Dubai is a young city in the literal and figurative senses. It is a cosmopolitan city that is dominated by Arab youth, educated or long lived in the West, and therefore, to put it mildly, not always adhere strictly to Islamic customs. Nevertheless, they do not determine the overall climate and the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city.
Greetings & Communication
Men are welcomed with a slight bow. Handshake in the UAE is a special ritual, manifestation of sincere warmth and friendliness in relation to the interlocutor, so it takes a little longer than we are accustomed to. Saying goodbye, shake the hand, more appreciated person for you – with two hands. At this moment, do not look in the eyes, as well as you shouldn’t be swinging the other hand or hold it in your pocket. Also it is not recommended to offer local residents alcoholic beverages as gifts or souvenirs.
A married woman can not be taken by the arm. Do not try first to lend a hand to a Muslim woman. If this handshake is acceptable to the norms and rules, she will do it first. Generally, an excessive attention to the woman (as well as actions that may be considered as excessive attention) can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 60 thousand dirhams.
Even if you feel some things are strange and funny, remember that in the Arab world, these traditions are sacrosanct and evolved over the centuries.
Arabs attaches great importance to the family, the older generation is in special esteem, and children are a sign of prosperity. Talking with Arab, even if you have a long and very well relationships, never try to ask questions about his wife. Permissible only to inquire politely about the family.
English in the city of Dubai is the language of inter-ethnic communication. However, if you’re a foreigner, will start to speak in Arabic, it will allow you to open many doors without a key and to earn a special respect from local people.
Visits
If you are invited to visit the local people, it should be denied in no case, even if you have no time, or you’re in a hurry. Arabs are very hospitable. There is a tradition to meet people with tea, coffee or with some drinks. In the East, people are very proud of ancient traditions of hospitality and cherish them. Therefore, rejection of treats could be perceived as an insult or disrespect to the owner’s house. If there are no forks, you have to wash your right hand and take the food with a pinch. Before you enter a home, you must remove your shoes. Provocative and offensive to the Arab is a view of facing in his direction soles of interlocutor sitting in front of him. However, if the house owner goes ahead of you and enters in the shoes, then this ban is removed. You should accept and offer food and drinks, or any other objects (including money) only with the right hand. In the Emirates is not taken to eat standing or on the go, and to look at the face of the person, busy eating. Tea, like coffee, are served already sweet, but without milk in small cups without handles. To unsubscribe from additional servings of coffee, you should shake an empty cup and say “shukran”. Bread is usually broken by hands. The Arabic tea with herbs is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
Clothes
Routine men clothes for foreigners are lightweight trousers, shirt and tie. Jackets put on a special or formal occasions. Women are required to wear light dress or blouse with long sleeves and skirt. In the city of Dubai, where almost all year round reigns summer and the heat, does not exist strong restrictions on women clothing. However, out of respect for local traditions, women should avoid wearing too open and causing dresses. The beach and pool are allowed to be in bathing suits. Ladies are not recommended to be without top leotard. The appearance in public places in sports or beach clothes is considered as very rude. Photography
When shooting in the city do not accidentally capture military facilities and buildings, police station or Arab women. Also pictures with government agencies, the palaces of Sheikhs is strictly prohibited. This will help avoid trouble. Men must be asked for a permission to take photo of them herewith clothing should be modest.
Penalties
Penalty for abandoned street trash is 500 dirhams, even if you just missed the urn. Swearing in a public place or the utterance of threats to the interlocutor (even rhetorical!) can result to prison terms of up to 7 years. Ramadan – the Muslim month of fasting, and disrespect for the traditions can lead to fines and even imprisonment.
Customs and traditions of the United Arabian Emirates may seem to you strange and incomprehensible, however, you should show as much respect for the residents of this wonderful country, because the customs and traditions is a part of history, and the history should be known and respected.
The word “Islam” literally translates from Arabic as “submission to the will of God”. This is the second in the number of believers world religion. The Muslims believe in a single, omnipotent and eternal God – Allah, and believe that since the creation of the world every little detail, manages by his will and mind.
Muslims worship the prophets Adam and Noah, Abraham and Moussa, Issa (known to all Christians as Abraham, Moses, Jesus) and many others. But the latest in a chain of prophets, they recognize the Prophet Muhammad. You must know that this name is not pronounced in vain.
Muslims are required to pray five times a day. Time for prayers is not constant, so is announced separately in newspapers, on radio and television every day. The call to prayer is heard from the minarets of mosques, amplified by speakers. If the prayer time caught the Muslim far away from mosque, he can perform this ritual at any place follow to certain formalities, one of which – an indispensable treatment to the direction of Mecca.
During the month of fasting, Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink, smoke in the daytime. So it will be a sign of respect not to do so at least in public places. Regarding alcohol, there are significant limitations, especially strict ban on alcohol in Sharjah. However, visitors still have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars of hotels.
We must always remember that Dubai is a young city in the literal and figurative senses. It is a cosmopolitan city that is dominated by Arab youth, educated or long lived in the West, and therefore, to put it mildly, not always adhere strictly to Islamic customs. Nevertheless, they do not determine the overall climate and the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city.
Greetings & Communication
Men are welcomed with a slight bow. Handshake in the UAE is a special ritual, manifestation of sincere warmth and friendliness in relation to the interlocutor, so it takes a little longer than we are accustomed to. Saying goodbye, shake the hand, more appreciated person for you – with two hands. At this moment, do not look in the eyes, as well as you shouldn’t be swinging the other hand or hold it in your pocket. Also it is not recommended to offer local residents alcoholic beverages as gifts or souvenirs.
A married woman can not be taken by the arm. Do not try first to lend a hand to a Muslim woman. If this handshake is acceptable to the norms and rules, she will do it first. Generally, an excessive attention to the woman (as well as actions that may be considered as excessive attention) can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 60 thousand dirhams.
Even if you feel some things are strange and funny, remember that in the Arab world, these traditions are sacrosanct and evolved over the centuries.
Arabs attaches great importance to the family, the older generation is in special esteem, and children are a sign of prosperity. Talking with Arab, even if you have a long and very well relationships, never try to ask questions about his wife. Permissible only to inquire politely about the family.
English in the city of Dubai is the language of inter-ethnic communication. However, if you’re a foreigner, will start to speak in Arabic, it will allow you to open many doors without a key and to earn a special respect from local people.
Visits
If you are invited to visit the local people, it should be denied in no case, even if you have no time, or you’re in a hurry. Arabs are very hospitable. There is a tradition to meet people with tea, coffee or with some drinks. In the East, people are very proud of ancient traditions of hospitality and cherish them. Therefore, rejection of treats could be perceived as an insult or disrespect to the owner’s house. If there are no forks, you have to wash your right hand and take the food with a pinch. Before you enter a home, you must remove your shoes. Provocative and offensive to the Arab is a view of facing in his direction soles of interlocutor sitting in front of him. However, if the house owner goes ahead of you and enters in the shoes, then this ban is removed. You should accept and offer food and drinks, or any other objects (including money) only with the right hand. In the Emirates is not taken to eat standing or on the go, and to look at the face of the person, busy eating. Tea, like coffee, are served already sweet, but without milk in small cups without handles. To unsubscribe from additional servings of coffee, you should shake an empty cup and say “shukran”. Bread is usually broken by hands. The Arabic tea with herbs is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
Clothes
Routine men clothes for foreigners are lightweight trousers, shirt and tie. Jackets put on a special or formal occasions. Women are required to wear light dress or blouse with long sleeves and skirt. In the city of Dubai, where almost all year round reigns summer and the heat, does not exist strong restrictions on women clothing. However, out of respect for local traditions, women should avoid wearing too open and causing dresses. The beach and pool are allowed to be in bathing suits. Ladies are not recommended to be without top leotard. The appearance in public places in sports or beach clothes is considered as very rude. Photography
When shooting in the city do not accidentally capture military facilities and buildings, police station or Arab women. Also pictures with government agencies, the palaces of Sheikhs is strictly prohibited. This will help avoid trouble. Men must be asked for a permission to take photo of them herewith clothing should be modest.
Penalties
Penalty for abandoned street trash is 500 dirhams, even if you just missed the urn. Swearing in a public place or the utterance of threats to the interlocutor (even rhetorical!) can result to prison terms of up to 7 years. Ramadan – the Muslim month of fasting, and disrespect for the traditions can lead to fines and even imprisonment.
Customs and traditions of the United Arabian Emirates may seem to you strange and incomprehensible, however, you should show as much respect for the residents of this wonderful country, because the customs and traditions is a part of history, and the history should be known and respected.
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