Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the Gulf countries. The Gulf countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They are located on the Arabian Gulf – it is important NOT to refer to it as the Persian Gulf.
The UAE has a population of approximately 10 million, of whom only about 1.5 million are Emirati citizens — the remainder are expatriate workers and residents from across the globe, making the UAE one of the most internationally diverse societies in the world. The federation consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital and largest emirate), Dubai (the commercial and tourism hub), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
The UAE has undergone one of the most remarkable economic transformations in modern history. In barely two generations, it has evolved from a desert economy dependent on pearl diving and fishing into a global center for finance, trade, tourism, logistics, and technology. Dubai’s skyline — anchored by the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building — is a symbol of this transformation. Abu Dhabi, home to roughly 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves, has diversified into sovereign wealth management, culture (the Louvre Abu Dhabi), and renewable energy (Masdar City). The UAE hosted Expo 2020 (held in 2021–2022) and has established numerous free trade zones offering 100% foreign ownership, no income tax, and streamlined business registration — making it one of the easiest places in the Middle East for foreign companies to establish operations.
When holding business meetings in the United Arab Emirates, some foreign businesspeople suggest holding the meeting in the lobby of an international hotel rather than in an office. The advantage of this is that there will be fewer people wandering in and out of the meeting. Also, your counterpart’s willingness to come to you demonstrates a true interest. You will also have access to refreshments that may be more to your taste.
Hofstede Analysis
The Geert Hofstede analysis for the United Arab Emirates is similar to other Arab countries where the Muslim faith plays a large role in the people’s lives. Large power distance and uncertainty avoidance are the predominant characteristics for this region. This indicates that it is expected and accepted that leaders separate themselves from the group and issue complete and specific directives.
The Geert Hofstede analysis for the Arab World, that includes the countries of Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrates the Muslim faith plays a significant role in the people’s lives.
Large Power Distance (PDI) (90) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (80) are predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for the UAE. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. They are also highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
The high Power Distance (PDI) ranking is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. These populations have an expectation and acceptance that leaders will separate themselves from the group and this condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.
The high Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) ranking of 80 indicates the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of these populations is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.
The Masculinity index (MAS), at 50, is at the average for all the countries included in the Hofstede MAS Dimension. This would indicate that while women in the Arab World are limited in their rights, it may be due more to Muslim religion rather than a cultural paradigm.
The Individualism (IDV) ranking at 25, compared to a world average ranking of 64, translates into a Collectivist society as compared to Individualist culture and is manifested in a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, that being a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules.
Religion. The predominant religion of the United Arab Emirates is Islam, the practice of the Muslim faith. Approximately 76% of the population is Muslim (predominantly Sunni), though this figure includes the large expatriate population. Among Emirati citizens, Islam is nearly universal. The UAE is generally more tolerant of other faiths than many of its neighbors, and churches, Hindu temples, and a synagogue operate openly, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
An Imam Explains Islam
By Imam Shamshad A. Nasir
Islam is the name of the religion that was founded 1,400 years ago by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, love and complete submission and obedience to God. There is no difference between Islam and Muslims. Islam is the religion that a Muslim follows, just as Christianity is the religion which a Christian follows.
A Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully obedient and submissive to the will of God.
Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world, promote love and make such examples of themselves that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.
The Holy Prophet of Islam has said that a true Muslim is one whose actions and words do not harm his fellow man.
Islamic Greetings. When Muslims greet each other, instead of saying “good morning” or “hello” they say “Assalamo Alaikum,” which means “May peace be upon you and may God’s blessings be with you.” This greeting makes a Muslim aware that he has to spread love and peace wherever he goes.
Attributes of God. There are many attributes of God, one being “AsSalam” meaning “the Bestower of peace and love.” Man has been created to fashion himself to the attributes of God and Muslims must try to adopt this attribute of God.
If someone calling himself a Muslim and a follower of the Holy Prophet does not promote peace and love in his actions and does not follow this teaching, he cannot be a true follower of the Holy Prophet.
A Muslim’s Prayers. Muslims pray five times a day, asking God for his love. They pray, “Oh God! You are Peace and from you, is Peace; Blessed are you, O Lord of Majesty and Bounty.”
The Religion of Islam. Islam is a religion from God for the whole of mankind and the name Islam was given to the Muslims by God himself in the Holy Quran. “This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion.” The Holy Quran has been sent for the guidance of mankind. It is full of wisdom and commands.
Appearance
body language
& gestures
- Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty however, do not adopt native clothing. Traditional clothes on foreigners may be offensive.
- Despite the heat, most of the body must always remain covered.
- A jacket and tie are usually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt, preferably long-sleeved, buttoned up to the collar. Men should also avoid wearing visible jewelry, particularly around the neck.
- Women should wear modest professional attire in business settings. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pantsuits, tailored trousers with blouses, and knee-length or longer skirts are standard and accepted in corporate environments. Shoulders should be covered and necklines kept high. While dress expectations have become more relaxed in the major business centers, modesty remains important — particularly when meeting with Emirati counterparts or visiting government offices. A scarf should be kept handy, especially if entering a mosque. Note that dress expectations are stricter in the more conservative emirates such as Sharjah and Ajman.
Behavior
meetings &
general conduct
- Avoid admiring an item to an excess, your host may feel obligated to give it to you. When offered a gift, it is impolite to refuse.
- Often shoes are removed before entering a building. Follow the lead of your host.
- Alcohol and pork are not consumed by those that observe the Muslim religion.
- There are several styles of greetings in use, it is best to wait for your counterpart to initiate the greeting. Men shake hands with other men. Some men will shake hands with women, however it is advisable for a businesswoman to wait for a man to offer his hand. A more traditional greeting between men involves grasping each other’s right hand, placing the left hand on the other’s right shoulder and exchanging kisses on each cheek.
- The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for hygiene. Gesture and eat with the right hand. Do not point at another person.
- Men walking hand in hand is a sign of friendship.
- In the Muslim world, Friday is the day of rest.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting, showing the bottom of your shoe or foot is offensive.
- The “thumbs up” gesture can also be considered offensive by some.
- Gifts are not necessary, but appreciated. If you do give a gift, it will be opened in private.
- Gifts to avoid giving include: alcohol, perfumes containing alcohol, pork, pigskin products, personal items such as underwear, knives, toy dogs or gifts that picture dogs, and images of nude or partially clad women (even in paintings or sculptures with artistic merit).
Communication
introductions &
conversation
- Do not discuss the subject of women in personal terms, not even to inquire about the health of a wife or daughter. The topic of Israel should also be avoided. Sports is an appropriate topic.
- Names are often confusing. It’s best to get the names (in English) of those you will meet, speak to, or correspond with. Learn both their full names and how they are to be addressed in person before you meet.
- Communication is slow, do not feel obligated to speak during periods of silence. “Yes” usually means “possibly.”
- Meetings are commonly interrupted by phone calls and visits from friends and family.
- The person at a meeting who asks the most questions is likely to be the least important. The decision maker is likely a silent observer.
- A customary greeting is salaam alaykum. Shaking hands and saying kaif halak follows.
Resources
Government & Data
- The Official Portal of the UAE GovernmentOfficial government services
- CIA World Factbook — UAEDemographics, economy, government
- U.S. Commercial Service — UAETrade and market guidance
- UAE Ministry of EconomyBusiness and investment information
News & Culture
- The NationalLeading English-language UAE daily
- Gulf NewsDubai-based English-language daily
- Visit DubaiOfficial Dubai tourism portal
- Visit Abu DhabiOfficial Abu Dhabi tourism portal
Cultural Framework
- Cyborlink Hofstede ExplainerThe six-dimension model explained
- Hofstede Insights — Country ComparisonCompare UAE scores with any nation
- Cyborlink Resource PageBooks, world press, language tools