United Arab Emirates - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice - Curtin ...

ETHICS, EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Cultural Sensitivity Notes

THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
1. INTRODUCTION
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states situated along the
east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The states, or Emirates, are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman,
Fujairah, and Umm-al-Qaiwain. Abu Dhabi is in the largest Emirate and Dubai is the
business centre. Despite their proximity, there may be differences in cultural and
business practices between the different states.
Population and Ethnicity
The United Arab Emirates has a population of approximately 2,407,460 including
1,576,472 expatriates who live and work in the UAE (July 2001 est.). The ethnic mix is
comprises Emirati 19 per cent, other Arab and Iranian 23 per cent, South Asian 50 per
cent, and other expatriates (includes Europeans and East Asians) 8 per cent.
Less than 20 per cent of the population are UAE citizens. The resulting local labour
shortages, in conjunction with relatively high wages and the absence of income tax
have encouraged a large influx of male expatriate workers to the UAE.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English, Farsi (Persian), Urdu and Hindi are also
spoken. English is used widely in business and the public sector.
Religion
Islam is the official religion. Ninety-six per cent of the population are Muslim, with the
remaining four per cent Christian, Hindu and other. As with all of the Arab states,
Islam has a profound influence on most aspects of life in the UAE.
The Emerati are tolerant of other religions and non-Muslims are free to practice their
own beliefs.
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). (A$1 = 2.779 AED)
Time
WST – minus four hours.
Physical Features and Climate
The United Arab Emirates comprises harsh geographical conditions with inland
deserts, oases and humid salt flats along the coastal belt. Less than 0.2 per cent of
the surface area is considered arable land.
Features of the desert climate are irregular rainfall and extremely hot summer
temperatures that drop sharply at night. Sand storms occur in the winter and spring.
Major Cities
Capital city: Abu Dhabi.
Each of the Emirates is named after its principal city.
Political and Legal System
Each Emirate is ruled by its hereditary Sovereign. The Emirate rulers belong to the
Supreme Council of Rulers, which governs the UAE and elects the President, who
serves as the Head of State. The current President is Sultan bin Zayed Al Nuhayyan
(the ruler of Abu Dhabi) and the Prime Minister is Maktum bin Rashid al-Maktum (ruler
of Dubai).

There are no political parties or elections.
The UAE’s legal system is based on Islamic Shari’a law and some secular codes. In
practice, laws are interpreted differently by the local courts in each Emirate. For
example, Abu Dhabi has a Ruler’s Court presided by a professional judge, whereas
the court in Dubai is run by a qadi (Islamic legal expert). The rulers in other Emirates
deal with legal issues personally.
Economy
The UAE’s strong economy is due to its oil and gas reserves, as well as its strategic
location at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. It enjoys one of the world’s highest per
capita incomes. The Government has used much of its wealth to improve the living
conditions and quality of life within the country. This includes the development of
housing, roads, schools and hospitals. The UAE relies on imports of most items.
The Government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion
and is opening up its utilities to greater private-sector involvement.
History
The earliest evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to 3000 BC. In the
Nineteenth Century the area was known as the Trucial States, and was under British
colonial rule. Great Britain retained a strong hold on the region until 1968 when it
announced a withdrawal from its commitments in the Gulf. As a result, neighbouring
Emirates agreed to create a federation, which was officially recognised as a nation in
1971.
2. COMMUNICATION
General Attitudes
Arabs are generally known for their informal, relaxed demeanour, good manners and
consideration of others. Impatience is regarded as a sign of poor manners and a
raised voice or displays of annoyance or agitation will not earn respect in business or
social interactions. The quality of sabur, which means both ‘patience’ and
‘steadfastness in adversity’, is much admired.
In business situations, it may take some time before the topic of conversation is
directed to your main reason for meeting, but this process should not be hurried.
Similarly, conversations should be allowed to end gradually and congenially.
Learning a few common words of Arabic, particularly greetings and farewells, will be
appreciated. Care should be taken if you choose to use Australian colloquialisms as
they may be difficult to understand, and some will be offensive due to their explicit
nature.
Names and Greetings
The appropriate form of greeting will depend upon the relationship between those
meeting. Upon meeting it is usual to shake, or clasp, the right hand of the other
person lightly if they are of the same sex. A light kiss on both cheeks will be added for
those who are well acquainted or belong to the same family or tribe. However, men
will not usually touch a woman in greeting.
A common phrase of greeting is:
Greeting Response
Assalaam alikum Wa alikum assalaam
(May peace be upon you) (And peace be upon you).
Kaif halak? Bikhair al-hamdu lillah
(How are you?) (Good, thanks be to God)

If you arrive late to a meal and others are already eating:
Hannhum minhum
(God greet them) (Be one of them)
Other useful phrases include:
marhaba
(Hello)
shukran
(Thank you)
fadal
(Welcome)
Acquaintances or members of the opposite sex will use personal or professional titles
when addressing each other. Friends and relatives use first names.
The right cheek kiss, where right hands are clasped and right cheeks touched three
times in quick succession followed by one longer touch; and the nose kiss, where
each person touches the bridge of the other’s nose with the lips while clasping hands,
are usually reserved for close friends, relatives or members of the same tribe.
Conversation
As mentioned above, conversation will usually commence in a good-humoured tone
with general talk, often about the health of the other person. Enquiries are never
made into the health or well-being of female relatives, especially wives.
During initial meetings it is not necessary to participate in conversation beyond what
could be described as ‘small talk’. Answering general enquiries is enough until the
you are known better by the group or individual involved. Trying to monopolise a
conversation is considered impatient and rude.
Conversation Topics
Topics such as religion, politics, family affairs or women should be avoided as
Emiratis do not discuss these with strangers.
Expressing admiration for something owned by your host may be interpreted as a
request for the object.
Body Language and Gestures
It is offensive to sit with the soles of the shoes exposed or pointing at a person,
therefore sitting posture is very important. For the same reason, the legs should not
be stretched out in front and you should try not to impose upon the space of others.
Care should be taken that you do not sit with your back to people.
The right hand is used for greeting, eating and gesturing as the use of the left hand is
considered rude.
The most senior person in a group takes up the position to the right of the others.
This should be remembered when passing through doorways or entering lifts.
Touching
Members of the opposite sex do not touch in public.

3. HOSPITALITY - BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CONTEXT
An invitation to dinner is the most common form of hospitality extended by a host and
will usually be to an hotel or restaurant. Customarily only men would attend such a
function, although a separate function for women may be organised to coincide with
the event. The host will be expected to pay. You should not offer to pay in this
situation as it is considered to be his duty to be hospitable during your stay in his
country.
The people of the UAE have a tradition of hospitality and will be very welcoming to
guests. This attitude arises from the ancient custom of providing shelter to any
traveller in the desert. The best advice if you are not sure what to do is to observe the
behaviour of others around you or to ask discreet questions about appropriate
etiquette.
Business Cards
Business cards and brochures printed in Arabic will be well received and this
will also ensure that your details are clearly understood.
Appointments
Appointments are essential when doing business in the UAE. As Emiratis often prefer
to know someone well before they are willing to commence official business
transactions, it may be necessary to plan several meetings before attempting to
finalise the main purpose of your visit. Guests will always be served refreshments.
When leaving a gathering or meeting, use the phrase ‘fi amaan ilaah’ which means ‘In
God’s keeping’. Arrangements for further meetings should be made while everyone is
still seated. It is customary for the host to escort his guest to the door at the
conclusion of a meeting.
Punctuality/Time
It is advisable to be punctual for appointments, but not to expect that you will see your
host at the appointed time. The people you are dealing with may be very relaxed
about time, but this is not a sign of a lack of interest.
Meeting arrangements need to be made to accommodate appointed prayer times for
Muslims.
Negotiation
Reaching agreement may take some time to achieve. A flexible approach to
negotiations is beneficial as Emiratis are used to taking time to finalise arrangements
and come to firm agreements.
Eating
The Emiratis try to share meals with their families and will customarily sit in a circle on
the floor, although some more Westernised families will use tables and chairs at
mealtimes. The right hand is used to eat with and hands are washed before and after
meals. Guests are not expected to finish all the food on a plate as empty plates will
be re-filled as a sign of hospitality. Women and children are not likely to eat with
unrelated male guests.
Allah is thanked before the meal by the phrase bismillah (in the name of God) and
alhamdulillah (praise be to God) after the meal.
Rice mixed with meat or fish, often with spices added, is a staple food in the UAE.
The UAE is known for the quality of its seafood. Fruit and vegetables and a range of
breads also form the basis of the local diet. Muslims do not eat pork or pork products.
A traditional meal in the UAE may consist of a whole sheep or sometimes fish or
camel served on beds of rice or bread. The meal will be eaten with the fingers. Men
will be ushered into the majlis until the food is ready. The host will then summon his

guests into an adjoining room. Although the meal may be served at a table, it is more
likely to be served on the floor where guests are expected to sit in either a crosslegged
or semi kneeling position. The host will say bismillah (in the name of God) and
begin to eat the rice. This is the signal to commence eating. Meat can be pulled from
the platter in front of you, but should not be taken from in front of someone else as this
is considered very rude.
When a group has finished eating, risen and said alhamdulillah (praise be to God),
they will retire to the majlis.
Coffee and tea will be served again and then incense will be brought round for guests
to waft towards themselves with the right hand. Sometimes a bottle of perfume will be
circulated for guests to rub into their hands in place of using incense. The passing of
incense signifies the end of the meal, at which time guests should leave.
Drinking
Men and women will usually socialise separately. The men will receive their guests in
a room called a majlis. When entering the majlis, you should greet the group as you
approach and they will respond to you with a standard greeting and rise to their feet.
It is important to move towards the host and shake hands, proceeding to your left
shaking hands with each man in turn. All men in the majlis are treated as
equals.
The ritual of taking coffee is central to social occasions in the United Arab Emirates.
Coffee is served at the start and end of business meetings and social events.
Guests are served coffee by an attendant when they arrive. The attendant will work
around the room from the right. You should take the egg-cup sized vessel in your
right hand when it is offered by the attendant. There is no need to thank the person
serving. As the coffee is usually quite hot it can be swirled around and sipped at.
When the coffee is finished wait for the server to return and repeat the process a
further two times before shaking the cup to indicate that you have finished. It should
be held by the fingertips and not be put down on the ground or a table. Tea and soft
drinks will follow the serving of coffee.
The serving of coffee is followed by the serving of sugared, black tea in small glasses.
Tea glasses may be placed on the floor when finished with.
Behaviour in Public
Do not eat while walking, especially in public areas. Do not blow your nose or clear
your throat in public.
Foreign visitors should avoid eating, drinking and even chewing gum or sweets in front
of people fasting during Ramadan.
Gift Giving
The giving of small gifts will usually be appreciated, but it is not obligatory. This is
something that can be left until you are well acquainted. If you choose to give a gift,
consideration should be given to appropriateness as some items are forbidden
to Muslims (such as alcohol).
Dress
It is still very common for the Emirati to wear traditional dress. Codes of dress are
determined by Islamic Law which requires modesty for both men and women.
Long skirts and sleeves are commonly worn by women. In the more conservative
Emirates, the ab’a (black robe that covers a dress) and a shailah (scarf for the head)
are worn. In Abu Dhabi women will commonly wear the burqa to cover their faces.
Traditional clothing for men includes the white robe known as a dishdasha and a white

head-covering known as a kitra tied by a black headband. Sandals are worn by both
sexes. Children usually wear both Western and traditional clothing. Expatriates wear
Western clothing and shoes.
Foreigners should not wear local costume as it is seen as a symbol of national identity
and tradition. Jeans are not acceptable for women and would be regarded as
extremely casual dress for men. Shorts and beach-wear should be avoided except
when swimming or playing sport. Similarly, short-sleeved shirts and tight fitting t-
shirts should not be worn. To have too many top buttons of a shirt undone is regarded
as indecent, especially if the chest is exposed.
Appearances are very important in the Arab world and you will be judged on how you
look. It is advisable for men to wear a suit and tie to important meetings as this shows
you have made an effort. However, Arabs are used to the fact that Westerners find
wearing a suit difficult in their climate and will make allowances.
Women should dress conservatively ensuring that the shoulders and knees are
covered.
4. RELEVANT LAWS THAT GOVERN BEHAVIOUR
Smoking
Smoking in public is prohibited during the month of Ramadan.
Alcohol
Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims.
Social Customs
It is considered impolite to directly decline an invitation.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Emerati society and is demonstrated through
courtesies such as opening doors for them or giving seating preference in public and
private transport. Age always takes precedence, even over status. Adult children are
expected to care for aging parents and it is not uncommon for married children to visit
their parents daily.
Islamic law enforces the rights of the society over the rights of the individual and
therefore, those who may disrupt the peace of the community risk punishment.
Women
Emirati women are permitted to drive, work, own property and businesses and attend
school and university. However, women are not permitted to live alone or co-habitate
with a member of the opposite sex outside of marriage and are only allowed to play
sports with women.
It is accepted that Western women may be involved in some official functions as part
of a larger delegation. Emirati women will not usually be present at official events or
meetings.
5. DATES OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
New Year’s Day
1 January.
Shaikh Zayid’s Ascendancy to the Throne
6 August.

National Days
2 and 3 December.
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. It is a month-long fasting period
observed each year during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims who
have reached the age of puberty are required to fast during daylight hours, and to
abstain from sexual activity. The individual is expected to focus on religious worship
and contemplation.
6. VISAS
Visas are available to Australian citizens upon arrival for up to one month stay. No fee
is charged.
7. USEFUL CONTACTS
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
36 Culgoa Circuit
O’Malley ACT 2606
Telephone: (02) 6286 8802
Australian Embassy
PO Box Abu-Dhabi
Telephone: 02 443 6691
Australian Consulate General
PO Box 9303
Dubai
Telephone: 04 331 3444
SOURCES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Culturgram ’97 ‘United Arab Emirates’. Brigham Young University, 1996.
Social Customs in the Arab World. Ghassan T Zarifeh, Austrade.
The Simple Guide to Customs and Etiquette in Arabia and the Gulf States. Bruce
Ingham
The World Factbook – United Arab Emirates. Central Intelligence Agency, 2003.
Appreciation to:
Mr Lloyd Blake, Division of Engineering and Science, Curtin University of
Technology.
Professor Abdelhak Zoubir, Division of Engineering and Science, Curtin
University of Technology.
Ms Samira Ilaha, Australian Islamic College.