The UAE remains and will continue to be the place in which
nations, corporations, and individuals can put their trust.
- H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Federal state that was established on 2 December 1971. It consists of seven emirates, which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Quwein, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Geographically, it is located in the Middle East bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. It shares land border with Oman to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, and sea border with Qatar and Iran.

Originally, these Arabian Peninsula Sheikhdoms (small principalities/states) were managed and governed by various Sheikhs (tribal leaders). For centuries, the Sheikhdoms had engaged in dynastic disputes and harassed the foreign ships passing through the Gulf. In 1853, the Sheikhs signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, and agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." United Kingdom enforced the treaty, and disputes among the Sheikhs were referred to the Political Resident, a British civil servant for settlement.

When the British-Trucial Sheikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, these Emirates became independent. Abu Dhabi's ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan was elected its President and Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Said al Maktoum, became the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE Federation.

In the last few decades, the United Arab Emirates have been transformed from a tribal culture to an entrepreneurial success story. Its visionary leaders have improved standard of education, health care, and its infrastructure. At present, the UAE economy is booming and the opportunities to conduct business in the federation are vast.

Government

The UAE government is a federal state with specified powers delegated to the federal government and other powers reserved to each of its member Emirates. Each Emirate has its own ruler, who holds power and controls the mineral rights (especially oil and gas) and other revenues.

The constitution established the positions of President (Chief of State) and Vice President, each serving 5-year terms; a Council of Ministers, led by a Prime Minister (Head of Government).

The Federal Supreme Council

The Federal Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority in the United Arab Emirates. It is also the highest legislative and executive authority. It draws up the general policies and approves the various federal legislations. The council consists of rulers of the seven emirates, and each Emirate has one single vote in the council resolutions and deliberations.

Executive Branch

Chief of State: President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (3 November 2004) Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Head of Government: Prime Minister and Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (11 February 2006) Ruler of Dubai
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the President
Independence: 2 December 1971 (from the UK)
National Holiday: 2 December, Independence Day
Constitution: 2 December 1971; made permanent in 1996
Political Parties: None; Political parties are not allowed
Capital City: Abu Dhabi
National Anthem: Nashid al-watani al imarati
National Symbol: Golden Falcon

Legislative Branch

Unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members are appointed by the rulers of the constituent states, 20 members are elected to serve four-year terms).

Judicial Branch

Legal System: Mixed legal system of Islamic law and Civil law
Supreme Court: President appoints the judges

Geography

Area: 32,000 sq mi (82,880 sq km), the size of the State of Maine
Largest Cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Um Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan and Dibba
Climate: Desert; Cooler in Eastern Mountains
Terrain: Flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in the east
Natural Resources: Petroleum, Natural Gas
Natural Hazards: Frequent Sand and Dust Storms
Environment: Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plant; desertification, beach pollution from oil spills

People & Society

Nationality: Emirati (s)
Population: 7,890,924 (2011-World Bank), Population growth in the UAE is among the highest in world, mostly due to immigration. Population growth rate is 3.055% (2012 est.)
Ethnic Groups 16.6% Emirati, 20.0% other Arabs, 42.3% South Asian, 12.1% other Asian, 6.0% others
Religions: Muslim (Islam - official) 96% (Sunni 80% Shia 16%), others (Christian, Hindu) 4% (CIA Fact Book)
Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog
Literacy: 93%
Work Week: The working days are from Sunday to Thursday - Weekend days are Friday and Saturday

Economy

Currency: UAE Dirham, Dirham is index-linked to the dollar, with a fixed exchange rate: Dh 3.671 = US$ 1.00
GDP Growth: 4% (2012 est. CIA.Gov)
Industry: Petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles
Agricultural/Products: Dates, Vegetables, Watermelons, poultry, eggs, dairy products and fish
Major Exports: Crude oil, natural gas, dried fish and dates
Major Imports: Machinery and Transport equipment, chemicals and food

Media

Communications: Most of the TV and radio stations are government owned and controlled. However, private satellite dishes provide access to Pan-Arab and other international broadcasts. The UAE ranks 61st in the world for internet users.
Country Dial Code: 971
Internet Code: .ae
Time: +4 hours from GMT (+3 during Daylight Saving Time)
+9 hours from Washington DC (+8 during DST)
+12 hours from Los Angeles (+11 during DST)

Traveler Information

Immigration and Customs: US Citizens may obtain a 30-day visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates free of charge. This can be extended for up to 90 days after arrival for a fee of 500 Dharams. Each non-Muslim adult can bring in four items of alcohol , e.g. four bottles of wine, or four bottles of spirits, or four cases of beer (regardless of alcohol content).

The US Embassy maintains a list of items and medicines that should not be imported. The UAE government is very strict on medicines, with many common drugs, such as codeine, diazepam (Valium) or dextromethorphan (Robitussin). These drugs are banned unless travelers have notarized and authenticated doctor's prescription. Visitors breaking the rules can be deported or jailed.

The UAE government is equally strict on narcotics: possession of even trace amounts leads to a minimum of four years in prison.

Check the latest information on the UAE Embassy located in Washington, DC, and US Embassy in the UAE for the list of banned items.

International Airports: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah

UAE Embassy In USA

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
3522 International Court, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC, 20008
Telephone: (202) 243-2400
Fax: (202) 243-2432

US Embassy In UAE

Embassy Operation Hours

Sunday through Thursday
8:00 AM - 17:00 PM (GMT+4)

Embassy in Abu Dhabi

Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi
P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200
Fax: [971] (2) 414-2603

US Consulate in Dubai

3rd St - Dubai United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 311 6000

UAE Culture - Key Concepts & Values

The native Emirati people were members of the Arab tribes that dominated the land for centuries. Before the emergence of oil economy in the 1960s, the Emirates' culture was determined by two main factors-by the traditional nomadic desert inhabitants Bedouins with small oasis farms, and by the seafaring merchants who operated pearl farms along the Arabian Gulf. Initially, Emirates attracted merchants from India, Iran and China, but later on also from Europe--particularly from Portugal and Britain. Seafarer traders changed the country's culture based on small, ethnically homogenous community to a diverse, pluralistic and multinational society.

UAE oil reserves ranked as the worlds' seventh largest natural gas resources are one of the largest in the world. Per capita income of UAE is the world's seventh highest. With abundance of oil and natural gas resources, UAE has become one of the most developed economies in the Western Asia.

Relative to its size and oil wealth, the UAE has a rather small population. At present, the Emirati nationals make up only about 20 percent of its total population. This population also lacks essential technical skills needed for a modern technical society. To manage the commercial oil production and to operate commercial ventures, The UAE had to invite skilled expatriates and foreign labor. At present, approximately two-thirds of the expatriates are Asians--primarily from India, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and from the Philippines. The other expats are Arabs, Europeans, and Americans. By the arrival of expats, the UAE has become a multicultural, multiethnic, and a highly cosmopolitan society.

Family & Kinship

The family is a key social unit in the UAE culture. The society is highly paternalistic, patriarchal and hierarchical with elders and male members of the family making most of the decisions. The loyalty to a family, clan, and tribe influences all aspects of their daily activities.

The families encompass grandparents, parents, children and some uncles and aunties occasionally living in the same house. Large families are encouraged by the state as a national policy, and family size of six to eight children is common. Larger families also provide economic and spiritual benefits. The children when they get older are expected to look after the parents and help them financially.

Arranged endogamous marriage within the kinship (tribal) group was the preferred method in the pre-oil period, but this pattern is changing. Individuals now have greater choice; nonetheless, many Emiratis still prefer arranged marriages. A young man receives $19,000.00 from the State Marriage Fund if he marries an Emirati woman, and thus marrying a non-national is discouraged.

According to the religion's dictums, a man may have up to four wives, but in these days, most men prefer only one wife. The traditional household unit of the extended family is changing, at present over 80 percent of national households live as nuclear families in their own houses.

Religion

Religion is a very important component of UAE society. It is the basis of their culture, political system and dominates all aspect of life. Most Emiratis are members of the Sunni sect (80% of the population). Sharia (Islamic) laws affect matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, economics, politics, and personal conduct. The main religious ritual is to pray five times a day. People may go to the nearest mosque or may pray at home. One must remove the shoes before entering a mosque. In large mosques, there are separate areas for women. Emiratis are tolerant toward other religions, and immigrants of other faiths may have their own places of worship. However, there are no Jewish Synagogues in the United Arab Emirates. It is illegal in the UAE to spread the ideas of any religion apart from Islam through any media.

Greeting & Social Etiquettes

An Islamic greeting "al-salam alaykom" is the most appropriate greeting. Men follow this with a quick nose-to-nose touch while shaking hands, while women greet each other by kissing several times on both cheeks. Men normally do not shake hands with women in public. It is customary to ask about the health of a person and his or her family several times before beginning conversation.

In the presence of older people, young men are expected to listen more and speak less as a sign of respect. Segregation by gender is a part of social life. Men are entertained in majlis (large living rooms with a separate entrance), while women entertain their friends in the home. It is customary to take off one's shoes before entering a private house.

Emiratis stand close to each other when talking. It is acceptable for men to hold hands of other men; women may also hold hands of other women during conversation. The presence of expatriates in the community has led Emiratis to be tolerant of other social customs, yet they maintain their own customs as symbols of their cultural identity.

Dress

Most Emirati males prefer to wear a traditional ankle length white tunic named Kandura, and white head cloth (ghutrah) with a black rope (aqul). Men grow short beards and mustaches.

Women wear long dresses with a head cover (hijab) and black cloak (abayah). However, Western-style clothing is becoming quite popular among the Emirates because of its large expatriate community. Visitors are expected to conform and not to wear revealing clothes in markets and at the beaches. The non-governmental UAE Dress Code aims to educate the expat community on local dressing and its sensitivity to Emirati population.

Food

Lunch is the main meal of the day. There are strict Muslim taboos against pork and alcohol, and meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic halal method. Emiratis are known for their hospitality; they feel honored to receive guests and to socialize with friends and relatives. Tea, coffee and fresh dates are the special delicacies to share and welcome guests.

Before the 1960s, food consisted mainly of fish, rice, bread, dates, yogurt, homegrown vegetables, and meat from sheep, goats, and camels. The diet has improved in quality and variety, with modern supermarkets offering imported foods. With the influx of expat community wide variety of restaurants and fast food chains have become extremely popular.

Gender Roles

Although the constitution of UAE upholds the principle of equal treatment and equal rights for its citizens, yet the gender-based discrimination is still prevalent. The Gender inequality Index places the country at the 38 out of 146 countries. The UAE is ranked 103rd (out of 135 countries) in the 2011 Global Gender Gap Index.

According to the Amnesty international report of 2010, infant mortality rate is higher for girls than for boys. UNICEF report of 2007, states that gross enrolment rates at primary level are higher for boys than for girls. However, at the tertiary level, women outnumber men in most of the courses and in universities.

Despite the fact that civil liberties law provides the freedom of movement for everyone, however, men can restrict their wives, minor children and adult unmarried daughters from leaving the country, either by withholding their passports or by contacting the immigration authorities.

Freedom of expression, assembly and association are all restricted in UAE according to the Freedom in the World Country Reports of 2010. Women are underrepresented in the media. It is very difficult for women's rights organizations to form and operate effectively, as all must operate under the auspices of the state-controlled UAE Women's Federation.

Family Code based on Personal Status law adopted in 2005 is highly in favor of men than of women. To marry for the first time, women must have permission from their male guardian and the marriage contract is signed between the guardian and the husband. Muslim men can freely choose their spouse, but Muslim women are prohibited from marrying non-Muslim men unless they convert. Sharia law states that fathers are the natural guardians of children, while mothers are merely the physical and not the legal guardians.

Women have restricted access to resources and entitlements. Women in the UAE are considered adults at the age of 18, at this age they can legally have access to land and property. Nevertheless, culturally it is not feasible for women to own property, live on their own or to live away from their families. According to a 2002 report published by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), women owned just 4.9% of land in the UAE. Women have the legal right to access the bank loans and credit, but the extent to which they can exercise these rights is not clear. At the same time, in some of the emirates there are restrictions that prevent women from engaging in business enterprises without the permission of their husband or male guardian. Women's inheritance share is much smaller than that of men. A daughter, for example, inherits half as much as a son.

Patriarchy as a general system is highly popular in social life. Men continue to receive employment preferences in high state administration and private businesses. Women do not play a significant role in politics and religious life.

Social Stratification

Emirati society is a highly hierarchical society that is divided into distinct social categories: the UAE nationals are known as Al-Muwateneen, and the foreign expatriates are referred to as Al-Wafedeen. The Emirati nationals are a privileged minority as they benefit from state laws and business regulations.

In general, there are four main social classes:

1. The ruling Sheikh families: hold the highest political positions, power, and have immense wealth and prestige.
2. The merchant class- al-tujjar: traditionally they were pearl merchants who now sell international consumer goods.
3. The new middle class constitutes of professionals who are well educated, and
4. The lowest class composes of low-income groups composed of newly settled Bedouin nomads, former pearl divers and oasis farmers.

Among the immigrants, there are also hierarchical groups:

1. Professionals and technocrats with international contracts, who earn high salaries and other benefits
2. Middle level professionals such as schoolteachers, skilled technicians, company salespersons, low-paid semi-skilled, and unskilled workers.

Education

Schools and universities are segregated. In higher education, female students outnumber males two to one. However, women's participation in the labor force remains one of the lowest in the world. Most women prefer employment in the areas of education, health, and civil service.

In spite of new employment opportunities, most women opt for marriage and raising children. Conservative cultural attitudes lead women to seek jobs that do not involve mixing with men or commuting far from home.

Urbanization & Modernization

Before the oil finding of 1960, the only settlements were small towns and villages. Due to the harsh living conditions in the desert and in the interior of the country, approximately 80% of the population lived in the coastal capital cities.

Oil revenues have enabled massive modernization. Towns have been transformed from mud-walled communities into commercial capitals suitable for global economy. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are one of the most modern cities in the world. Cities have urban modern features such as skyscrapers, multistory residential buildings, large shopping malls, wide boulevards, extensive network of highways, and sprawling suburbs. Most of the houses are built on the Arab-Islamic architectural designs that depict arched windows, gates, decorative stucco based on national heritage themes. Date palm trees, symbols of the local culture are planted extensively on the roads and city boulevards.

Although cities are built for multiethnic groups, but housing subdivisions are segregated based on for nationals and for the immigrants. These subdivisions are further divided according to class, social power, ethnicity, and nationality.

Business Culture & Protocol

The UAE economy is flourishing and the opportunities to conduct business in the Emirates are plentiful. The Emirates rank high in the list of the Middle Eastern and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to attract foreign and regional investments. With the influx of international corporations and expatriates, the UAE is fast becoming a cosmopolitan, multicultural society used to the Western methods.

To start any business project in the Emirates, it is fundamental to keep in perspective that the UAE is an Islamic country; awareness of the society's traditions, culture, and beliefs is of utmost importance. The UAE is composed of seven states, the differences in their public policies and dealings should be researched. However, based on their common heritage certain broad-based generalizations can be drawn about the Emirates business culture and practices.

Business Culture

The crucial information to remember when starting business in the Emirates is to understand the multicultural and international makeup of its population. About 80% of the population is of non-locals. It is highly likely that a newcomer would be negotiating business dealings with expatriates than with local Emiratis.

Essential questions to ask are some of the following:

• Who am I dealing with? Am I be negotiating with some Westerners or Asians? Find out who are the decision-makers.

• Locally owned businesses are usually family-owned and relationship based. It is necessary to spend time to build relationships and connections. Even a junior employee may be a relative of a senior boss and may help to establish an important contact.

• It is vital to understand that every day business dealings are heavily influenced by the teachings and rituals of the religion-Islam. There is little separation between religion, life in general and business. Showing respect to the local and religious sensitivities could be deal breakers.

• Find out if you are dealing with the subsidiaries of international corporations. If so, the structure and operational procedures may be the same as of the parent companies. However, still it is highly likely that the expatriate official reports to a local senior official for final authority on any issue.

• Check out if the company you are to deal with is Sharia law compliant. If it is Sharia law compliant, this means the company is subject to the tenets of the religious laws, and is supervised by religious clerics.

Making Appointments

It is customary to make appointments for times of day (morning or afternoon) rather than for precise hours. Unlike in the west, secretaries do not make appointments for their bosses. It is good to remember that businesses in the UAE open around nine in the morning, close for most of the afternoon, and then reopen at late afternoon until mid-evening.

Management Style

• In general, the management style is directional, paternalistic and authoritative.

• Companies are based on relationships and employees are considered part of the family. The boss is the "father" and the employees are the "children." The father tells the children what to do, and takes care of them. The children are supposed to do as they are told, and be respectful.

• Managers give clear and direct instruction to their subordinates to be followed completely. Instructions are given in very direct and authoritative methods. For the outsiders this procedure may seem to be rude and controlling.

• Because of this paternalistic management style, the employees lack initiative and are not risk takers. The system is extremely hierarchical and bureaucratic with many layers of middle managers.

Meetings

• The significance of meetings to the UAE locals is very different from that of their Western counterparts. Punctuality, agenda, and time constraints are not taken seriously. Once an appointment is scheduled, confirm it again a few days in advance.

• Initial meetings are all about relationship building. Building trust and establishing compatibility are key requisites for doing business. This relationship building process is vital to the overall success of business.

• Meetings are often unstructured with little or no agenda.

• Meetings may not start on time. Punctuality is not taken seriously in the UAE. It may start an hour late than the assigned time or may finish two hours later because of various interruptions.

• Because of this unpredictability and heavy traffic, it is difficult to schedule many meetings on the same day

• Meetings are often interrupted by phone calls and visits from friends and family.

• Foreign business managers frequently set up meetings at the up-scale local hotels and restaurants to avoid some of the interruptions.

• When in meetings, avoid pointing the soles of your shoes at your counterparts, as that is considered extremely rude. It is best to pass any documents, refreshments, etc. with right hand instead of with left hand.

• Emotional discussions and high-pitched dialogues mean interest and concern. Loud voices and emotions should not be misinterpreted as signs of hostility and anger.

• The person at a meeting who asks the most questions is likely to be the least important. The decision maker is mostly a silent observer.

Teams

• To accomplish the goals and objectives of businesses, teams are formed based on personal relationships.

• In businesses, family members work together as teams since they have trust of each other and have the advantages of pre-existing bonds.

• The leader or older member of the family directs team members on what to do and members report to the leader

• For new members it takes time to establish bonds and develop trust of the original team members.

Communication Style

• One of the hardest concepts for foreign business owners to understand is the undue sycophancy and complements in business dealings.

• During the relationship-building process, it is essential to pay compliments to the hosts, their organization and to the Muslim world in general. The host would also return the complements.

• The hosts may ask personal questions relating to marital status, children, religious convictions, and about personal wealth of guests. This is to show their concern for the guests and to know their background.

• People are reluctant to give bad news about any business issues. Foreign business affiliates should be concerned when employees give only good news.

• Do not be surprised if business partners seem aggressive and speak loud in meetings. Speaking loudly and in a high tone projects sincerity, interest and is not a sign of disrespect.

• Male business partners should maintain strong eye contact with their male hosts. A man's sincerity and honor is judged by their ability to look in the eye.

• Holding hands with members of the same gender is quite common. Nevertheless, public display of affection among the members of the same gender is always looked down upon.

• Do not discuss the subject of women, not even to inquire about the health of a wife or a daughter.

• Names are often confusing. Learn their full names and how should be addressed before you meet.

Women In The UAE

• The constitution of the UAE guarantees equal rights for both men and women. Under the constitution, women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education and the right to practice professions as men. They are also guaranteed the same access to employment, health and family welfare facilities. Women graduates in the UAE can now be found working in government, engineering, science, health care, media, computer technology, law, commerce and the oil industry.

• In the UNDP's Gender-Related Development Index for 2009, the UAE ranks 35th among 182 countries, and the country holds 25th place in the world for gender empowerment.

• The literacy rate of women in the UAE was 90 percent in 2007.

• The number of UAE national women enrolled in higher education is actually 24 percent more than the number of UAE national men enrolled in higher education.

• Three of every five students in the public higher education system are women.

• The UAE has begun training women as muftis, or Sunni Muslim scholars who interpret Islamic law.

• Employers in the UAE are prohibited from firing or threatening to fire a female employee because of pregnancy, or parenting. Maternity leave in the public sector is from two to six months. While on maternity leave, a woman is entitled full pay for the first two months, half salary for the third and the fourth month, and no pay for the last two months. A woman may take one paid hour break from work per day for 18 months to nurse her baby.

Business Dress Code

• Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty. Nevertheless, It is considered inappropriate (in some places even illegal) for foreigners to wear local and traditional Emirati dresses.

• Most of the body should be covered at all times in spite of the hot and dry weather.

• Appropriate business clothes for men are long sleeve shirts and trousers for the day, shirt with collar and tie in the evening. Men should avoid wearing jewelry, particularly around the neck.

• Women should dress conservatively. High necklines and long sleeves are expected. Skirts should be below the knee or of ankle length. It is a good idea to keep a scarf handy. Women should not wear anything too revealing and should wear loose-fitting clothes so not to draw attention to the shape of the body.

Dining & Entertainment

Business entertaining is vital to the relationship building process. Emirati business associates usually entertain foreign guests in the most expensive hotels or in the restaurants. During meal, the host may flatter and tell the visitors about how glad he is to meet and entertain. Lavish entertainment may lead to further meetings, or this also means that they would like to end their business association in a very cordial and gentle ways.

Foreign business partners are expected to reciprocate the hospitality. The amount of effort and money put into the entertainment reflects how highly you value the guests, and your investment in the relationship building process. Do not eat or pass food with left hand that is considered "dirty" hand. Service charge of about 10% is usually added to a restaurant bill but it is courteous to leave extra 10 percent.

Negotiations

• The UAE citizens are excellent negotiators. Haggling takes place everywhere, whether at the shop or in the boardroom. Decisions are taken gradually. Bureaucratic formalities add to delays. Avoid high-pressure strategies in negotiating, as they may be counter-productive.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not necessary, but appreciated. If you do give a gift, it will be open in private.

• Gifts to avoid:

• Alcohol or any kind of liquors

• Perfumes containing alcohol

• Pork

• Pigskin products

• Knives

• Toy dogs or gifts with pictures of dogs on it

• Images of nude or partially clad women (even in paintings or sculptures with artistic merits)

• Avoid admiring an item to an excess, your host may feel obligated to give it to you. It is impolite to refuse a gift.

Business Cards & Promotional Literature

• Business cards are common but not essential. Cards should be in Arabic language. Common practice is to have English and Arabic printed on each side (to show that neither language is perceived less important by being on the reverse) of the same card. Brochures and other promotional literature should also be printed in Arabic, either with or without an English translation.

Other Helpful Hints

• Make sure any printed materials, such as brochures or pamphlets should not have pictures of women (sexy or provocative) and images of alcohol, people drinking alcohol, or pork.

• Often shoes are removed before entering a building. Follow the lead of your host.

• Pointing is considered rude, so do not use a pointed finger to emphasize your words.

• Haggling is common in all business transactions, so consider this into the pricing structure.

• Some Muslim men do not touch women to who they are not related or married. Take your cue on handshakes from your host. If he offers his hand, shake it; otherwise make eye contact and nod in acknowledgement.

• Alcohol and pork are not consumed by those who observe the Muslim religion.

• Do not cross your legs when sitting, showing the bottom of shoes or of foot is considered offensive.

• A man walking hand in hand with other man and a women walking hand in hand with other woman is considered a sign of friendship.