UAE business runs on trust and relationships. Before the contract or details, people evaluate "who is this person." Small first-meeting gestures build long-term relationships.
Dress
- Expat men: a suit is the default. Daily business can drop tie and jacket in the heat, but formal settings warrant the full suit.
- Expat women: avoid overly short or sheer items. Long trousers for government offices recommended. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Emiratis (GCC nationals): men wear the white kandura + headscarf (ghutra); women wear the black abaya + sheila. Daily and formal.
- Malls: can refuse entry for very revealing attire.
Greetings
- First meeting: a handshake is the default. A bit slower, softer than Western.
- Don't offer a handshake first to a Muslim woman; if she doesn't extend hers, use a verbal greeting.
- A couple of Arabic phrases transform the atmosphere — see
arabic-phrases. - With close acquaintances, hugs and cheek kisses exist. First meetings: handshake only.
Gifts
Gifts are part of the social fabric. Refusing a sincere gift is rude.
- Avoid: alcohol, pork, pork-derived foods, overly personal items (perfumes, cosmetics, clothes), and high-value items (bribery concerns).
- Good choices: Korean traditional crafts, neatly-wrapped Korean-cultural items. In a multicultural setting, halal certification and ingredient check matters.
Meetings
- Request via formal letter at least a month ahead → phone/email to align dates. Public sector especially — slow processes, and back-ups aren't smooth if the lead contact is absent.
- Titles: government officials get "Your Excellency", "Dr.", "Mr./Mrs.". When unsure, Sir / Madam is safe.
- Senior schedules change often — expect and accept last-minute shifts.
Dining
- Business meals cement relationships. Confirm attendees' backgrounds.
- If Muslim attendees are present:
- During Ramadan: no daytime meals
- Fridays: avoid lunchtime (prayer window)
- No pork, no alcohol
- Some attendees avoid beef or eat vegetarian for religious / cultural reasons — pre-check.
- The host usually pays. Don't prolong the pay-dispute ritual.
Ramadan (special attention)
Ramadan lowers overall work pace + public-sector offices + many companies cut 2 hours from the workday. Avoid scheduling important trips during Ramadan. See ramadan.
Common pitfalls for Koreans
- Face-saving exists but differently from Korea. Direct criticism and rejection are avoided. "No" is rarely direct.
- Time is more flexible than Korea. Meeting time ± 15–30 min is often tolerated. Don't extrapolate this to yourself — don't be late.
- "Insha'allah" (if God wills) = not a confirmation. Nuance is "maybe / if granted." When you hear it, re-confirm dates.