Photo from the archive of "Zagranitsa"
The Quran as an Aid
Of course, no one requires you to mention the Prophet Muhammad every hour; it is generally not acceptable to utter his name in vain. However, knowledge of the Quran has never hurt anyone. It, among other things, defines the basic norms of behavior and customs of Muslims from birth to death, describing all aspects of life - spiritual, material, everyday. Therefore, the legislation of the UAE, like that of most other Muslim countries, is entirely based on the principles sent down to the Prophet Muhammad by Almighty Allah.
The prayers of Muslims, which they perform five times a day, must be treated with respect. And you should plan your daily schedule based on newspapers, radio, and television, which constantly report the times of prayer. The call to prayer is heard from the minarets of mosques, amplified many times over by loudspeakers. If the hour of prayer catches a Muslim far from a mosque or a specially adapted room, he may perform this ritual anywhere, observing certain formalities, one of which is the obligatory turning toward Mecca.
Try not to stare at the people praying - it is indecent. Gaping, wandering or standing in front of them, photographing or filming them during prayer, entering a mosque in provocative clothing - are also signs of bad manners.
Refrain from commenting on the advisability of the five daily prayers, fasting, women's clothing, and Arab women in general. Even if much seems strange or funny to you, remember: it was not you who introduced these "strange and funny" traditions into this world. They have been shaped here for centuries. And they are immutable.
Attire
Everyday office attire for foreign men is light trousers, a shirt, and a tie. Some companies order custom-made dress shirts for their employees. A jacket is needed only on particularly solemn or official occasions. Women are required to wear a light dress or a long-sleeved blouse and a skirt in the office. In Dubai, where it is summer and hot almost all year round, there are no strict restrictions on women's clothing. However, out of respect for local traditions, one should not wear too revealing or provocative a dress.
That is a different matter on the beach and at the pool: there you can wear a swimsuit - it is not prohibited. However, women are not advised to be topless.
Hands! What Are You - Sick Birds?
A handshake is a sign of special friendliness and goodwill, so it lasts somewhat longer than with Europeans and Americans. When saying goodbye, do not forget to exchange a handshake. With people dear to you - with both hands. Do not try to offer your hand first to a Muslim woman: she will do it herself, if she deems it permissible and appropriate. During a handshake, do not look into the eyes of your interlocutor - he is not being interrogated; do not keep your other hand in your pocket; try to restrain your inherent temperament and not wave your hand, especially with a cigarette clamped between your fingers.
Visiting
Arabs traditionally greet a guest with tea, coffee, or soft drinks. In the East, ancient traditions of hospitality are highly valued and cherished, so your refusal of refreshment may be perceived as an insult or disrespect to the host's home. When refusing a refill of coffee, shake your empty cup or say "shukran".
It is not customary to eat standing or on the go - nor to watch a person who is eating. Bread is usually broken by hand. You should take and offer food, drinks, or any objects only with your right hand. Both coffee and tea are served at the table in small cups without handles, already sweetened, but without milk. On a sultry summer day, Arabic tea with herbs is especially refreshing.
Before entering a dwelling, be sure to remove your shoes. It is considered extremely provocative and insulting for an Arab to see the soles of someone sitting opposite turned toward him.
Not a Word about the Wife
In conversation with an Arab, even if you have known him for a long time and very well, never ask about his wife. Asking about the whole family, but politely and unobtrusively, is quite acceptable.
The Young - What Can You Do...
Do not be misled by the large number of Arab youth who behave in a European-style free manner, not adhering to strict Islamic customs. Many young people here have lived in the West for a long time and received their education there. But they do not determine the overall climate and unique atmosphere of this amazing and young city.
In English - Good. But Arabic – Better
English is the language of international communication in Dubai. But if you, a foreigner, speak Arabic, it will open any doors for you and earn you the well-deserved respect of local residents.
Alcohol
The Quran prohibits the consumption of alcohol. However, some concessions are made for foreigners. Sharjah is the only emirate where alcohol is completely prohibited. Being in a public place in a state of severe intoxication is considered a strictly punishable act - it risks a large fine or arrest and deportation. In all emirates, there are only a few stores where foreigners can buy alcohol. You can drink in a restaurant or hotel bar, but only if you are a guest of that hotel or are visiting. They do not sell alcohol to take away: the police might misunderstand you.
Punishments
Driving while intoxicated is a serious violation that can cost you not only a large fine but also imprisonment. The fine for throwing a piece of paper or a cigarette butt on the street is 500 dirhams, even if you simply missed the trash can.
Excessive attention to an Arab woman (as well as any actions deemed as such) can cost you imprisonment or a fine of up to 60,000 dirhams.
Swearing in a public place or threatening an interlocutor (even if you don't intend anything serious) can result in a prison term of up to seven years. Drug use is punishable by up to five years in prison, and their import and sale - by the death penalty.
For a long memory
So as not to invite unnecessary trouble when taking photos, take care in choosing the background for the shot: military installations and buildings, police stations, sheikhs' palaces, or an Arab woman should not be in the frame. Ask a man's permission to take his picture.
A person with a piece of paper
It is advisable to always have photocopies of your documents on you: most police officers carry out their hard service without uniforms and meticulously maintain order. Meanwhile, in local law, “presumption of innocence” is not considered a fundamental concept. Document checks and provocative actions by “plainclothes agents” are common. Did they find fault with you for something? Then you just show them your paper. And don't rush to get into the car with law enforcement at their first request and without specific charges being brought.
Several practical and useful tips
Dubai has very clean drinking water, and this is strictly monitored. Nevertheless, you shouldn't drink from the tap. It's better to drink mineral water or freshly squeezed juices. Moreover, there are water coolers in all offices.
Be sure to apply creams – they will protect you from sunburn. And don't go outside without a hat and sunglasses. Even under a beach umbrella, solar radiation reflected by water and sand is very harmful. Air conditioners can also be dangerous: after prolonged exposure to the sun, intense cooling is a guaranteed cold.
And for God's sake, don't pounce on unfamiliar food: your body is not adapted to many local dishes. Therefore, eating new and unfamiliar foods can cause the most unexpected reaction.
The metric system is officially adopted in the country, but some retail outlets may use local measures, as well as American and British “inch” standards. Gasoline at filling stations is measured in gallons, and fabric in stores in yards.
Tips in many restaurants are included in the bill (service charge, 15%). If this is not indicated on the menu, add 10% to the bill amount. A porter at the airport or hotel can be left 5-10 dirhams, depending on the number and weight of suitcases. But tipping in taxis is not customary.
If you don't count yourself among the richest people on the planet, you shouldn't throw money around and spoil the staff. In the UAE, as everywhere else, gratuities are given voluntarily, not considered compulsory.
Don't hesitate to make a remark if you see that something is wrong. Very often one simple phrase: “I will complain to the management” (“I will complain to the administration”) immediately brings a person to their senses and literally transforms them.
Bargain! Always and everywhere. Especially in private shops and markets. This is not a sign of stinginess, but an accepted norm. Cutting the price in half is a piece of cake.