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Social/Business Etiquette

Good manners are just good business and when it comes to business etiquette in the UAE it is important for anyone who holds a job in the UAE to remember a few key things:

• As the left hand is considered unclean, always use your right hand for eating, drinking and shaking hands.
• Unless you are a woman, avoid casual conversation with female Emirati Nationals; the same goes for shaking hands unless she extends hers first.
• Public displays of affection are should be avoided as well as cursing in public.
• Refrain from showing the soles of your shoes or feet. This is considered rude.
• Be very aware of religious holidays like Ramadan where eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours are discouraged. It should go without saying that drinking alcohol anytime in public is a legal offense.
• Dress appropriately for the Muslim culture you are in. Doing so shows respect for the country and the people you are visiting as you would expect the same in your country of origin. That means nothing too tight or too short. For the ladies: be sure to cover your hair, arms and legs while visiting a mosque. For the men: cover your knees. Always remove footwear prior to entering a mosque.

Some Business Etiquette guidelines include:

• Manners: It is very important to be courteous, and respectful, and spend time doing small talk.
• Greetings: Spend time taking the effort with the initial chat. And greet in order of seniority. Shaking hand is the normal greeting between men.
• Mind your posture (No crossed legs, etc…)
• Never make a gesture to anyone with one finger pointing up. If you do need to make a gesture, use you’re your full hand.
• Do not check your watch a lot, as this may signify that you are getting bored from the person you are meeting with.
• Translators: I would be wise to have a translator where English is not spoken. Bear in mind a female translator might not be welcomed in certain cases so you’re your research in advance.
• Do not entertain conversations involving sex, religion or politics.