Etiquette in Dubai – a simple guide

Dubai is a great tourist destination with many attractions and things to do. The city is a Mecca for shoppers and offers some of the most luxurious and elegant hospitality options for the guests. With so many things to do and explore, one should also be mindful of respecting long rooted traditions and cultures in the country.

There are certain values and traditions that one would need to respect and adhere to when in Dubai. Although the country is one of the main entertainment hubs in the Middle East, with so many tourists and foreign nationals coming over, the country is also deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, which is part of Dubai’s lifestyle and culture.

When you are invited to an Arab’s house there are certain things to keep in mind. It is important that you try to arrive on time without being delayed. It is advised to dress conservatively and to respect elders in the residence. Before entering the house its better to remove your shoes and bringing a small gift, as it is a widely practiced norm. Unless accepted positively, gifting alcohol is not very appropriate. You may be served with Arabian Coffee and dates, please feel free to taste and enjoy these treats as a gesture of friendship. Generally if you are invited for a meal, it suggests that its time to socialize and have a small talk before the meal is served.

When traveling around the city it is advised that you dress appropriately. Trousers are requested to be worn by men, while women should be wearing a dress long enough to cover their knees. This is not requested once inside a hotel, a bar or a nightclub, and visitors could wear what they wish in these places. Alcohol is consumption is not allowed in streets or public places. You could go for a drink at a hotel, a pub or at a nightclub. Locals could enjoy a drink in their homes as long as they have a valid alcohol license provided by the municipality.

Please try to avoid taking photographs of government buildings, airports, ports or military installation. When you try to photograph the locals, especially women please make sure that you get their consent politely.

Having a general knowledge about the culture and its traditions would help you out while exploring the wonderful city of Dubai. Finding the right place to stay and dine is also of importance during your stay in the city. Raffles Dubai UAE is a deluxe hotel in Dubai providing excellent accommodation options along with great dining options coupled with several Dubai restaurants