Things to know if you are coming for a visit

NASPA, my professional organization, is bringing a group, or delegation, on a tour of the Gulf Region at the end of June. This includes a few days in Abu Dhabi. And the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) is a host campus for one of the days (Al Rowdah Academy is under IAT).

In preparation, I created a 'good to know' list for those traveling to the Gulf ... thought you might enjoy reading what I think are helpful hints for people coming here.

• Either bring a large scarf or shawl (like pashmina).  When you visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (and possibly other places), you need to cover your head.  Also, while it is quite hot outside, inside the air conditioning is likely to be on full blast, and it’s nice to have an extra covering.
• Same goes for a summer sweater.  Handy to have with you.
• Wear shirts with sleeves (men and women).
• Skirts should hit below the knee, even when you sit down it is good to have it cover the knee. Pants and little longer shorts are absolutely fine.
• You will be offered coffee and/or tea.  Hospitality is a HUGE thing here. If you are not normally a caffeine consumer, you can certainly ask to have water instead.  But your hosts will be very pleased if you take a cup of coffee or tea.  Often, it is served sweet, so be specific if you do not want it sweet.  It’s okay to pace yourself and sip slowly. 
• You also might be offered a treat, perhaps a date or a cookie or a chocolate.  As with the coffee or tea (or water), it’s lovely to accept and enjoy.
• Speaking of coffee, if you haven’t had Arabic coffee, know that it is strong.  (There’s a reason they usually serve it in tiny little cups.)
• Shaking hands … watch the body language.  Most Emirati will shake hands with the opposite sex. But if the Emirati keeps their hands clasped, or puts their fist and arm across their chest, it’s a matter of comfort in shaking someone’s hand and they might not be comfortable with it. (Most are, but good to understand just in case.)
• Alcohol … while many hotels have bars and you can consume alcoholic beverages, do not do so to excess.  Public drunkenness can land you in jail.  Juices are very popular in the UAE.
• If traveling with your significant other, keep the PDA to a minimum. And it’s an absolute no-no at places like the Grand Mosque.
• It’s hot and humid, especially in July and August … (keep in mind, as I right this it is May and already 100-105 degrees most days).
• Culturally, in some situations, lines/queues mean nothing.  Do not be surprised if someone steps in front of you; it’s best to be patient.
• With crosswalks, do not assume that cars will stop for you. Do wait for the green signal to walk across the street.
• Currency … in the UAE it is Dirhams.  Take the dirham amount and divide by 3.67.  Hotels are convenient places to exchange, and have good exchange rates.
• If shopping, try to enjoy negotiating  the price.  Outside of food establishments, and most stores in a traditional mall, it’s expected that you will haggle.
• There are all types of foods here, all types of ethnic dishes and restaurants.  Food courts here are far better than those in the States.  Yet you will also see many familiar names, especially casual (Chili’s, TGI Fridays) and fast food (McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway).  Lots of coffee places, including Starbucks.
• Medications … if you need to bring medication, be sure to bring it in the original Rx container.  And a copy of the written prescription is usually advised.  Don’t bring anything with codeine in it.  Pharmacies in the UAE have many medications that you can get from the pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription.
• Most Americans love ice.  Getting ice in drinks is hit and miss, depending on the restaurant.  (More common with hotels, to get ample ice in drinks.)  More common is a drink in a bottle or can that is refrigerated.  (Many people who grew up here prefer room temperature, so you will usually be asked “room or cold”.)
• Cell phones and meetings … in the UAE, it is common for someone to take a call during a meeting, take a call during a speaker’s talk … people tune it out and keep going.
• Sidebar conversations in meetings … it is common that people will have a sidebar conversation during a meeting.  Often at a regular volume.  It is not meant to be rude or disruptive, it just is part of doing business here in the UAE. People sometimes pause if it’s someone of rank … otherwise, people just keep going along with whatever they were saying in the meeting.
• Many malls have signs on their doors, about conservative dress, and refraining from public displays of affection. 
• And there is not much open on a Friday until the afternoon hours, outside of grocery stores. So plan accordingly!

By the way -- I am game to answer questions, because I've probably only hit the tip of the iceburg with this post.