Culture Shock in Dubai

The beauty of Dubai is that it epitomises the term ‘cultural melting pot’ and though expats are likely to experience some culture shock, chances are it's equally possible to find a niche where you feel right at home.

There are dozens of nationalities living and working side by side. Over eighty percent of people in the city are expatriates; Emiratis make up just 17 percent of the population. Westerners, those from the US, Europe and the UK, account for around a tenth of inhabitants. Arabic is the official language of the UAE and English is spoken everywhere, but out and about in Dubai it is not unusual to hear Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Bengali.
 
Islam is the official state religion of the UAE, and those considering a move should bear in mind that Dubai operates according to Muslim traditions. While it is the most liberal of all the Gulf states, there are strict rules that apply and non-adherence will not be tolerated.

The first few weeks in Dubai can be extremely frustrating since there is endless paperwork to be filled in, and real life can’t begin until the presentation of the residence permit which is required to open accounts, rent property etc.

More frustrating can be the seeming non-urgency of many agencies, and questions are often answered with Insha’Allah, meaning ‘God willing’. The Emiratis do not respond to shouting and swearing, so it is always best to remain calm in any dispute. On the upside, there is a very nice lifestyle to be had once you’ve settled in. Most people have access to their own swimming pool, there are endless places to eat out, countless activities to get involved in (the legendary expat Friday brunch), and it won't be long until the Dubai social calendar is packed.

While individuals experience culture shock to different degrees, there are nonetheless some cultural adjustments that future residents should be prepared to make:

Marriage and co-habitation

It is illegal for a man and woman who are not married to cohabit. However it is clear, given the number of unmarried Western couples living in Dubai, that this law is neither adhered to, nor enforced with any vigour. Many unwed couples give the illusion of being married by referring to each other as husband and wife and wearing ‘wedding’ rings. The general rule is to keep a low profile; the police do not actively seek out cohabiting couples (although they are more vigilant during the holy month of Ramadan) but it should be remembered that it is illegal and lawbreakers can be punished with a prison term, deportation or both.

Alcohol

It is a myth that Dubai is a ‘dry’ state. Alcohol can be bought and consumed here depending on various factors. Firstly, it is only sold in restaurants belonging to a hotel. There are no pubs in Dubai, but there are plenty of places to enjoy a drink since most of the shopping malls and entertainment centres are attached to a hotel. Alternatively, alcohol can be purchased for private consumption at selected liquor stores by those in possession of a liquor license. For this, a letter from the employer is needed, plus a copy of the residence permit and passport. Women also need to have permission from their husbands.

Medical exam and HIV

Employees are required to undergo a medical examination on arrival. This includes a TB, Hepatitis B and HIV test, which if positive will result in the worker being denied a residence permit and being forced to leave the country at once.
 
Ramadan

Each year Muslims recognise the Holy Month of Ramadan with a period of fasting. From sun-up to sundown, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum during daylight hours. At this time, it is imperative that all Dubai residents remember the importance of adhering to the relevant laws. During Ramadan it is a good idea to be particularly vigilant regarding public displays of affection, modest dressing and public drinking. Police tend to be less lenient during these times and arrests have been known to be made for couples kissing in public, tourists smoking in public during the day and unlicensed drinking.

Working conditions during Ramadan may vary, with some workplaces adopting a traditional approach, forbidding any eating, drinking or smoking, to other more relaxed environments where designated rooms are allocated for non-Muslims to eat and drink. Muslims break the day’s fast at sundown with water and dates, and then enjoy the Iftar feast.

Other

There is no way for a non-Emirati to ever achieve citizenship in the UAE. It is irrelevant how long a person has been a resident in the country; citizen status is never granted to foreigners.

Persons holding an Israeli passport will not be granted access to the UAE.

Never take pictures of government buildings or personnel, or Emiratis (particularly women). Men should be careful not to stare at or be unaccompanied with local women.

Nudity is not an option. There are NO public beaches/parks where nudity is acceptable. The same applies to being drunk in public.

In most cases, the law will favour the local.

Dubai prides itself on being tolerant of other religions and there are several churches in the city, the largest of which are St Mary’s Church and Holy Trinity Church, both in Oud Metha.