Ever wished you knew more about the culture and customs of where we live? British Mum Um Faris provides us with a sneak peek into her own journey of discovering all that Emarati culture has to offer. In a series of blogs, British mums can learn more about our wonderful host country, it’s people and customs. Read on….

“I’ve been living in the UAE for over a decade and for the first half of my time here, I lived what I would describe as a very ‘British’ life; having minimal interaction with UAE Nationals, (apart from on the road, in the queue of the bank and at the Government offices, that is.) None of these gave me a particularly enlightening opinion of my host nation and my days were filled with brunches and sunbathing, shopping and work – all surrounded by people who spoke my language and wore the clothes that I wore.

Luck would have it that in my 6th year of being here, I was offered the opportunity to work with a local education reform organisation and directly with UAE nationals. This led me to learn huge amounts about my life here….  so much so, that I married into the culture myself. One of the most prominent things I’ve learnt in the UAE, is that sharing is most definitely caring and it has to be the most open and welcoming culture I have ever met – show them you care and they will open their world to you!

Islam and UAE culture go hand in hand; they’re so intertwined that it’s difficult sometimes to separate the two; many of the daily activities revolve around religious beliefs and therefore women generally do not mix with men outside of their immediate families, so if you’re in the company of local Emarati’s, be sure to be respectful of this.

A sticky point I got to learn fast was how to greet people; women greet each other with kisses on a single cheek, (trying the French two-cheek kiss could end very awkwardly!) whereas men traditionally greet each other by holding right hands and touching noses, called ‘hashmak.’ (This greeting is not as common when interacting with people outside the Emirati community) – you see, Emarati’s are very accommodating and they do understand that people may feel uncomfortable with this, and therefore it’s been replaced with a good old fashion hand shake!

If you are meeting a member of the opposite sex, let them greet you and just take their lead – some will leave a greeting as a simple ‘Salam allykum’, to which you can reply ‘Allaykum assalam’, and others may feel comfortable to shake your hand. Reaching out to someone who doesn’t feel that appropriate though, can leave you hanging (and there are only so many times you can try to conceal your failed attempt by waving or combing your hair!)

Emarati’s not only love their language, but people who make the effort to use it. Try to learn a few basic phrases – impress the people at the government offices, because a little really does go a long way! The biggest question I get asked by people coming to Dubai is ‘what shall I wear?’ My answer has changed over the years, and, knowing what I know now, my answer is always, ‘whatever you like, but consider the audience!’

When you are in malls, schools or out and about, dress modestly. Cover your knees, your shoulders, your stomach and your cleavage! We live in a conservative nation who are doing their best to accommodate those living here (whose beliefs on dress may often differ) so while at the beach, you can go wild! However, consider this – even a local who wears western clothing 90% of the time will don full Kandora to visit Immigration, Dewa, or Etisalat etc – the people are very respectful of authority and dress to show that, so take their lead and make sure you are fully covered, (it may not often be spoken out loud) but the lack of respect is noted.”

Want to know more? Bookmark this blog for more insights into UAE culture – and if you want to hear it from the mouths of locals, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding can’t be recommended enough. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t delay! Your visitors will love it too as the people that run it are friendly, warm, and so open. They will answer any question you may have, and what’s more is their meals are totally scrumptious to boot!

If you would like to write for British Mums we’d love to hear from you! Please drop us an email at blog@britishmums.com