×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
UAE | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in UAE? | Digital Nomad Exchange
Digital Nomad Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in UAE?

Answer this Question

SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

We asked people in UAE if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"Do not park our car outside the yellow lines I got a parking ticket at 7:30 in the morning 200 aed," wrote a member who made the move to Dubai, UAE.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting the UAE. It is important to dress modestly, especially for women, and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs, such as not drinking alcohol in public or consuming pork products. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about the UAE or its people," explained one expat living in UAE.

Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in UAE?

If you live in the UAE, newcomers to the UAE would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in the UAE, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides