About Hope Expertise I`m nineteen years old and I`m an expert in the United Arab Emirates culture. I`m one of country`s locals so I`m able to answer any question about the culture of United Arab Emirates, and the culture of the Arabian Gulf countries in general. You can ask me anything about the culture or the traditions of the United Arab Emirates. I don`t have enough information about the history of the traditions or the name of the tools that were used in the past. I`m also able to answer your questions about the United Arab Emirates youth and what they are interested in nowadays. I won`t be a much of a help in the matters of business. I can only help you with the culture & the people of UAE.
Experience I'm living my life according to the cultural and the traditions of the UAE so it will not be that hard on me to answer your questions.
Scott writes on 2006-08-15 14:58:58
Dress for women varies from Emirate to Emirate.
Dubai is exceedingly liberal, and inhabited largely by expats. You will see clothing here that closely resembles what you see in many European cities. Many locals still dress traditionally, but not too many. Women can get away with almost anything here that they can in the US or Europe.
Sharjah (just north of Dubai) is more conservative in general (no drinking, no smoking, etc.). Women here are expected to cover down to their ankles usually and to cover their shoulders (if not their whole arms). This can easily be done with a shawl, and is usually acceptable. Pants are okay as long as they are not too tight.
Abu Dhabi is somewhere between the two: no exposed midriffs or skirts as you'll see in Dubai, and tanktops aren't likely to be seen as appropriate anywhere except malls, clubs and Western hotels. But long shorts, short sleeves and skirts below the knee are widely acceptable.
Most of the other Emirates are more conservative, along the lines of Sharjah. Fujairah is more lenient as it's popular with Western tourists.
Swimwear is also a consideration. While again almost anything goes in Dubai, modest bikinis will only be seen at private beaches run by Western hotels elsewhere. I'd get a modest one-piece and maybe shawl or suncover to cover with when out of the water. Most women swim fully clothed if at all at public beaches.
Hope that all helps. Enjoy the country; it's great.
Kaye writes on 2008-04-19 19:47:35
Actually, I lived in the U.A.E. and I had no problems wearing shorts, or jeans - anything
casual is fine.
