Culture

Although the culture of the United Arab Emirates is distinct and can be very conservative, in general, people there are fairly aware of international ways, conventions, events, media, and etiquette.

The traditional attire for local men includes a "Kandoura" (better known as a dishdash), a long robe (often white), and a ghutra, a red-checked or white headgear. Women there don a black headscarf and a robe-like garment called an abaya (Shayla).

Though not as much as some of its neighbors, the UAE is more conservative than the majority of Western societies. Travelers should be mindful of and respect the UAE's more traditional viewpoint because some Western behaviors, such making "rude and offensive gestures," will get you arrested there. Western tourists, on the other hand, will find most of the UAE to be quite comfortable.