Culture
What foreign residents should know about living in a Muslim country that's also one of the world's most multicultural.
Applies to everyone regardless of religion. Violations carry fines or warnings. Children, pregnant women, and patients are exempt from fasting but public-decorum rules still apply.
When a plan comes with "insha'allah", read it as "maybe / if granted". If you need certainty, re-confirm by email or phone the day before.
Are there Muslim attendees?
English works, but a few Arabic phrases noticeably change interactions.
Basic norms when building business relationships with Emiratis, government, and companies.
A multicultural Islamic country with venue-dependent expectations.
Islamic-calendar and national days. Dates shift annually.
A month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Public norms (including for non-Muslims) and the business impact.