8 Less Known Customs of UAE

UAE’s flashy, manmade marvels impressed everyone unless you’re a committed cynic. Only less than 50 years ago, the country was a modest federation of desert outposts and the sand-dusted soul still can be experienced for those wishing to glimpse behind the glitzy façades. Wander the labyrinthine souks markets or listen to the prayer calls sound in unison. Then, the theme parks and the high-gloss shopping malls feel a world away. Here are the 8 less known customs of UAE:

As UAE is rooted in Islamic traditions, so respect the culture by dressing conservatively and non-provocatively. Except for specific places, it’s seen as disrespectful for Western men to wear the Emirati national dress around.

You can get arrested for anything more intimate than holding hands in public and it’s against the law for sharing the same hotel room with opposite sex person unless you’re married or closely related. The homosexual sex is illegal and if got caught, can lead to imprisonment, fines and deportation. The gays traveling with partners are advisable booking hotel room with two beds. So be cool on the PDA.

Muslims pray 5 times a day and you can hear the haunting, lyrical call to prayer from nearby mosques. During a prayer time things come to pause even smaller shops may be closed.

Double-check your medicines. The country has strict, zero-tolerance, anti-drug laws and thorough searches are conducted in airports. Even medications that are over-the-counter in some countries if contain codeine, for example — you could get arrested. Check the banned substances list from a UAE consulate or embassy and never forgot to carry a doctor’s prescription for any medication while carrying.

One major thing to know about Emirati culture is their hospitality. Emiratis are extremely friendly and welcoming people, so they tend to use fairly long greetings, with praises to God, in addition to hugs and kisses. When it comes to Emirati women, one should not try to shake their hand unless she puts out her hand first and definitely avoid embraces and kisses.

You have to be mindful on what to take pictures of. It’s illegal to take photos of military and government facilities and of women. In addition, it’s considered extremely offensive to stare at a women in national dress.

UAE locals are extremely close to their families – not only the immediate one, but also grandparents, uncles, cousins and other members of their extended family. They often live in close proximity, sharing the same compound of houses or at least being close by to one another. These family ties are extremely strong and it’s crucial to respect the local’s families.

There are little things that are must-knows when interacting with Emirati people. Say, it’s polite to always stand when someone enters a room, other than the help. Locals take offense when one sits with the sole of their feet facing them, which considered as extremely rude. Food should never be offered with left hand and public displays of affection are offensive and also illegal.