Dress
In Dubai, the dress code is contradictory to the weather. This meaning that, in Dubai, the dress worn by residents and visitors should be fully covered and loose fitting to maintain modesty (Generis, 2023). Maintaining modesty and following the dress code shows respect for the city and their religion. Despite the weather mostly being hot and as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the fabrics worn in the clothing can help one stay cool and comfortable in the heat such as cotton and linen (Mulberry’s Cleaners, 2023). Finally, in the Islam religion, not only is being fully covered and wearing loose fitting clothing is important, but the thickness and presentation matters as well (Huda, 2019). This means that one should avoid wearing see through clothing, so the material should be thick, and a woman should embrace their femininity and a man should embrace their masculinity by wearing clothing specific to their own gender (Huda, 2023). Meaning, a man should wear men’s clothing and a woman should wear women’s clothing.
High v. Low Context
Dubai is an Islamic city that has a high context culture. Islam is a religion that is widely known and practiced around the world, which is why Islamic people have a nonverbal communication because it is believed that one should know, understand and the respect the religion (Alkhalifi, 2023). For example, tourists and visitors should know that when coming to Dubai, to respect the religion and clothing policy of modesty and avoid wearing revealing clothing (Jurga, 2023). In addition, another example is that in the Islam religion, one must only eat meat if it is halal and avoid eating pork because halal means lawful or permitted (Felton, 2022). Food that is not considered halal is called haram.
More reasons why Dubai is a high context city is also because in the Islam religion, silent languages should be followed such as punctuality and maintaining eye contact (Global Reputation Management, 2014). Punctuality and arriving to a meeting, work or an event is important in Dubai and is expected to be followed by everyone and if it is not followed, it is looked at as disrespectful (Genesis Online, 2023). Also, eye contact is extremely important in Dubai and the Islam religion as a whole. Eye contact shows many emotions such as attention, interest, dominance or approval (Liyas, 2023). These reasons are why Dubai is a high context city.
Space
When it comes to personal space between emirates the distance differs based on various factors and circumstances. Individuals of the same sex with closer relationships will have less of a physical gap between them. Men in particular may hold one another’s hand as a sign of how close they are (Al Saloom, 2013; Culture Crossing, 2017). Conversely, those who aren’t close in terms of relations won’t be physically close when conversing (IOR, 2018). Adhering to the religious customs, one generally won’t see those of the opposite sex standing in close proximity unless the parties in question are family.
Material Possessions
Aside from Dubai’s strict laws and strict culture, the city does have a passion for luxury. Dubai has recently become a luxury attraction for tourists and designers (Materialism and UAE Nationals, 2023). This has been the most Dubai has been in sync with keeping up on fashion trends. The city continues to have an open mind to foreign capital and the investments being made. With the amount of luxury opportunities like Giorgio Armani and Chanel taking over Dubai’s World Expo, many other luxury brands have followed (Why Dubai is increasingly a magnet for luxury, 2021). The Dubai emirates social class “High class” alone shows the amount of luxury brands being worn in Dubai but the location it’s being brought from; Dubai’s mall holds many luxury brands of clothing, footwear and accessory wear like Gucci , Louis Vuttion , Chanel, Hermes and other brands. The more Dubai continues to attract golden visas and maintain a wealthy city overview, this city will grow to look and become more luxurious by the day.
Marriages
In Dubai many Muslim residents follow a strict law and religion. Those exact laws and Islamic religion play a huge role in Islamic marriages and some in non-Muslim foreigners marriages. An Islamic marriage consists of male and female being muslim or an muslim groom and a Christian or Jewish wife (BrandMedia, 2022). Groom and Bride must be 18 years of age to get married, but if under the age a judge must consent to the marriage. Ages of either spouse shouldn’t be two times the other’s age, if the spouses age is twice the others a judge is needed to give consent on marriage (Marriage: The Official Portal of the UAE government, 2023). On the day of the marriage both groom and bride should be present, as for the bride her father or additional male, the next of kin (Elder brother) should be present with his approval proxy. A bride cannot get married if the approval doesn’t come from her guardian, which is her father or next of kin. If the bride’s father isn’t Muslim but the bride is, the father must bring an “No objection” certificate from the original country’s embassy. During the marriage ceremony, Two male Muslim’s are required to be witnesses of the marriage as well. Aside from marriage approval, marriage denial in Dubai would be based on a medical reasoning; genetically inherited blood disease or transferable disease, with proof of certification (Marriage in Dubai, 2023). Otherwise, most marriages in Dubai are allowed to proceed if followed by Islamic law.
As for non-Muslim couples are now allowed to get married in Dubai. Once the couple applies for a civil marriage contract for 24 to 48 hours. Non Muslim couples can get married in a religious ceremony or home embassies and consulates (Husain, 2023). However, non-Muslim men and women are now able to formalize the marriage on a civil contract (Marriage for Non Muslims in UAE, 2023). As long as it stays within guidelines of Islamic law, Marriage ceremony can proceed.
Friendship Patterns and Time
Being a part of the UAE, Dubai shares its customs with the majority. A few interactions require one to use their right hand such as eating (specifically without a utensil), drinking, and general greetings such as handshakes. Like many places, not tolerating ill-mannered behavior is par for the course but is taken more seriously. For example, merely sticking one’s tongue at another can land the offender in hot water (Rough Guides, 2023). Similarly, public displays of affection are looked down on by emirates and the more raunchy activities can get individuals a spot in jail (Dubai, 2023; Rough Guides, 2023). Those of the opposing sex generally don’t make physical contact when meeting. Handshakes may be initiated by one sex and denied by another but doesn’t evoke ire as it’s within their religion (Commisceo Global, 2022; IMPACT Group, 2023). As for timeliness, the concept is more laxed and there isn’t a high expectation to be prompt.
