Business Etiquette in the UAE

Greetings and meetings

• Stand up when new guests arrive and for older or more senior people.
• When greeting a Muslim of the opposite gender, do not offer to shake hands unless they offer first. Men and women may both prefer not to, for religious reasons.
• Do not cross your legs when sitting opposite an important guest.
• Do not point with a finger. If you need to gesture, use your whole hand.
• In a majlis, take your shoes off at the entrance. Men and women may be shown to different sections.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Social responsibility and etiquette (archived copy of 13 July 2026; the page has since been removed)¹

Hospitality

If your host offers a meal or refreshments, accept them before moving on to business. Take food and drink with your right hand, and offer food if you are about to eat. Sharing a meal is a sign of friendship.¹

Gahwa, spiced Arabic coffee served with dates, starts every meal and every welcome.³

Dress

• Dress modestly, especially in public places such as shopping malls. Loose clothes that cover shoulders, arms and legs are a safe choice.
• Women are not expected to cover their heads, except when visiting a mosque, where an abaya and headscarf are often provided.
• Clothes should not be see-through or carry offensive pictures or slogans. Swimwear belongs only on beaches, at water parks and by pools.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Social responsibility and etiquette (archived copy of 13 July 2026; the page has since been removed)¹

Conduct and the law

• Keep public affection minimal: holding hands is acceptable, kissing and hugging in public are not.
• Noise, bad language, obscene gestures and any disrespect to the UAE, its leaders or religion are forbidden and can lead to legal trouble and deportation.
• Do not photograph people without permission. Photographing some government buildings and military sites, and plane spotting, are illegal.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Social responsibility and etiquette (archived copy of 13 July 2026; the page has since been removed)¹

The working week and language

Government offices work Monday to Friday, and Sharjah government entities Monday to Thursday. Most private companies close only on Sunday; others close on Saturday and Sunday. Arabic is the official language, and road and shop signs are in Arabic and English.²

Confirm meetings a day ahead, and allow extra time when a decision needs a senior manager's approval.

In Ramadan

Non-Muslims are expected to respect the month. Not eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours is an act of kindness. If an Emirati invites you home, accept, and bring a small gift such as a box of dates.⁴