Not so long ago, Abu Dhabi was limited to a few famous locations like the Grand Mosque and Corniche. However, it has changed a lot in the past few decades, transforming into one of the most visited cities in the world.
But even if Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE are infiltrated with tourists from everywhere in the world all year round, this region sticks to its distinct way of doing things. For example, the Emiratis place a huge value on visitors’ dressing and manners, especially if they visit sacred places like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque.
So, from dining to public behavior, here is your guide to navigating Abu Dhabi (and the rest of the UAE) the easy way!
18 Unwritten Rules In Abu Dhabi And The Rest Of UAE
1. Dress Modestly While Visiting Abu Dhabi
Dressing modestly in Abu Dhabi means covering yourself from the shoulders to the knees. The dress code isn’t as strictly monitored as in Iran, but spaghetti straps, see-through clothing, or tight-fitting outfits will cause offense. Women can wear bikinis only at resort and hotel beaches. If you do not dress modestly in Abu Dhabi, you can be turned away from public buildings and malls.
2. Ramadan Do’s And Don’ts In The UAE
Muslims in UAE observe a whole month of fasting, in which they do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise to sunset. This month is called Ramadan. As a tourist visiting the UAE and the rest of the Middle East, you must respect this religious tradition and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in front of any staff or public during fasting hours. However, food is always available for non-Muslim visitors at hotels and other places.
3. Public Displays Of Affection Are Not Allowed In Abu Dhabi
If you want to show affection to your romantic partner, do so by judging the environment. Holding hands or hugging each other is acceptable, but engaging in sexual activity in public, kissing, or displaying same-sex relationships is strictly forbidden in Abu Dhabi. Even a light peck at a bar or airport is acceptable. And if you are near a sacred site like a mosque, even minor displays of affection are not considered appropriate.
4. Public Intoxication Is A Serious Breach Of Law In The UAE
Repeat after us: “I will not get drunk in public in the UAE.” A fine and severe penalty will be imposed if you drink alcoholic beverages in any public place. And if anyone in the UAE is found drunk and causing a nuisance in a public place, they will be in serious trouble. Even in Dubai, which is famous for its nightlife, you cannot drink alcohol on streets, public transport, parks, and beaches.
5. Tourists Must Respect Local Religion In Abu Dhabi
The major religion in Abu Dhabi is Islam. As a mindful tourist, you should respect the religion, which includes attending iftar with Muslim families, valuing their designated praying places, etc. There are more than 200 other nationalities in the UAE, such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists, so whenever you visit sacred places, remember to research their customs beforehand.
6. Cultural Taboos To Avoid In The UAE
Here are some taboo behaviors in the UAE. Criticizing religions, especially Islam. If you are a man, do not stare at women or offer them unnecessary compliments. Do not dress scantily, and if you are a non-Muslim tourist, do not touch the Quran. Also, eating with your left hand is considered unclean in the UAE, and try not to consume pork and alcohol in the company of observant Muslims. Besides these points, you will find the Emiratis to be extremely friendly people.
7. Rules Of Gift-Giving When Visiting Abu Dhabi
Giving and receiving gifts in Abu Dhabi is a very intricate matter. For example, if you are a man buying a gift for another man, the best choice would be an expensive and high-quality perfume. But as a man, gifting perfume to a woman might be considered inappropriate, but not when it comes from another woman. Similarly, thoughtful gifts with a personal touch are well-loved in Abu Dhabi but try not to give any products related to pork, alcohol, or dog-related items.
8. Hijab Is Not Compulsory For Tourists In Abu Dhabi And The UAE
If you are wondering whether you have to wear a hijab or burqa in Abu Dhabi and UAE at all times, then no, this traditional attire is not compulsory. You can wear anything you like in Abu Dhabi, as long as it is modest enough not to challenge the local culture. You will be surprised at how liberal and satisfied women are when it comes to dressing in UAE.
9. Never Photograph Others Without Their Consent
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE are tourist hotspots. This means every corner is filled with excited tourists ready to snap pictures left, right, and center. However, you must NEVER take someone’s photo without their consent, as there are strict laws in the country about violating someone’s privacy. The country also prohibits taking pictures of private and public places without the owner’s consent.
10. Show Respect For Elders At All Times
When traveling to or moving to the UAE, remember that the Emiratis show a lot of respect to older adults. For example, when an elderly person enters the room, everyone else stands up to greet them. The UAE also has plenty of retirement homes for elderly care. This is the beauty of their culture, ingrained in the very core of Emirati society.
11. Dress Properly For Business Meetings
If you are in the UAE for business, you must dress up in a certain way. Men should wear suits and ties, while women must dress modestly and ensure their arms are covered. The Emiratis pay a lot of attention to positions and titles, as they want to ensure respect and formality. Most people address the head of their department as “Sheikh.”
12. Tipping Is Appreciated In Dining, Hotels, And Parking
A quick guide to tipping in UAE: 10 to 15 percent in restaurants, AED 5-10 for valets and porters, AED 10 per night for hotel housekeeping, and AED 5-10 for taxi drivers. Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE are globally recognized for their extraordinary services, which makes tipping a way for tourists and locals to express their gratitude, along with a smile and “thank you.”
13. Swearing, Insults, And Disrespect Is Intolerable
Any loud and disrespectful behavior in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE can land you in trouble. The Emiratis like to abstain from bad language, swearing, insults, and profanities, and as a tourist, you are expected to follow suit. And would you believe that making rude gestures, especially towards a local, can land you in jail? Even Emirati social media accounts discourage the use of disrespectful language among users.
14. Pointing And Unnecessary Gestures Are Unethical
Finger-pointing is considered a very rude gesture, but in Abu Dhabi, it is downright unacceptable. Showing a middle finger can lead you to jail in the UAE. This gesture is associated with blaming, making someone an object of mockery and scrutiny, and pointing your finger, which may also come off as threatening. According to the United Arab Emirates’ Government portal, making obscene gestures can land you in legal trouble and even deportation.
15. Men Should Only Shake Hands With Women If The Woman Initiates
Men and women do not touch each other in public in Abu Dhabi and UAE, especially when they are strangers. You will commonly find a man waiting for the woman to hold out her hand, which is a sign that she wants to shake hands. But to avoid any confusion or awkward moments, many Emirati men will simply put their right hand on their chest while greeting the women. Much simpler and respectable, too.
16. Respect Local Customs While Visiting Abu Dhabi And UAE
The local customs and social etiquette of the Emiratis are very respectable and virtuous, and if you want to blend in, you have to follow them. Want to look like a great tourist? Greet each other, dress modestly, show appreciation for hospitality, share meals, foster personal relationships, be polite, and observe proper etiquette. And don’t ever say no to tea or coffee served by the hosts. It will probably hurt their feelings.
17. Always Greet Others In Arabic When Possible
Arabic and English are the most spoken languages in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE. However, if you want to make a local in Abu Dhabi really happy, try to greet them or say a few phrases in Arabic. Here are some sentences that you use;
“Salaamu Aleikum” in place of hello. “Wa Alaikum a-salaam” as its response, and “Ahlan wa sahlan” if you are a host and want to say “Welcome!”
18. No Smoking In Certain Public Places In UAE
Smoking, vaping, and using tobacco are not allowed in many areas in UAE. For example, worship places, educational institutions, public transport, and health facilities are some of those places where smoking is frowned upon. Other uses of tobacco are also penalized in UAE, such as the sale of sweets that look like tobacco products, smoking in indoor places, advertising tobacco, and smoking in private cars when you have a child younger than 12 years of age in tow. Better leave those vapes at home!
