Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hi everybody,

I'm new to this forum and I'm trying to get some information as I might soon come to work to Dubai.

As I usually do during my trips abroad I'm trying to get information about local costumes and habits to avoid that any behavior considered normal for me might be offensive for local people.

I have already seen some restriction about alcohol, as in many muslim countries. This is not a problem for me as I'm not a heavy drinker and definitely I don't need to take home beers or other alcohol.

Beside this, I would like to know if there are advices of what I should avoid in order not to offend local people.

Regards.

* Though you can consume alcohol in bars/hotels freely and home (if you have permission), just don't drink it in public or get drunk.
* Don't stare or take photos of locals especially the women with black abayas. It's considered offensive. Unless for some tourist spots like at Heritage Village, sometimes you may ask their permission for photographs.
* Don't kiss or do inappropriate acts in public places.
* Dress properly, but what the heck, women here wear sleeveless tops and shorts in the mall and some other places. Bikinis on the beach or swimming pools.

Dubai is very relax comparing to other city in ME. It's a Westernish city like in Europe minus people hugging/kissing in public

xty wrote:* Though you can consume alcohol in bars/hotels freely and home (if you have permission), just don't drink it in public or get drunk.
* Don't stare or take photos of locals especially the women with black abayas. It's considered offensive. Unless for some tourist spots like at Heritage Village, sometimes you may ask their permission for photographs.
* Don't kiss or do inappropriate acts in public places.
* Dress properly, but what the heck, women here wear sleeveless tops and shorts in the mall and some other places. Bikinis on the beach or swimming pools.

Dubai is very relax comparing to other city in ME. It's a Westernish city like in Europe minus people hugging/kissing in public

Thank you xty,

it was kind of you explaining this.

I will follow your suggestions despite some of them were already well known to me.
As I told before I have been in many countries, and with a bit of attention and respect I have never offended anyone with my behavior.

I usually drink few or no alcohol even in Italy for healthy reason. I pratice sport (jogging, fitness, swimming) and I tend to be careful to what I eat and drink.


Can I ask you what could be considered a "not proper" dress for a man? When working in office I normally dress casual, long trousers and shirts (long or short sleeve) or polo shirt. I'm italian overall and I like to dress properly.
I would never go to office in shorts and t-shirt. But what about going around the city or on the beach?

shorts & t-shirt for a man in dubai is okay, don't however try it in sharjah.
dubai is the most liberal of the emirates, so what is "permissible" in dubai may not go down to well in other emirates.