Are you travelling to the United Arab Emirates on your next school trip?
As a Muslim country, some things could offend, which we simply wouldn’t bat an eyelid at here in the UK.
So, it’s worth making sure that your group are aware of some of these key aspects of etiquette to avoid inadvertently causing offence to the Emiratis.
Greeting
The usual greeting is ‘salaam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be with you’. The response to this is ‘alaykum assalaam’, which means ‘and on you peace’. Students will enjoy learning this phrase and being able to greet people in their own language, so it's definitely worth practising before you travel.
If you're a non-Muslim meeting someone of the opposite sex, you should wait to follow their lead when it comes to shaking hands or not. They may prefer not to for religious reasons. It is quite normal for men to shake hands with each other when meeting, but this is normally lighter than in the West (where we tend to prefer a firmer handshake), so do bear this in mind if you go in for a handshake.
It is VERY important that you only use your right hand when shaking hands (and when passing or taking something), as the left hand is considered unclean.
Clothing
What to pack is always an important issue for students and their families and something they're going to want to know about in advance.
The UAE is a Muslim country and, as such, all visitors should dress conservatively and modestly. For both sexes, this means covering legs, backs and shoulders. Women especially should avoid short skirts and low-cut tops, but men should also avoid short shorts and vest tops, for example.
Swimsuits are acceptable around private beaches and pools, but you will need to be properly clothed when away from these areas.
You might be asked whether women and girls on the trip need to cover their heads. The answer is no, it's not a requirement in the UAE, so they don't need to worry about that. The only exception is when entering mosques, so if you are planning to visit a mosque during you trip, women and girls should pack a headscarf for that.
Eating and drinking
Hygiene is considered very important in all Middle Eastern cultures, so everyone in the group will need to wash your hands before you eat.
And make sure they know that blowing their nose at the table is considered really rude, so they'll need to excuse themselves and head to the bathroom if they need to do that.
However, picking your teeth is acceptable, and you may find that toothpicks are provided (so, don't be surprised when you see people using them).
You should only take food from your side of the table (stretching across is considered very impolite). And remember to use your right hand when passing things to people.
The service charge will usually be included in the bill. However, it is still customary to tip good service. 10-15% is normal, but rounding the bill up to the nearest note is also sufficient.
Visiting a mosque
Mosques are holy places, so it's really, really important to make sure students understand that it's especially important to follow the rules here.
Regardless of your sex, you should be modestly dressed with legs, arms, chest and back all covered. Women and girls will also need to cover their heads.
One thing that's really, really important for everyone to remember is that you must remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Non-muslims aren't required to perform wudu (ritual washing) before entering, but you absolutely do have to remove your shoes or you will cause great offence.
Finally, this is a place of worship, so everyone in the group needs to be careful not to distract worshippers. For example, you must not stare at worshippers, walk in front of worshippers or step on someone’s prayer mat. And make sure everyone puts their phones on silent or turns them off.
Visiting a home
A gift would certainly be welcome. Some good gift options include flowers, chocolates, pastries, fruit or honey.
You must remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Try to leave a little bit of food on the plate to show that you’ve been well-fed.
Always use your right hand to eat and pass food, and NEVER use your left hand.
And if coffee is offered, accept it.
If incense is passed around, this is a signal that the meal has ended and the host would like you to leave.
Travelling during Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast (i.e. do not eat, drink or even chew gum and the like) during daylight. They also avoid doing anything that is incompatible with Muslim values.
If you’re a non-Muslim travelling to a Muslim country, such as the UAE, during Ramadan, it is understood that you are not under the same obligations. However, you should be sensitive to those fasting and be very careful to avoid offensive behaviour.
It is forbidden to eat in public during daylight hours in the UAE during Ramadan. Of course, you may eat in private, and your hotel may even provide a screened area with a limited service. And supermarkets will remain open, so you will be able to purchase food and drink.
But you could be fined for eating, drinking, or even chewing gum in public – so it’s really important to avoid this. Restaurants and cafes will normally close – some may buck the rules to stay open for tourists, but it’s advisable to avoid these.
Because Ramadan is a time for reflection and prayer, it’s best to try to avoid making loud, disruptive noises, so that you don’t disturb people.
Despite the strict rules, Ramadan is a great time to visit the UAE, as it gives a wonderful insight into Muslim culture. If you get the chance, make sure you take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast) or Suhoor (pre-dawn feast). And don’t forget to check out the fantastic Ramadan sales.
Other things to be aware of
This is unlikely to be an issue, but it is worth mentioning that criticism of Islam, Sharia, politics, local authorities or Palestine should be avoided.
Another subject that shouldn’t apply to school trips (but is worth mentioning) is that public displays of affection are not acceptable and should be avoided.
And swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts with offenders risking jail or deportation.
Avoid pointing with your finger – if you need to point or gesture at something you should use your whole hand.
And when taking photographs, you should avoid taking pictures of UAE nationals without their consent - this is particularly important for women. You should also be careful when taking photographs around military and government buildings.
Useful phrases in Arabic
Greetings – Assalaam alaykum (reply with ‘alaykum assalaam’)
Hello – Marhaba
Goodbye - Maasalaamah
Sorry/excuse me – Affwaan
Please – Min fadlak
Thank you – Shukrun
Yes – Na’am
No – La
Stop, finish, done - Khalas
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