School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo

WRITING REPORT Country-specific cultural analysis UAE

Mentor: Pred.mr. Milica Babi

Students: Aida Halilovi 62910 Anela Rebronja 67828 D enana eta 68312 D enita eta 68311 Galiba Imamovi 67572 Mirna ehagi 68309 Sabina Rahmanovi 67838

United Arab Emirates Dawlat al-Im r t al-Arab yah al-Mutta idah INTRODUCTION The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states situated along the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The states, or Emirates, are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm-al-Qaiwain. Abu Dhabi is in the largest Emirate and Dubai is the business centre. Despite their proximity, there may be differences in cultural and business practices between the different states. Islam is the official religion. The UAEs strong economy is due to its oil and gas reserves, as well as its strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. It enjoys one of the worlds highest per capita incomes. The Government has used much of its wealth to improve the living conditions and quality of life within the country. This includes the development of housing, roads, schools and hospitals. The UAE relies on imports of most items. Motto: , , Allah, al-Wa an, al-Ra' s (Arabic) "God, The Homeland, The President" The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran. Prior to independence in 1971, the UAE was known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman, in reference to a 19th-century truce between the local sheikhs, hereditary rulers of the territories, and the United Kingdom. The term Pirate Coast was also used by some to refer to the emirates from the 18th to the early 20th century, owing to the preponderance of pirates operating from emirati ports. The UAE's political system, is based on its 1971 Constitution, which is composed of several intricately connected governing bodies. As a federation of seven monarchies, whose rulers retain absolute power within their emirates, but with a UAE president, it is neither aconstitutional monarchy nor a republic. The emirs chose one of their members to be the president of the federation, but this does not alter the monarchical character of the government of the individual emirates. The constitution is concerned solely with the relations between the emirates as members of the federation, and does not prescribe a constitutional system of government. Government Federal presidental system and electiveconstitutional monarchy. President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and Arabic is the official language. In 2010, the UAE's population was estimated at 8,264,070, of which less than 20% were UAE nationals or Emiratis, while the majority of the population were expatriates. The country's net migration rate stands at 21.71, the world's highest. 23% of the population are non-Emirati Arabs and Iranians and the majority of the population, about 50%, is from India. Approximately 1.75 million Indian nationals reside in the UAE, making them the single largest expatriate community in the country. However, by 2020 emiratis are projected to form 10% of the population. UAE oil reserves are ranked as the world's sixth-largest and it possesses one of the most developed economies in West Asia. It is the thirty-fifth-largest economy at market exchange rates, and has a high per capita gross domestic product (GDP), with a nominal per capita GDP of US$ 47,407 as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is 15th in purchasing power per capita and has a relatively high Human Development Index for the Asian continent, ranking thirtieth globally. The UAE is classified as a high-income developing economy by the IMF. CULTURE When it comes to visible culture, those are the behaviors in the culture that are easiest to observe and we wrote about some of them below. Greetings The appropriate form of greeting will depend upon the relationship between those meeting. Upon meeting it is usual to shake, or clasp, the right hand of the other person lightly if they are of the same sex. A light kiss on both cheeks will be added for those who are well acquainted or belong to the same family or tribe. However, men will not usually touch a woman in greeting. Greeting Response Assalaam alikum (May peace be upon you) Kaif halak? Wa alikum assalaam (And peace be upon you). Bikhair al-hamdu lillah

(How are you?) (Good, thanks be to God) Acquaintances or members of the opposite sex will use personal or professional titles when addressing each other. Friends and relatives use first names. The right cheek kiss, where right hands are clasped and right cheeks touched three times in quick succession followed by one longer touch; and the nose kiss, where each person touches the bridge of the others nose with the lips while clasping hands, are usually reserved for close friends, relatives or members of the same tribe.

Conversation As mentioned above, conversation will usually commence in a good-humoured tone with general talk, often about the health of the other person. Enquiries are never made into the health or well-being of female relatives, especially wives. During initial meetings it is not necessary to participate in conversation beyond what could be described as small talk. Answering general enquiries is enough until the you are known better by the group or individual involved. Trying to monopolise a conversation is considered impatient and rude. Eating customs The Emiratis try to share meals with their families and will customarily sit in a circle on the floor, although some more Westernised families will use tables and chairs at mealtimes. The right hand is used to eat with and hands are washed before and after meals. Guests are not expected to finish all the food on a plate as empty plates will be re-filled as a sign of hospitality. Women and children are not likely to eat with unrelated male guests. Allah is thanked before the meal by the phrase bismillah (in the name of God) and alhamdulillah (praise be to God) after the meal. Rice mixed with meat or fish, often with spices added, is a staple food in the UAE. The UAE is known for the quality of its seafood. Fruit and vegetables and a range of breads also form the basis of the local diet. Muslims do not eat pork or pork products. A traditional meal in the UAE may consist of a whole sheep or sometimes fish or camel served on beds of rice or bread. The meal will be eaten with the fingers. Men will be ushered into the majlis until the food is ready. The host will then summon his guests into an adjoining room. Although the meal may be served at a table, it is more likely to be served on the floor where guests are expected to sit in either a crosslegged or semi kneeling position. The host will say bismillah (in the name of God) and begin to eat the rice. This is the signal to commence eating. Meat can be pulled from the platter in front of you, but should not be taken from in front of someone else as this is considered very rude.When a group has finished eating, risen and said alhamdulillah (praise be to God), they will retire to the majlis. Coffee and tea will be served again and then incense will be brought round for guests to waft towards themselves with the right hand. Sometimes a bottle of perfume will be circulated for guests to rub into their hands in place of using incense. The passing of incense signifies the end of the meal, at which time guests should leave. Style of dress It is still very common for the Emirati to wear traditional dress. Codes of dress are determined by Islamic Law which requires modesty for both men and women. Long skirts and sleeves are commonly worn by women. In the more conservative Emirates, the aba (black robe that covers a dress) and a shailah (scarf for the head) are worn. In Abu Dhabi women will commonly wear the burqa to cover their faces. Traditional clothing for men includes the white robe known as a dishdasha and a white head-

covering known as a kitra tied by a black headband. Sandals are worn by both sexes. Children usually wear both Western and traditional clothing. Expatriates wear Western clothing and shoes. Foreigners should not wear local costume as it is seen as a symbol of national identity and tradition. Jeans are not acceptable for women and would be regarded as extremely casual dress for men. Shorts and beach-wear should be avoided except when swimming or playing sport. Similarly, short-sleeved shirts and tight fitting t- shirts should not be worn. To have too many top buttons of a shirt undone is regarded as indecent, especially if the chest is exposed. Appearances are very important in the Arab world and you will be judged on how you look. It is advisable for men to wear a suit and tie to important meetings as this shows you have made an effort. However, Arabs are used to the fact that Westerners find wearing a suit difficult in their climate and will make allowances. Women should dress conservatively ensuring that the shoulders and knees are covered. HIDDEN CULTURE AND DOING BUSINESS Doing business in UAE is a little different than in the West. Below, we explained what business people should pay attention to. Appointment Alert! Generally, businesses in the UAE open at about nine in the morning, close for most of the afternoon and then re-open from late afternoon until mid-evening. Government offices and banks open an hour or so earlier with the former not re-opening in the evening and the latter closing finally in the early evening. Government offices are open Saturday to Wednesday, inclusive. Banks are open Thursday mornings as well and most retail businesses observe a seven-day working week. As in the west, the basic working week is five days, save that the week begins on Saturday instead of Monday. The importance attached to courtesy and hospitality can cause delays that prevent keeping to a strict schedule. It is therefore customary to make appointments for times of day rather than precise hours. Unlike in the west, secretaries do not normally have authority to make appointments for their bosses. Business Dress Appropriate business dress for men is shirt and trousers during the day with collar and tie in the evening. Bush suits are also popular and suitable for the climate. Ladies need not dress quite so modestly as elsewhere in Arabia but should still be careful not to offend by wearing anything too revealing.

First Name or Title!? 'Bin' [or ben or ibn], preceding a name, particularly a middle name, means 'son of.' 'Bint' [daughter of] is the female form. The perfect level of friendliness without undue familiarity in any Arab society is achieved by the use of the kunya. A man becomes known to his friends as 'Abu' [father of], followed by the name of his [usually eldest] son. It is quite acceptable to ask a mutual acquaintance if you don't know a man's kunya. Somewhat less common is the female equivalent 'Umm' [mother of]. Members of ruling families are addressed as His/Your Highness [Samu al-Emir]. Ministers and ambassadors have the standard international designation of 'Excellency'. The titles Doctor, Shaikh [chief], Mohandas [engineer] and Ustadh [professor] are used, as on the Continent, in both the literal and honorific senses. 'Shaikh' should always be used the same as a knighthood in English--applied only to the first name, never the surname. Gift Giving Gifts constitute a greater problem in the UAE than in most other countries because virtually everything can be purchased there less expensively than anywhere else in the world. A further complication is the mixture of nationalities. One would not give the same present to a Dubaian [who appreciates traditional perfume] as to an Egyptian [who does not] and for one unable to differentiate between dialects of Arabic this poses difficulties. There are, however, a few general rules. Any gift must be the best affordable. A carpet must, for example, be handmade even though most locals buy machine made carpets for themselves. Never, however, buy gold jewellery or silk garments for men, as both are deemed effeminate in Islam. Platinum is most acceptable but, as it can be confused with white gold, silver is safer, provided that it is properly hallmarked by a government authority [as opposed to merely bearing a maker's mark]. As a gesture of respect, the recipient is likely to open and minutely examine the gift in the presence of the giver as well as any others who happen to be present. Lets Make a Deal! The standard greeting is 'As-salam alaikum,' [peace be upon you] to which the standard reply is 'Wa alaikum as-salam,' [and upon you be peace]. On arrival at the reception room, the visitor should stand in the doorway and utter the former of these phrases. Only after receiving the reply is he entitled to enter. In the event of no reply, he may repeat the greeting but continued failure to reply means that he is not welcome. If the room is carpeted, the visitor should remove his shoes and leave them outside to avoid bringing in impurities and thereby rendering the carpet ritually unclean for prayer. Once inside the room, he should shake hands with the most senior person first [usually but not invariably the host]. Then, he should make his way around the room in an anti-clockwise direction, shaking hands with each person in turn before taking his seat and joining in the conversation.

Prosperous Entertaining Locals habitually entertain at home but, as a concession to western custom, they will often accept a foreigner's invitation to a hotel or restaurant. Other nationalities have their own customs. Regardless of who is host, hospitality is merely a courtesy and should not be interpreted as a harbinger of commercial success. In fact, lavish hospitality often serves to soften the letdown of an unsuccessful venture. When the visitor is entertaining in a restaurant or hotel, tipping is the same as in Europe; ten percent over and above the service charge if merited. Also as in most of Europe, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers. Not only is it improper to eat with the left hand, it should be reserved only for unclean usage. To offer someone something with the left hand is very rude. Public Behavior Whilst loud speech and raucous laughter are deplored as vulgar, firm embraces, kissing on both cheeks and walking hand-in-hand are customary. These are gestures of close, brotherly friendship and have no sexual implications whatever. Generally, one should always shake hands with every man present but not with women. If a man knows a woman well enough to touch her at all, he knows her well enough to kiss her [e.g. blood relatives]. The respectful greeting between subjects and rulers is a kiss on the nose. CONCLUSION The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states situated along the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi is in the largest Emirate and Dubai is the business centre. Despite their proximity, there may be differences in cultural and business practices between the different states. The United Arab Emirates has a population of approximately 2,407,460 including 1,576,472 expatriates who live and work in the UAE (July 2001 est.). Arabic is the official language. English is used widely in business and the public sector. Islam is the official religion. The Emerati are tolerant of other religions and non-Muslims are free to practice their own beliefs. The UAEs strong economy is due to its oil and gas reserves, as well as its strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. The Government has used much of its wealth to improve the living conditions and quality of life within the country. Arabs are generally known for their informal, relaxed demeanour, good manners and consideration of others. Learning a few common words of Arabic, particularly greetings and farewells, will be appreciated. Topics such as religion, politics, family affairs or women should be avoided as Emiratis do not discuss these with strangers. Members of the opposite sex do not touch in public. The people of the UAE have a tradition of hospitality and will be very welcoming to guests. This attitude arises from the ancient custom of providing shelter to any traveller in the desert. The Emiratis try to share meals with their families and will customarily sit in a circle on the floor, although some more Westernised families will use tables and chairs at mealtimes. Men and women will usually socialise separately. The men will receive their guests in a room called a majlis. When entering the majlis, you should greet the group as you approach

and they will respond to you with a standard greeting and rise to their feet. Coffee is served at the start and end of business meetings and social events. Guests are served coffee by an attendant when they arrive. The attendant will work around the room from the right. Do not eat while walking, especially in public areas. Do not blow your nose or clear your throat in public. Foreign visitors should avoid eating, drinking and even chewing gum or sweets in front of people fasting during Ramadan. The giving of small gifts will usually be appreciated, but it is not obligatory. Smoking in public is prohibited during the month of Ramadan. Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims. Respect for elders is highly valued in Emerati society and is demonstrated through courtesies such as opening doors for them or giving seating preference in public and private transport. Emirati women are permitted to drive, work, own property and businesses and attend school and university. However, women are not permitted to live alone or co-habitate with a member of the opposite sex outside of marriage and are only allowed to play sports with women. LITERATURE http://wideangle.cafebabel.com/en/post/2007/10/06/Poor-Dubai http://www.geografija.hr/atlas/ujedinjeni-arapski-emirati http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5444.htm http://wikitravel.org/en/United_Arab_Emirates#b http://globaledge.msu.edu/Countries/United-Arab-Emirates/Culture