Intercultural Business Etiquette

United Arab Emirates
Gestures
• Always give, pass, and receive objects (including food) with
your right hand as the left is viewed as unclean.
• Do not point with your finger, use the whole hand.
• Do not cross your legs at the knee, but at the ankle.
• Beckon someone by extending an arm palm down and making
a scratching motion with the fingers.
• Do not point the toe or heel or any part of the foot at any
person.
• Do not show the sole of your foot or use the foot to move
anything.
• Do not openly admire an item, as the host will feel obliged
(most likely unwillingly) to offer it to you as a gift and may be
offended if you then do not accept it.
• Often shoes are removed before entering a building. Follow the
lead of your host.
• Alcohol and pork are not consumed by Muslims.