|
Serving
Students at
Santa Ana
College and
Santiago
Canyon College
United
Arab Emirates
Etiquette
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Introductions
Formal
introductions can take several minutes. It is considered impolite
to begin addressing business topics without taking several minutes for
small talk. Courtesy is more emphasized in the U.A.E. than in typical
U.S business meetings, although this can be exaggerated, and many U.A.E.
business executives are becoming more time-conscious. In a typical
business meeting, the guest may be offered tea, coffee or a soft drink
upon arrival.
Non-Verbal
Communications
The left
hand is considered unclean in the Arab world; always use the right hand
in preference to the left, except when handling something that could be
considered unclean. Avoid gesturing with the left hand.
Do not point at another person. Keep both feet on the ground and
do not cross your legs when sitting. Showing the bottom of a foot
to an Arab and the "thumbs up" gesture is offensive throughout the Arab
world.
Driving
Traffic
accidents are a leading cause of death in the U.A.E. Unsafe driving
practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. On highways,
wandering camels, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand are common hazards.
Other drivers are in willing to assist in road accidents, but may be unskilled
in effective first-aid treatment; emergency police and medical services
are generally called in a timely manner manner by other drivers using cell
phones. Emergency personnel are prompt to respond; however, medical
personnel emphasize transport of the injured to the hospital rather than
treatment on site.
Traffic
laws impose stringent penalties for certain violations, particularly driving
under the influence of alcohol. Lengthly jail sentences and fines
may be imposed and for Muslims, lashings. Persons involved in an
accident in which another party is injured automatically go to jail until
the injured person is released from the hospital. Should a person
die in a traffic accident, the driver of the other car is liable for payment
of compensation for the death (known as "dhiyya"), usually the equivalent
of $41,000 (U.S.). Even relatively minor accidents may result in
lengthy proceedings, during which both drivers may be prohibited from leaving
the country.
In order
to drive, U.A.E. residents must obtain a U.A.E. driver's license.
Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized, and temporary U.A.E. licenses
are no longer issued. However, a non-resident visitor to the U.A.E.
can drive if he/she obtains a valid international driver's license issued
by the motor vehicle authority of the country whose passport the traveler
holds. The U.A.E. recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf
Cooperative Council (GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle
registered to the same GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone
drive without a valid license. Non-GCC citizens departing the U.A.E.
via land are required to pay a departure fee of U.A.E. dirhams 20 (equivalent
to $5.45 US). This fee is
payable
only in the local U.A.E. dirham currency.
Dining
Although
much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early Christians,
the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or any
kind of intoxicating drink. The Prophet taught that 'your body has rights
over you', and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy
lifestyle are seen as religious obligations.
Never
eat with the left hand; eat only with your right hand. Even if you
are left-handed, eat with your right hand.
Drinking
alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could
result in arrest, fines, and/or imprisonment. Liquor licenses are
obtainable only by persons who possess U.A.E. residency permits.
Alcohol is served at bars and most major hotels but service is for registered
guests the hotel. Drinking and driving is considered a serious
offense.
All the
Emirates, with the exception of Sharjah, permit the consumption of alcohol
by non-Muslims. It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or to
buy it for a U.A.E. citizen. Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink) or
strong black coffee are served on many occasions.
Links
to More Information
Sources:
United
Arab Emirates: A Country Study
U.
S. Department of State
U.S.
Department of State: Background Notes |
