Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Dubai is a Muslim-majority city with strong Islamic values despite its cosmopolitan veneer — respect for local customs is expected from all visitors
Cover shoulders and knees in all public spaces, shopping malls, and markets. Swimwear is only appropriate at beaches and hotel pools.
Greet Emirati and Arab people with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) — the response is 'Wa alaykum assalam'. This simple greeting shows respect.
Accept coffee, dates, and hospitality offered by Emiratis with your right hand and gratitude — refusing is considered impolite.
During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants reduce hours and cultural life shifts to the evenings.
The weekend in Dubai is Saturday-Sunday (since 2022). Friday is the Islamic holy day and mosque attendance is high in the morning.
Photography of people — especially women — requires permission. Photographing government buildings and military sites is prohibited.
Bargaining is expected in traditional souks (Gold Souk, Spice Souk). Fixed prices apply in malls and modern shops.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving items, eating, and passing objects. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly in public spaces, covering shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and some traditional homes
- Accept offered hospitality such as Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates with gratitude
- Greet shopkeepers and locals with 'As-salamu alaykum'
- Use your right hand for handshakes, eating, and passing items
- Seek permission before photographing local people
- Respect prayer times when shops may briefly close
- Carry a light scarf to cover up when entering cultural sites
Don't
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Don't display affection publicly — kissing and hugging in public can attract police attention
- Don't photograph government buildings, palaces, airports, or military sites
- Don't use offensive language or rude gestures — fines and arrest are possible
- Don't consume alcohol outside licensed hotel venues
- Don't bring or use drugs of any kind — penalties are extremely severe
- Don't dress immodestly outside of beach and pool areas
- Don't disrespect Islam or UAE leadership in any public forum including social media
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Arabic Coffee and Dates
Offering qahwa (unsweetened cardamom coffee) and dates is the traditional Emirati welcome. Accept with your right hand and a nod.
Majlis Culture
The majlis (sitting room) is the heart of Emirati social life. Guests sit on floor cushions, drink coffee, and converse. Men and women traditionally have separate majlis gatherings.
Friday Prayers
The Friday midday prayer (Jumu'ah) is the most important of the week. Businesses may close 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Traffic around mosques increases significantly.
Ramadan
The holy month of fasting is one of the most significant cultural events. The atmosphere becomes community-oriented and spiritual; Iftar (breaking fast) meals at sunset are generous community events.
National Day (December 2)
UAE National Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and public decorations. Hotels and tourist areas hold special events.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake between men is standard. Arab men may greet close male friends with a nose touch. Women may or may not extend their hand to men — wait and follow their lead.
- Dining
- In Emirati homes, allow the host to start eating first. Compliment the food. Use only the right hand for eating.
- Dress
- Smart casual acceptable in most restaurants. More upscale venues require smart dress. Swimwear only at beaches and pools.
- Gifts
- Bring sweets or fruit when visiting an Emirati home. Avoid alcohol, pork products, or anything with sexual imagery as a gift.
- Business
- Business cards should be presented and received with both hands or the right hand. Emiratis value relationship-building before business discussions.
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants where service charge is not included. AED 5-10 for hotel bellboys and housekeeping. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم)
Hello / Peace be upon you
As-sa-LA-mu a-LAY-kum
Wa alaykum assalam (وعليكم السلام)
And upon you peace (response)
Wa a-LAY-kum as-sa-LAM
Ahlan wa sahlan (أهلاً وسهلاً)
Welcome
AH-lan wa SAH-lan
Shukran (شكراً)
Thank you
SHOOK-ran
Afwan (عفواً)
You're welcome
AF-wan
Min fadlak (م/f: Min fadlik) (من فضلك)
Please
Min FAD-lak
Na'am (نعم)
Yes
NA-am
La (لا)
No
LAA
Bikam haatha? (بكم هذا؟)
How much does this cost?
Bi-KAM HAA-tha
Ayn al-hammam? (أين الحمام؟)
Where is the toilet?
AY-n al-ha-MAM
Bil hana wa shifa (بالهناء والشفاء)
Cheers / Bon appétit
Bil-HA-na wa shi-FA
Inshallah (إن شاء الله)
God willing
In-SHA-allah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Dubai.
Main: Islam is the official religion of the UAE. Dubai's population is predominantly Muslim, though the expat majority of 90% means all world religions are represented.
Sites: Jumeirah Mosque (open for tours), Grand Mosque Bur Dubai, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque (the 'Blue Mosque'), several Hindu temples in Bur Dubai
Holy Days: Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid Al Adha, Lailat Al Mi'raj, Islamic New Year. Dates vary annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Conversations: Discussing religious topics is generally acceptable in an educational context. Criticism of Islam or UAE leadership is illegal and should be avoided.