The Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists in the UAE
With millions of tourists that visit each year, the UAE has learnt to adapt to the many different people, cultures and religions that come here. But there are more than a few who make quite a number of cultural or religious blunders. While mistakes are normal and shouldn’t be taken too seriously when travelling, here are the basic do’s and don’ts when visiting the UAE to keep you on your feet.
Do travel solo in the UAE – it’s perfectly safe and normal
Many people think that because the UAE is in the Middle East, it’s a dangerous place to visit. However, this is completely false. Quite the opposite, it’s one of the safest countries in the world, and is the perfect place to go for solo travellers who want to feel completely safe and welcome.
Don’t show too much PDA when outside in public with your partner or spouse
In respect to the local culture, try not to do too much in the way of public displays of affection with your partner or spouse as it is extremely uncommon to do so in the UAE. In some extreme cases, couples who have gone a little too far in public have even been arrested for indecency.
Do eat the street food
While in some countries, eating street food can land you in the hospital (or the loo), the street food in the UAE is almost always perfectly clean and absolutely delicious. Local favourites include a shawarma wrap, Emirati-style savoury crepes and piping hot fried doughnuts.
Don’t get drunk or drink too much alcohol in public
Alcohol is not completely banned, as places with a licence can sell drinks. However, it is against the law to get drunk in public. When you’re visiting the UAE, think carefully about where you are drinking, always be discreet and do not get drunk.
Do visit a mosque – it’s a great way to learn about the local religion and culture
Many tourists feel a bit intimidated and do not end up visiting the many mosques in the UAE. It is perfectly normal and even encouraged to visit the mosques in the country to learn about the local religion and culture – especially with famous mosques such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which will leave you wanting to visit more.
Do dress modestly when visiting a mosque
However, it is important that when you do visit a mosque, you dress modestly in order to show respect to those who visit the mosque to pray and worship. For women, this usually means long pants or skirts with a large shawl, and for men, this usually means long, baggy pants and long sleeves.
Do greet everyone you meet, either in English or in Arabic by saying salamu alaykum
It is a strong tradition among local Emiratis to engage in long and colourful greetings. Do feel free to say hi to both locals and residents, and if you’re feeling brave, try saying hello in Arabic, which is “Salamu alaykum”.
Don’t initiate a handshake when meeting with the opposite gender unless they initiate it first
One thing to always remember is that the divisions between genders can be quite marked – especially if you have never travelled to the UAE before. Remember not to initiate touching of the opposite gender unless they go to shake your hand first.
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