When moving to a new place, it is important to be aware of the social customs and norms. This allows you to effectively communicate with the locals and build fruitful relationships. In this blog post, we will be discussing the top ten social customs in Dubai that entrepreneurs should know. Keep reading to find out more!
Greetings:
In Dubai, it is customary to greet someone with a handshake followed by the phrase “As-Salamu Alaykum” (peace be unto you). This is the most common form of greeting in Dubai.
If you are greeting a group of people, it is considered polite to greet each individual in the group.
It is also considered polite to wait for the other person to initiate the handshake. In some cases, men may greet each other with a hug or a slap on the back.
Eye Contact:
In Dubai, it is considered disrespectful to avoid eye contact while talking to someone. It is seen as a sign of disrespect and can be interpreted as a lack of confidence.
It is also considered rude to stare at someone for an extended period of time. If you are caught staring, it is best to look away and apologize.
Touching:
In Dubai, it is considered inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex who is not a family member. This includes shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.
It is also considered inappropriate to touch someone’s head or face. If you must do so, it is best to ask for permission first.
Interacting with women:
It is considered inappropriate to interact with a woman who is not a family member. This includes talking, shaking hands, and hugging.
If you must interact with a woman, it is best to do so in a public place. It is also considered polite to ask for permission from the woman’s husband or father before interacting with her.
Prayers timing:
All businesses and public places in Dubai close five times a day for prayers. Prayers last for about ten minutes.
The prayer times are as follows:
Fajr: dawn
Dhuhr: noon
Asr: Afternoon
Maghrib: Sunset
Isha: Evening
During prayer times, it is considered disrespectful to eat, drink, or smoke in public. It is also considered disrespectful to listen to music or use your phone in a public place.
Gift Giving:
In Dubai, it is customary to give gifts for special occasions. Gifts are usually given in private, not in public.
If you are invited to a person’s home, it is considered polite to bring a small gift for the host. Popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, and pastries.
These are just some of the social customs that you should be aware of when moving to Dubai. Keep in mind that these customs may vary depending on the situation and the people involved. It is always best to err on the side of caution and ask for permission before doing anything that might be considered inappropriate. By following these social customs, you will be able to effectively communicate with the locals and build strong relationships.
Do you have any questions about social customs in Dubai? Let us know in the comments below!
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