Experiencing The United Arab Emirates
Culture
Rooted in Islamic culture, the UAE has strong ties with the rest of the Arab and Islamic world. The government is committed to preserving traditional forms of art and culture, primarily through the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. The first known manuscript produced in the UAE was Al jawaher wal la'li, a text which discusses the emirates of the nation.
Nearly all citizens are Muslims, approximately 98 percent of whom are Sunni and the remaining 2 percent are Shi'a. Although no official figures are available, local observers estimate that approximately 86 percent of the foreign population is Sunni Muslim, 7 percent is Hindu, 4 percent is Christian, 2 percent is Buddhist, and 1 percent (most of whom reside in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) belong to other religions, including Parsi, Baha'i, and Sikh.
Dubai is the only emirate of the UAE with both a Hindu Temple and a Sikh Gurdwara. Christian churches are also present in the country. There are a variety of Asian-influenced schools, restaurants and cultural centers. Finally, there also exist a growing number of European centers, schools, and restaurants.
New sports are becoming popular alongside traditional camel racing. Examples of these new sports include golf, with two European Tour events in the country (the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship) and the world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, held annually in March.
Aside from the international circuit events, the UAE has a healthy indigenous sporting environment with the local community participating in a wide variety of clubs and establishments. The seven emirates regularly compete in national leagues and cups in a multiplicity of sports that are controlled by specialized governing bodies. Top sporting venues (both indoor and outdoor) and an all-year-round good climate ensure that the activities continue throughout the winter season.
The UAE has a huge interest in soccer. The United Arab Emirates Football Association was first established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organising youth programmes and improving the abilities of not only its players, but of the officials and coaches involved with its regional teams.
The inhabitants of the Gulf states have enjoyed camel racing for many years as it is considered a traditional sport. Formalizing camel racing was one way of maintaining its central role in UAE life. In the past, UAE had a reputation for exploiting South Asian children as jockeys. However, Robot jockeys are now used after strict government regulations were passed prohibiting underage jockeys from racing.
Business Customs
Men and women work together in United Arab Emirates (UAE) offices. UAE nationals wear traditional national dress and women usually dress conservatively and modestly. Western women traveling to the UAE for business should dress conservatively, in pantor skirt suits or dresses with sleeves. As in many Middle Eastern countries, meetings can run late and projects may experience postponements and extensions. US business visitors, however, are expected to be punctual for all appointments. It is most important to respond to fax and other communications promptly. In a meeting, the host will offer tea or coffee upon arrival. It is rude to refuse this beverage. Formal greetings can take several minutes. It is considered impolite to begin addressing business topics without taking several minutes for small talk. Courtesy is more emphasized in the UAE than in typical US business meetings. Never ask about a man's wife. Business cards and gifts should be offered with the right, not left, hand.
Travel Advisory
There is no specific travel advisory in effect for the UAE. Business travel to the UAE has been untouched by the violence regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict. A general worldwide advisory concerning terrorism is in effect and travelers should contact the US Department of State’s Office of Citizen Services or the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for an update. The website for the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi is http://usembassy.state.gov/uae/.
Visa Requirements
US visitors can obtain a 60-day tourist visa at any point of entry. This visa can be renewed for another 30 days at a fee of 500 Dhs. These visas do not permit employment in the UAE. An AIDS test is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit, which is a requirement for all expatriates and their dependents living in the UAE. The test must be conducted in the UAE by the Preventive Medicine Unit of the UAE Ministry of Health, or at Al Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi. (The cost would be higher in Al Noor Hospital). For further information regarding travel or immigration to the UAE, travelers may contact the UAE Embassy, Suite 700, 1255 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, Tel (202) 243-2400, Fax (202) 243-2432. U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
United States Visas.gov: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
Language
The language of business is English and Arabic. Most taxi drivers understand sufficient English to get you where you want to go.
