The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Arabic coffee (qahwa) is a symbol of hospitality - accept when offered and shake the cup gently when finished to signal you've had enough
Friday is the Muslim holy day and a weekend day - expect reduced hours at many businesses and crowded Friday brunch spots
The UAE operates on a Saturday-Sunday weekend (since 2022), though private businesses may vary
Dress modestly when away from beach and resort areas - cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks, and public spaces
Public displays of affection are discouraged and can result in fines - hold hands discreetly but avoid kissing in public
During Ramadan (dates vary annually), eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone regardless of religion
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Accept Arabic coffee (qahwa) when offered - refusing can be seen as impolite
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home and some mosques
- Dress modestly in public areas, malls, and when visiting mosques - cover shoulders and knees
- Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items - the left hand is considered unclean
- Stand up when an elder or respected person enters the room
- Ask permission before photographing Emirati people, especially women
- Greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) - it is widely appreciated and reciprocated
Don't
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Don't point your finger or the sole of your foot at someone - both are considered rude
- Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or palaces
- Don't consume alcohol in public or outside licensed venues - public intoxication can result in arrest
- Don't use offensive gestures - even thumbs up can be misinterpreted, and raising your middle finger carries serious legal consequences
- Don't kiss or embrace romantically in public spaces
- Don't dress in very revealing clothing outside beach and resort areas
- Don't criticize the government, royal family, or Islam publicly - this carries serious legal consequences
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Qahwa Ceremony
The serving of Arabic coffee is a sacred ritual of Emirati hospitality. The dallah (brass pot) is refilled generously and guests shake their cup side to side when they've had enough to avoid receiving more.
Majlis Culture
The majlis (sitting place) is a traditional gathering space where Emiratis meet for conversation, coffee, and dates. Majlis culture represents open-door hospitality where anyone can join the gathering.
Ramadan Observance
Ramadan is the most important month of the Islamic year with fasting from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims must refrain from public eating and drinking. Evenings transform with magnificent iftar feasts and vibrant night markets.
Falconry Tradition
Falconry (al-safeen) is a UNESCO-listed Emirati heritage tradition dating back thousands of years. Falcons are treated as family members and the UAE Falconry Festival celebrates this living tradition annually.
Diwali and Multicultural Festivals
UAE's 200+ nationalities celebrate their own festivals openly. Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, and Christmas are all celebrated publicly, reflecting the country's multicultural identity alongside Islamic traditions.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Men greet with handshake, sometimes touching noses (khashm) in traditional greeting. Women greet women similarly. Men and women from different families generally don't shake hands unless initiated by the woman.
- Dining
- Wait for the host to begin eating. Compliment the food generously. Try everything offered. Eat with right hand or utensils. Expect generous hospitality - refusals may be gently ignored.
- Dress
- Smart casual in hotels and restaurants. Modest coverage (shoulders and knees) in public areas and malls. Abayas provided at mosque entrances. Beach and resort attire stays at the beach.
- Gifts
- Bring quality dates, sweets, or perfume when visiting an Emirati home. Alcohol is not appropriate as a gift for Muslim hosts. Gifts are often not opened immediately.
- Business
- Exchange business cards with both hands or right hand only. Address people formally until invited to use first names. Meetings may be interrupted for prayer or phone calls - this is normal.
- Tipping
- Not mandatory but appreciated. 10-15% at restaurants if service charge not included. AED 5-10 for taxi drivers. AED 10-20 for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-SAL-am-oo ah-LAY-koom
Wa alaykum as-salam
Response to greeting (And upon you peace)
wa ah-LAY-koom as-SAL-am
Shukran
Thank you
SHOO-kran
Afwan
You're welcome
AF-wan
Min fadlak (to male) / Min fadlik (to female)
Please
min FAD-lak / min FAD-lik
Na'am
Yes
nah-AM
La
No
LAH
Kaif halak? (to male) / Kaif halik? (to female)
How are you?
KAY-if HA-lak / KAY-if HA-lik
Zain / Kwayis
Good / Fine
ZAYN / koo-AY-yis
Bikam hadha?
How much does this cost?
bi-KAM HA-tha
Wayn...?
Where is...?
WAYN
Inshallah
God willing (used constantly for future events)
IN-sha-LAH
Alhamdulillah
Praise God (used to express contentment)
al-HUM-du-LIL-ah
Ahlan wa sahlan
Welcome (to guests)
AH-lan wa SAH-lan
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in United Arab Emirates.
Main: Islam is the official state religion. About 76% of UAE residents are Muslims, though the large expat population means many religions are practiced. The UAE is notably tolerant of all faiths.
Sites: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi) and Dubai's Jumeirah Grand Mosque are open to non-Muslim visitors. Over 4,200 mosques operate across the UAE.
Holy Days: Friday is the holy day with Friday prayers at midday. Ramadan (month of fasting, dates vary annually) and Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are the major Islamic holidays with public closures.
Conversations: Avoid criticizing Islamic beliefs, practices, or the Prophet. Discussions about religion are fine but criticism is legally and socially sensitive. Converting a Muslim to another religion is illegal.