Dubai Local Customs

 
by Robin020
 
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

A little lesson in language!

by Escadora7

If you are worried about not speaking Arabic - don't fret! Everything in Dubai is in both English and Arabic - from traffic-signs to restaurant menus. Everybody also speaks English - more or less.... Here are the a few Arabic phrases that might come in handy:Sabah el khair - sabah el noor / Good morning, good eveningshukran - Thank you!yaallla yaallla!! -- lets go lets go!!!!! (said to a camel when trying to get him to overtake a ferari)  ana bahebek habibti - i love u dear (said to the women found in Thank God Its Thursday (TGIT) - if you're a man that is )KEM FILOOS (at all the malls when u wanna know the price of something) .. and if he answers with a barrage of words .. then give back MAIIFHAM ARABI or MAFI ARABI ( I dont understand Arabic) ..inta fi magnoon - u are CRAZY !!! (not to be said to anyone .. this is just for knowledge)yaaa salaam .... (grinning with all ur teeth at this...

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Modesty works best here

by sugar74

Dubai is one of the most liberal cities in the Middle East but I still think it's good to respect the customs of the locals.For women :swim suits are allowed on beaches and skimpy clothes in night clubs but it would be best not to flaunt in places such as shopping malls, restaurants or even while just walking around.For men: shorts are allowed but do refrain from going without a shirt in public.I personally feel that it is best to blend in a crowd than have people stare at you.

What arabian women wear...

by cooltrudy

According to CIA data in United Arabic Emirates the 96% of population is muslim. So it is easy find women wear with the classic muslim clothes called Abaya. In particular abaya is a loose, usually black robe worn by Muslim women, especially in Arabic-speaking regions, covering the body from head to toe and often worn with a headscarf and veil. Then you can often find islamic boutique full of abaya.

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What you wear

by morninglory

This is a Muslim country.Even though you are free to wear what you want here. The government is very flexible on wha religion you are practicing. One thing do keep in mind to wear modestly when you are out of the city. Especially when you visit the countryside and montains. Respect the locals as you how you want to be respected. We are in their land, okay..And if you wish to visit the mosque, you should cover hour head.

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Heads up! A few "do's"

by Quero

Do:1) Keep the soles of your feet/shoes tucked away or aimed downwards. It is considered offensive to expose the bottoms of your feet to another person.2) Stay indoors while drinking any alcoholic beverage. In addition to being a serious sin in Islam to drink alcohol, it is also unlawful to drink in public, such as on a beach or in the street.3) If your visit coincides with Ramadhan, smoke, drink (even water) and eat only in private or enclosed areas, and never in the presence of someone who is fasting. Once the sun sets, you may indulge. This also includes gum chewing and chewing tobacco. All restaurants are closed in the daytime hours.4) Be careful of where you aim your camera. You must not take photos of government installations, military or otherwise; and avoid taking pictures of local Arab women unless you have thier consent.5) Use only your right hand to greet people, hand money to...

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Hospitality

by Quero

Coffee and hospitality are inseparable in Arabian culture. There is a ritualistic aspect to the serving and drinking of coffee. This tent may appear to be a display, but in fact it is the coffee lounge outside of the cafeteria at a local university.If you are offered coffee as a gesture of hospitality at the home or office of an Arab collegue or acquaintance, you will make your host most comfortable if you accept it. You may be offered a second cup, which you should also accept.

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Wedding lights

by colin_bramso

Parents of couples getting married often cover their houses with thousands of lights, which is a stunning sight after dark. I've most often seen it in the residential area around Jumairah Beach and it really is worth a visit to see.

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Keep your shirt on

by CliffClaven

It is better to ignore the acres of pink flesh parading the resort hotels and shopping malls and to remember that Dubai is an Islamic society with a more conservative dress code. Old Cliffie trudges through the arid sands of Arizona in shorts and a tee-shirt, but in the deserts of Dubai he wears smart but casual slacks and a freshly-laundered shirt. And no, it's not the one he bought in Hawaii.....

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Life in the Desert

by amna_alshamsi

The Desert is the traditional habitat of people throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouin, who were the earliest inhabitants of the region, once lived in strong tribal communities and roamed the blazing sands with their camels, in search of food, grazing and trade. Sheep and goad herders scratched a living on the arid mountainsides. Cultivators tended date palms wherever the merest trace of water could be found. The camel, the ship of the desert, was then the primary mode of transportation and the Bedouin's main source of milk, meat and wool. For accommodation, these proud nomadic people erected tents made chiefly of wool and animal hide. Clothing was simple and utilitarian, consisting of a flowing garment and a headscarf that offered protection against harsh desert sun and fine grains of blowing sand. Jewellery, consisting mostly of bead necklaces and silver ornaments, was favoured...

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This, that and the other

by bellatrix

Tips are not generally expected, but waiters make appallingly low wages, so I'm sure that a small tip is appreciated. I noticed that I got many, many stares while in Dubai, and I'm not sure if it's simply because I'm a woman, because I'm obviously western, or because my boyfriend is Indian... I didn't feel it was a problem, but it took me a while to get used to. I think it was just curiosity. Since my trip I've spoken to a few middle eastern people and they've explained that it's simply a cultural thing to check one another out. I personally wouldn't choose to wear anything even remotely revealing, just to avoid any extra stares!

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Local traditions and culture in Dubai

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi Does anyone know if there is always long queues to get tickets to go to the Observastion Deck of the Burj Khalifa and also... 

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A: No, there are not "always" lines. Actually there are rarely "lines" as the majority of people book online. However, tickets can often (and do often) sell out days in... 

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