​​United Arab Emirates

​​Dress Code

Business attire is generally formal.
For Men: Suits or dress pants with collared shirts and ties.
For Women: Professional dresses or suits. It's advisable to dress conservatively, especially in public spaces. 

​​Language

Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates and is used in government and legal matters. However, English is widely spoken, especially in business, tourism, and daily interactions. Most signs, menus, and official documents are available in both Arabic and English, making communication easy for most travelers.

Common phrases in Arabic:
1. Hello – As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم)
2. Peace be upon you (response) – Wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام)
3. Thank you – Shukran (شكراً)
4. Please – Min fadlak (to a male) / Min fadlik (to a female) (من فضلك)
5. Yes – Na’am (نعم)
6. No – La (لا)
7. Excuse me / Sorry – Afwan (عفواً)
8. How much? – Kam thamanoh? (كم ثمنه؟)
9. Where is…? – Ayna…? (أين…؟)
10. Bathroom – Hammam (حمام)
11. Help! – Al-‘awn! (العون!)
12. I don’t understand – Ana la afham (أنا لا أفهم)
13. Do you speak English? – Hal tatakallam al-ingliziya? (هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟)
14. Goodbye – Ma’a as-salama (مع السلامة)

Telephone

International Dialing: To call the UAE from abroad, dial +971, followed by the local number. Within the UAE, simply dial the local number without prefixes.
Local SIM & eSIM Options: Etisalat (e&) – Extensive coverage, especially in remote areas; Visitor Line tourist plans range from AED 49 to AED 319, offering 2 GB to unlimited data and call minutes.

Internet

Internet access is widely available throughout the UAE, with high-speed connections in hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and public areas. Most urban locations offer free Wi-Fi, although registration may be required. Mobile data services are also fast and reliable, with extensive 4G and growing 5G coverage across the country.

​​Business Hours

Government Sector: Sunday–Thursday, approximately 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Private Sector: Sunday–Thursday, roughly 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; some businesses may open shorter hours on Saturdays.
Weekend Friday and Saturday

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued in professional settings across the UAE. Arriving on time for meetings is expected and seen as a sign of respect and professionalism. While there may be some flexibility depending on the industry or individual, it’s best for visitors to be prompt and prepared.

​​Meeting Etiquette

Meetings often begin with polite greetings and a brief period of small talk to establish rapport. It is customary to address others using formal titles and last names until invited to use first names. Exchanging business cards is common practice—offer and receive them with your right hand or both hands, and treat them with respect by not writing on or pocketing them immediately.

​​History of Major Football Incidents

Football is one of the most popular sports in the UAE, with strong local and regional support. While fan violence is rare, emotions can run high during major local or international matches, particularly involving rival teams.
Local Clubs: Teams like Al Ain, Al Wahda, and Shabab Al Ahli attract dedicated fanbases. Al Ain, in particular, has had notable success in the AFC Champions League.
 Regional Rivalries: Matches involving teams from neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, can generate intense excitement and large crowds.
2019 AFC Asian Cup: The UAE hosted the tournament and reached the semi-finals, marking a significant moment in the nation’s football history.
Stadium Experience: Games are generally well-organized and family-friendly, with modern stadiums and good security measures in place.

​​Natural Disasters

The UAE is generally safe and stable, but travelers should be aware of occasional natural hazards. Sandstorms can reduce visibility and affect air quality, while flash floods may occur in desert and mountain areas during rare periods of heavy rain. It’s advisable to stay informed through weather alerts and familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures, especially when exploring rural or outdoor areas.

​​Emergency Response

For emergencies, dial 999 for police, 998 for fire, and 997 for medical emergencies. Keep contact information for your hotel and local authorities handy. 

​​Medical Services

The UAE has an advanced healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical services. Both public and private facilities are well-equipped and staffed by trained professionals, many of whom speak English. While emergency care is reliable, comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and emergencies is strongly recommended, as healthcare costs can be high without insurance.

​​Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely available and generally well-stocked. You can find both prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

Pharmacies in the UAE
1. Aster Pharmacy – A leading chain with over 200 branches, offering 24/7 service, telemedicine, and home delivery. 
2. BinSina Pharmacy – One of the oldest and most trusted pharmacies, with more than 90 outlets, plus online ordering and fast delivery.
3. Life Pharmacy – The largest retail pharmacy chain (200+ stores), with extensive healthcare, skincare, and online services.
4. Medicina Pharmacy – Modern chain offering OTC meds, beauty and wellness products, with a strong online presence. 
5. Thumbay Pharmacy – Known for OTC selections and healthcare products, with over 60 stores—some open late. 
Other options: Local favorites like Super Care Pharmacy and Boots (international chain) are commonly found in malls and popular districts. Havefundubai.com Online & delivery apps: Home delivery through platforms like Aster, BinSina, Soukare, Instashop, and Medicina is increasingly available

UAE Common Over-the-Counter Medicines & Remedies
1. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) – Widely used to reduce fever, headache, and sore throat; safe and accessible. 
2. Ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) – Effective for pain and inflammation, but use with caution if you have stomach or cardiovascular issues.
3. Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) – Help relieve nasal congestion—use carefully due to blood pressure effects.
4. Throat lozenges & sprays – Useful for temporary sore throat relief. Brands like Strepsils offer mild antiseptic-based relief. 
5. Multi-symptom cold and flu remedies – Combine analgesics, antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants (e.g., Lemsip Max). Good for convenience, but check labels to avoid overdosing.

​​Culture & Foods

​​Culture: The UAE is a melting pot of cultures with a rich heritage. Respect local customs, especially regarding dress codes and public behavior. 

​​Traditional Emirati Dishes:
1. Al Harees – A slow-cooked dish made with wheat and meat, often enjoyed during Ramadan and special occasions.
2. Al Machboos – A spiced rice dish with meat (usually lamb, chicken, or fish), flavored with saffron and dried lemon.
3. Balaleet – Sweet vermicelli noodles with eggs, combining sweet and savory flavors, typically served at breakfast.
4. Luqaimat – Deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey; a popular dessert and street snack.
5. Shorbat Adas – A hearty lentil soup, often served as a starter during Iftar in Ramadan.

Popular International Cuisines: The UAE is home to a wide range of global cuisines due to its large expatriate population. You'll find excellent options for:
1. Indian and Pakistani – Biryani, curries, and kebabs are widely available and often very affordable.
2. Lebanese and Middle Eastern – Mezze platters, shawarma, grilled meats, and fresh breads are local favorites.
3. Filipino, Iranian, Chinese, Thai, and Turkish – Widely represented, especially in major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
4. Western fast food – Global chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Shake Shack, and Five Guys are found throughout malls and commercial districts.
 
Street Food and Budget Eats:
1. Shawarma – Ubiquitous and affordable; wrapped in Arabic bread with garlic sauce and pickles.
2. Falafel and Hummus – Common vegetarian options found in local cafeterias and food courts.
3. Paratha Sandwiches & Karak  – Popular Indian-style street food served at small shops and tea stalls.
4. Samboosa (Samosas) – Filled with meat or vegetables, often sold during Ramadan or at roadside eateries.

​​​Others

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for your business trip to the UAE. Safe travels!
Time Zone: GMT+4 (no daylight saving)
Transport: Efficient public transit: Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps.
Climate: Desert climate—very hot and dry in summer (40–50 °C), mild and pleasant in winter (15–25 °C). Sandstorms are possible; regular heat alerts are issued in summer.

Prohibitions
- Use Designated Areas for Photography:
- Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women.
- Avoid taking pictures of military installations or government buildings.