Guide to Emirati Culture, Customs, and Business Practices
Marhaba! (Hello!) and Welcome to our Guide to Emirati Culture, Customs & Business Practices. A country seemingly covered in glitz and glam, the UAE hides away a deep-rooted culture that emanates from the desert and looks to the international seas… Discover how tradition, religion and relationships shape business culture in the United Arab Emirates. This guide covers key aspects of Emirati values, communication styles, hierarchy, decision making and business etiquette.
Essential reading for professionals engaging with Emirati clients or teams, it offers the cultural awareness needed to build trust and succeed in the UAE’s unique business environment. Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to UAE culture and the people; it can not account for the diversity within Emirati society.
Facts and Statistics
The following table provides key data regarding the United Arab Emirates:
| Category | Information |
| Location | Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf |
| Capital | Abu Dhabi |
| Nationality | Emiratis |
| Population | 11.2 million+ (2025 est.) |
| Ethnic Make-up | Emirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4%, Egyptian 10.2%, Philippine 6.1% |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Currency | Dirham |
| Internet penetration | 70.0% |
Intro to the UAE
The United Arab Emirates was formed as an independent federation on December 2nd, 1971 and originally included six countries: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. The following year Ras al-Khaymah joined the federation. Since the second half of the 20th Century, the discovery of oil has been a driving force in the economy of the UAE. The UAE is a specimen of seamless modernization, with rich cultures and longstanding traditions perfectly intact to date.
Language in the UAE
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, although English is widely spoken and understood. Since the UAE is home to a large expatriate community, a number of other languages are common. English is the common tongue that connects most people in the Emirates; it is the voice of the country’s tourism and hospitality industries. Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Farsi, Bengali, and Malayalam are some other widely heard languages in the UAE because of the massive presence of expats.
Religion and Culture
The UAE is a Muslim-majority country. More than 75% of the population is Muslim, and they abide by Islam. Most of the UAE traditions, if you look closely, are similar to the Islam religion and Arabic culture. Yet they are very multicultural and accommodate other religions comfortably. Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists also reside in this country in harmony.
Social Customs & Etiquette
One is expected to decently cloth their whole body with no body parts exposure, especially when going out to public places. Even visitors need to dress decently. Always wear fully-covering clothes and remove footwear while visiting holy or religious places. Women should cover their heads with a shawl. Though Arab men are super-friendly and offer handshakes and hugs, it’s not the same with Arab women. Remember, handshakes, hugs, or any form of physical greeting don’t go well with Emirati women.
Food and Cuisine
UAE’s staple food is rice, fish, and meat. The most preferred choice of meat is mutton and lamb. Another interesting fact is that they consume dates as part of their meals; the date fruit is considered as their ‘National Fruit.’ The most popular dish/cuisine in the UAE is Al Harees, a traditional Arabic meal consisting of meat (specifically chicken), wheat, and salt. Other traditional dishes include:
- Machboos — a flavor-filled rice cooked with lamb, chicken, fish, or camel meat.
- Kabsa — an infusion of basmati rice, saffron, nutmeg, and other traditional spices.
- Luqaimat — small, sweet dumplings that are dipped in date syrup or honey.
- Chebabs — savory pancakes made from wheat flour mixed with cardamom and turmeric.
Clothing and Fashion
Arabic costumes are the most integral elements of Emirates culture and traditions. Clothes represent Arabs' primary identity around the world. Men dress in white cloaks, better known as ‘kandura’, also known as a ‘dishdash’ / ‘thawb’. It is a loose-fitting garment (usually white) that covers the whole body up to the ankles. This is accompanied by the Ghutrah, a square scarf used to cover the head, and the Egal, a black cord used to keep the Ghutrah intact. Women’s apparel includes the Abaya, the most identifiable long garment (usually black) that covers from head to toe.
Hospitality
Hospitality is the most famous UAE Tradition. UAE is also known for its world-class hospitality industry. It’s home to the creme de la creme of hotels in the world. Their favored beverages are tea and coffee, which they often spice up with mint, cardamon, and saffron as supplements, which is why it has such a distinctive flavor.
