Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CULTURAL DOS AND DON'TS
Do...
It is not always easy, especially in the big cities of the Gulf, to interact with the local people - and especially with
the indigenous Arabs who are often outnumbered in their own countries by expat residents. Some simple ways of
engaging with the local culture, however, are listed below.
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Visit the local museum or heritage village
Getting a feel for the region's Bedouin roots is a great way to un-
derstand differing concepts of time and hospitality. Visiting living heritage villages, especially during festivals
and national days, provides insights into the rich song, dance, craft and cuisine inheritance of each country.
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Learn Arabic
This is not necessary for survival, as English is so widely spoken, but just learning to read the
street signs helps bring you closer to Arab culture.
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Attend a wedding
Invitations to these will surely be forthcoming and, for women especially, it's the quickest
way to learn that Arab women are not the oppressed creatures of Western perception.
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Celebrate Eid, Diwali, Christmas and Arabic and Western new years
Peninsula people love a party and
they are quick to give greetings at all religious festivals, not just those of Islam; joining them on such occasions is
the best way to understand their strong sense of community.
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Play football
Between acacia trees, on beaches or between mountain passes, showing interest in this regional
obsession is the surest way to the Arab heart.
Don't...
Peninsula countries are, on the whole, very forgiving of the transgressions of foreigners (except in Saudi Arabia)
but there is nothing to be gained by upsetting the citizens of your host country. To avoid giving offence or landing
yourself in trouble with the authorities, don't do the following:
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Wear revealing clothing
Even in liberal Dubai nothing causes more offence than exposing shoulders or thighs
in shopping centres and other public spaces, or wearing tight and provocative clothing - that goes for men as well
as women.
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Show affection in public
Avoid holding hands, kissing or hugging with members of the opposite sex.
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Indulge in excessive drinking
Being drunk in public is considered thoroughly reprehensible. In many coun-
tries in the region it will get you deported or even imprisoned. In Saudi, where alcohol is strictly prohibitted, the
penalty is severe.
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Drink and drive
Even in countries tolerant of alcohol consumption, there is zero tolerance for drinking and
driving.
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Take drugs
This is illegal in all countries of Arabia and can lead to severe penalties.
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Eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan
Some countries also enforce a ban on
gum chewing, singing and loud music.
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Swear or use rude hand gestures
In some Arab countries this may not just be considered uncouth, it may also
be illegal! It's also impolite to beckon with a finger or to use the left hand when touching, giving and eating.
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Take photographs without permission
This is the case when photographing people, particularly women. You
should also avoid anything military or 'strategic' (such as airports or bus stations).
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Cohabit
Despite the low risk of detection if you are discreet, it is illegal to live with a member of the opposite
sex (or have a baby) unless you are married. In Saudi, men and women may not travel together (including by car)
unless related.
