Business Tips

Dubai Dress Code: Clothing should be conservative in Dubai. Women should avoid wearing revealing or tightly fitting clothing, especially in rural areas, and go for garments such as loosely cut trousers and long dresses.

Greeting Someone in Dubai: Usual practice is the use of 'Sayed' (Mr) or 'Sayeda' (Mrs) followed by the first name. The first name should always be prefixed with the honorific title, especially in business situations.

Business Hours and Banking: Dubai's business community works Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. Banking hours in Dubai are from 08:00 to 13:00, Saturday to Wednesday, although some also open from 16:30 to 18:30. On Thursdays, banks are open between 08:00 and 12:00.

Smoking: Attitudes to smoking in Dubai are the same as in Europe, and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke. Visitors should remember that during Ramadan, it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.

When to Visit - Arts and Events

Dubai's Muslim festivals, held annually on varying dates, include Ramadan, the four-week religious fast, which always ends in the festival Eid al-Fitr. The Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday are the two main celebrations.

Observing Etiquette

Some other matters of etiquette to observe include:

Only use your right hand when offering or receiving things

Always ask permission before taking photographs, especially of native women

Be mindful of religious practices to avoid causing offence

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet directly at other people

Dubai Tipping Advice

Tipping is not a widely established practice in the UAE, as restaurants prefer to include a service charge. Given the low salary of many waiters, however, tips are greatly appreciated.