United Arab Emirates (AE)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation. Home to over 200 nationalities, with expatriates comprising nearly 90% of the population, the UAE offers zero personal income tax, world-class infrastructure, a safe environment, and a strategic location connecting East and West. Dubai is a global hub for business, tourism, and finance; Abu Dhabi is the wealthy federal capital with cultural ambitions; and the northern emirates offer more affordable living. The UAE consistently ranks among the most popular destinations for high-earning expat professionals.
Climate
March–May: 25–38°C. Warm and pleasant in March–April; humidity rising in May. Best months for outdoor activities.
June–September: 38–48°C with humidity 70–100% in coastal areas. Extremely hot. Outdoor work restricted 12:30–3pm by law (June–September). Indoor life only.
October–November: 28–38°C. Cooling down, pleasant evenings, sandstorm season possible.
December–February: 18–28°C. Warm and sunny days, cool evenings. The best season. Occasional rain, sometimes heavy in January–February.
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
Handshake between men is standard. Do not extend your hand to a woman unless she extends hers first — many Muslim women do not shake hands with men. "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) and the response "Wa alaykum as-salam" are the standard Muslim greetings. Use first names in business contexts; titles (Dr, Eng, HE) are valued.
Business meetings start on time or slightly late. Social events are flexible. During Ramadan, working hours shift and energy levels slow after iftar. Fridays are the holy day — Friday morning is equivalent to a Sunday morning.
Dress modestly in public areas — shoulders and knees covered outside beach, pool, and resort areas. In government buildings, courts, malls, and mosques, modest dress is required and strictly enforced. Western business dress is standard in offices. Swimwear at beaches and hotel pools is fine. Religious sites require full modest covering.
- ✕ Public display of affection beyond holding hands is discouraged and technically illegal.
- ✕ Consuming alcohol in public outside licensed venues (hotels, licensed restaurants) is illegal and can result in arrest.
- ✕ Posting offensive content about the UAE government, religion, or leadership on social media is a criminal offence (Cybercrime Law).
- ✕ Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours is illegal and disrespectful.
- ✕ Importing or possessing certain medications without approval (some cold medicines, codeine products) can result in arrest.
- ✕ Taking photos of people without consent, especially women, and government/military buildings is prohibited.
- ✓ Always accept dates and Arabic coffee when offered — it is a sign of hospitality.
- ✓ Remove shoes when entering a home if shoes are left at the door.
- ✓ Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing objects — the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic tradition.
- ✓ During Ramadan, be respectful: no loud music, dress more conservatively, and do not eat or drink visibly in public during daylight hours.
- ✓ Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — 10–15% in restaurants if service charge not included, AED 5–10 for taxi drivers and delivery.
- ✓ Bargaining is expected in traditional souks (gold souk, spice souk) but not in malls or fixed-price shops.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, traditionally eaten during Ramadan and Eid. Considered the unofficial national dish.
Spiced rice dish with lamb, chicken, or fish, cooked with saffron, rose water, and dried limes. The most common Emirati celebratory meal.
Crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds. A beloved Ramadan and national day street treat.
Emirati comfort food — wheat and meat slow-cooked overnight, garnished with saffron and clarified butter.
A traditional protein source, now found in specialty Emirati restaurants. Camel milk is also popular and widely sold.
The UAE's most iconic food gift. Medjool and Khalas varieties prized globally. Offered with Arabic coffee (Qahwa) at every formal greeting.
Unsweetened coffee flavoured with cardamom and saffron, served in small handle-less cups (finjan). Refusing a host's coffee is considered impolite — a slight shake of the cup indicates you have had enough.
Heavily spiced tea with condensed milk, originally from South Asia but now the UAE's most popular everyday drink. AED 1–2 from any café. A social institution.
Buttermilk drink, slightly sour and cooling. A traditional accompaniment to meals, especially during summer.
📍 Tourist Highlights
World's tallest building at 828m. Observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148 offer views across Dubai and the Gulf.
One of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques, with 82 domes and a carpet covering 5,627m². Open to respectful non-Muslim visitors.
The historic heart of Dubai — traditional abras (water taxis), gold and spice souks, and the atmospheric Al Fahidi neighbourhood with wind-tower architecture.
Stunning universal museum designed by Jean Nouvel beneath a 180m latticed dome. Part of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island cultural district.
The world's largest continuous sand desert — spectacular dune sea, camel treks, and stargazing from luxury desert camps.
📖 Brief History
The Trucial States, as the UAE's predecessor sheikhdoms were known, signed exclusive treaties with Britain in the 19th century, primarily to suppress piracy and protect Britain's trade routes to India. For centuries the region depended on pearl diving, fishing and trade. Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958 and Dubai in 1966, transforming the economy almost overnight. The seven emirates federated on 2 December 1971, led by the visionary Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai. Under their leadership and that of their successors, the UAE built world-class cities, airports, airlines (Emirates, Etihad), and diversified beyond oil into tourism, finance, and technology. Dubai Expo 2020 (held 2021–2022) and Abu Dhabi's Louvre and Guggenheim projects symbolise the UAE's ambitions as a global cultural and commercial crossroads.