Although Dubai has a liberal attitude, it is always wise to respect the religion and culture of the city by wearing appropriate, more modest clothing in public places. Care should be taken by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, for example low-cut dresses, very short skirts, or tight jeans. Men should always wear a shirt or top in public. At the pool or on the beach however, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable.

Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm in the private sector and from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm in the government sector. There is no change in time keeping between summer and winter. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours and legally this should apply to all staff, but many companies only apply it to Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.
Friday is the Muslim rest day and, if your company has a five-day working week, the other day off will probably be either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies, as taking Thursday off would mean a reduction in the number of operational days in common with much of the rest of the world.

It is a lunar calendar having 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days. Because this lunar year is between 10 and 12 days shorter than the solar year, Islamic holy days, although celebrated on fixed dates in their own calendar, shift 10-12 days earlier each successive solar year. Islamic years are also called Hijra years because the first year was the year during which the Hijra, the emigration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, occurred. Thus each numbered year is designated either H or AH, the latter being the initials of the Latin anno Hegirae (in the year of the Hijra). The current Islamic Year is 1430 AH, from approximately December 28, 2008 (evening) to December 17, 2009 (evening).

Public holidays are set by the government, while the timing of religious holidays depends on the sighting of the moon.  Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period: 

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day.

7 Jan Ashoura.

9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).

20 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).

21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).

28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2 Dec National Day.

18 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).

27 Dec Ashoura.


2010

1 Jan New Year's Day.

26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).

9 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).

11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).

17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2 Dec National Day.

7 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).

16 Dec Ashoura.


Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and eat at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days.

The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24°C and the average maximum daily temperature in July is 41°C when humidity is very high. The hottest months are between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 113°F (45°C) and more during the day and humidity levels are very high. Even the sea temperature touches on 104°F (40°C) during the summer months, and swimming pools at hotels are usually cooled to be refreshing. Temperatures are only slightly more moderate the rest of the year, the coolest time being between December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months. For up to date weather reports, log on to www.dubaiairport.com/dubaimet, or www.das.ae, or call Dubai Meteorological Services’ automated system on 04 216 2218.

There are surprising ranges of Dubai flora and fauna that has managed to survive in the desert and arid climate. The flora of Dubai is filled with indigenous date palms. Towards the east, flat topped acacia trees and wild grasses are found scattered in the mountains and all through the mountains. Desert oases are also found in areas where the land is uniquely green. The city of Dubai gives stress on far reaching greening program supervised by the Dubai municipality. Horticultural techniques are encouraged in Dubai to cover the landscapes with greenery. To some extend these efforts has been successful as almost all the chief areas of Dubai have been landscaped beautifully. The main areas of Dubai are vibrant with colorful plants and flowers throughout the year.
Arabian leopards and ibex are the original fauna of Dubai . However, if you want to see them in sightseeing touring they are extremely rare. If you are very lucky or passionate enough to go for an extensive desert adventure, you can have a glance. Apart from these two rare species, the fauna of Dubai includes Camels, Donkeys and Goats which can be spotted easily in Dubai and often seen crossing the major highways. There are many other desert animals like Hedgehogs, Sand Cat, desert Hare, Gerbils, Sand Fox, Snakes and Geckos. The rich marine life of Dubai complements the fewness of wildlife on land. The extensive marine life of Dubai coast includes Tropical Fish, Dolphins, Turtles, Jellyfish, Dugong, Whales, Coral and Sharks. Hammour is the most famous indigenous fish.


Although Dubai lacks in wide variety of plants and creatures, the surprisingly few which are available are well kept and maintained by Dubai municipality.

Day-to-day activities, festivals, cuisine, dresses, weddings, and other customs are dictated very much by religion. Despite waves of modernity touching Dubai, the emirate remains close to its cultural heritage. Locals still continue to wear their traditional dress even today, which indeed is a symbol of national pride and identity. Arab culture and folklore find expression in music and dance of Dubai. Traditional sports such as Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.
Dubai is a tolerant and relaxed society, with local population known for their traditional hospitality and friendliness for foreigners. Unlike other Islamic nations, Dubai also has a liberal attitude towards women. Women are respected and are free to join modern schools, or work in offices in the company of men. What's more, visitors to Dubai will find world-class hotels, beach resorts, nightclubs and bars and serving alcohol. A high standard international cuisine is available in the city’s many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages - from traditional theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands - all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates. All road and shop signs, restaurant menus and tourist information leaflets are both in Arabic and English. Although an Islamic country, the UAE respects other religions and followers are allowed to practice their beliefs. There is a Hindu temple, two Catholic churches, and Anglican and a Protestant church in Dubai.

It is generally made of white cotton. However, the kandoura is also made from darker and heavier material and is worn in the winter months. The headgear for men is called the guthra or sifrah. It is generally white and is held in place by a black cord called agal. Sheikhs and senior business persons also often wear a thin brown or black robe called the bisht over their kandoura. The bisht is typically worn during important functions and events.
Women wear a long-sleeved full-length dress called the Abaya. This is worn over over the normal dress, jeans, trousers or the jalabiyas - long dress. In terms of the headgear, women wear a thin scarf called the shayla.

Almost any type of food is available, from classic European to Pacific Rim. You can eat Mexican, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Persian, Italian and French cooking, and more at some of the finest restaurants in the Middle East. International fast-food chains, serving the standard fare of hamburgers, chips, pizzas etc (McDonalds’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn, Hardee’s, Wimpy, Dunkin’ Donut) are also located in the larger cities. Kentucky Fried Chicken seems to be a particular favourite. International theme restaurants such as TGI Friday’s, Planet Hollywood, Fashion Café, Hard Rock Café and Henry J Bean’s are all represented in the Emirates! Gulf and Middle Eastern food is also available in a wide variety of venues, from expensive restaurants to local cafés. Fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf is always good – try lobster, crab, shrimp, or grouper, tuna, kingfish, red snapper, grilled, stuffed, or fried with spices.
If you cannot find anything to suit in that list, small ethnic cafés and corner stalls are ubiquitous. Shisha cafés offer an opportunity to smoke a shisha (hubble-bubble pipe) and serve food, coffee, tea and fruit juices and corner stalls serve sharwarmas and other sandwiches.
Muslims are prohibited from eating pork so it is not included in Arab menus. Hotels frequently have substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labeled as such.
Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars. Exceptions are some clubs (e.g. golf clubs) and associations. Restaurants that are not associated with hotels are not permitted to serve alcohol.

Here, more than anywhere else, business is conducted on the basis of personal relationships and mutual trust. It is vitally important to build on these. Although it is changing rapidly and large firms are structured as in the rest of the world, companies are often a family affair, with the ultimate decision-maker being the head of the family. Even if this is not the case, it is essential to clearly identify the decision-maker. However, your initial meetings will probably be at a lower level. These are also very important as a means of building mutual trust. Print your business card in English and Arabic and make sure that all brochures and presentation material are full-colour and well produced.


Good manners and courtesy are prized attributes. Nevertheless, although you should always arrive on time for a meeting, punctuality is not considered a virtue and you may be kept waiting before or during your meeting. Do not be impatient. Take the time to chat and drink the coffee, tea or soft drink that is always on offer and establish the relationships that will stand you in good stead. Do not be put off if your meeting is interrupted by other guests or telephone conversations. The upfront, hard-hitting approach is generally not welcome. Be aware that what may seem like evasiveness on the part of your host is usually an unwillingness to say no to your face. Nevertheless, once a deal is made, orally or otherwise, an Arab businessman’s word is his bond and you are also expected to perform accordingly, even if the agreement is a verbal one. This can be disconcerting if you come from a business environment where verbal agreements are not binding.


Hospitality is a way of life in the Arab world and business is frequently conducted over lunch or dinner – more than likely in a hotel or restaurant. Business meetings with Arab clients or colleagues may begin with a very informal preamble. They often take place in restaurants or cafes at a hotel rather than an office, beginning with polite conversation, usually about each other’s families. However, whenever the conversation turns to business it is usually resolved much quicker than in formal western business meetings. When meeting a handshake is followed by a touch of the heart with the right hand to show sincerity, and a woman’s hand is shaken only if it is offered.


Although business meetings are less formal than western standards, by contrast business lunches tend to be more formal. As a strict rule alcohol is never involved, and it is essential that when sitting opposite an Arab colleague or client that the soles of shoes are not directed towards them as that is considered extremely offensive in Arabic culture.


Though often described as the most cosmopolitan and liberal of the Arab states, Dubai still adheres to an unspoken dress code that is both conservative and modest compared to that experienced in the West. In particular those working in the more rural and therefore traditional areas should take care to wear clothing that covers the body and limbs. Despite the often oppressive heat, those doing business in Dubai are expected to present themselves smartly. Although proper dress is important for all business dealings, the local climate has dictated that a shirt and tie (for men) is sufficient for all but the most important of business encounters; women usually choose a suit or a skirt and blouse and nothing too revealing.