Do’s and Don'ts for Visiting Gulf Countries
Get our travel tips for these destinations, including how to act and what to wear.
Dressing Etiquette
Modest clothing standards reflect traditional Islamic values, so it’s important to dress respectfully by avoiding revealing outfits, for both men and women. In public, or where there is a strong local presence, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing that cover your knees and shoulders. However, in most tourist spots, like hotels, the rules are generally relaxed. These dress codes don’t apply to young children.
Preferable Dressing Conduct:
While female tourists aren’t required to cover their heads at all times, it's a good idea to carry a headscarf or shawl in case it's needed when visiting religious sites.
Bikinis and other swimwear are permitted at beaches and pools, but wearing them in public spaces outside these areas is considered highly disrespectful.
Dresses, skirts and shorts are generally acceptable as long as they reach or come close to the knee. However, they shouldn't be too tight and wearing tights underneath is recommended for added modesty.
What Men and Women Should Avoid in Public:
Low-cut tops or midriff-baring crop tops.
Shorts that are significantly above the knee.
Sleeveless shirts that expose shoulders, especially in places of worship and heritage sites.
Clothing featuring offensive or inappropriate symbols, language or imagery.
Nudity is strictly prohibited in all public areas and is subject to legal penalties.
*an example of what to wear during Ramadan
Greeting Etiquette
In formal settings, the Arabic greeting is ‘As-Salam Alaykum’ which translates to ‘peace be upon you’. The response to that is ‘Wa’alaykum As-Salam’, which means ‘peace be upon you too’.
When meeting for the first time, a handshake is a common greeting. However, this will not be a very firm handshake, rather, a softer, light handshake. It is only appropriate for a man to shake a woman’s hand if she offers first.
In more personal or informal settings, it’s common for men to greet each other by placing their hands together and offering a kiss on the cheek. This gesture is shared only between men or between women, and is a traditional sign of warmth and welcome.
General Social Etiquette
Manners and appropriate conduct are essential in any social setting. Here are a few general tips to ensure proper, respectful behavior in public.
Rude Behaviors: It is unacceptable to swear in public. This can lead to hefty fines or even jail time. Any rude hand gestures, disrespectful and aggressive behaviour could lead you into trouble.
Right Hand Usage: Ensure that you only use your right hand while eating meals, accepting presents, paying or accepting cash, etc.
Drinking: Drinking in various nightclubs in can be okay (in Dubai for instance) if you are of age, but driving under the influence or any kind of uncouth behavior when drunk will lead to heavy fines.
Littering will face penalties.
Religious Sensitivities
As the region is predominantly Islamic, it is home to numerous mosques and places of worship that often welcome visitors. These sites offer a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural and religious heritage. When visiting, it's essential to follow proper etiquette and show respect for local customs. Here’s how you can do so:
Dress Code: When entering a mosque, modest attire is required. Both men and women should cover their shoulders, arms and legs. Women must also cover their hair with a headscarf. Some popular mosques provide traditional garments for visitors; accepting and wearing them is a sign of respect, and is often expected.
Prayer Times: Always be respectful of the prayer times. Be aware of any religious festivals and follow its rules (see below for more information).
Sensitivity Towards Religion and Places of Worship: Avoid discussions or comments that could be perceived as critical or insensitive toward religion, even if your views differ. Maintaining a respectful and open-minded attitude is essential when visiting religious spaces.
Don’t take photographs or wearing shoes without permission. When in doubt, ask a local or a staff member for advice.
Ramadan Customs
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. During this time, Muslims observe a fast from daybreak to sundown every day. Although non-Muslims aren’t expected to fast, there are certain rules that must be followed.
Eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during this month is prohibited. Any form of consumption of eatables or chewables is not allowed in public as it is disrespectful to those fasting. Eating in operating restaurants, hotels and private spaces is acceptable. We advise our groups not to bring soda, coffee or any kind of food into business events or presentations out of respect for the speaker.
Interaction with other genders
Keep in mind that interactions between genders are much more conservative than in the West. Some things to be kept in mind include:
Consensual Greeting Only: Handshakes are a formal gesture of greeting. But remember that as a man, you should only shake a woman’s hand if she offers first. This also applies for any other physical gesture of greeting.
Behavior Towards Women: Staring at traditionally clothed women is considered very disrespectful. Clicking pictures or making unwanted physical or verbal gestures towards women is an offense and will be punished seriously.
Public Display of Affection: Public displays of affection are completely unacceptable. It is not just disrespectful; it can be a punishable offence. Anything beyond holding hands and short hugging can land you in a lot of trouble. Any further kind of affectionate gestures can bring you a large fine or even jail time. So it’s best to keep these actions well away from the public.
Gender Specific Area: There are certain places that have separated designated areas for men and women to ensure safety and comfort. These include spas, some swimming pools and metro compartments. You must adhere to these segregations, otherwise, you may be fined or penalized.
Dining Etiquette
Do:
Wash your hands before your meal
Wait to be seated at your table and place the napkin on your lap
After your meal, leave a 10-15% tip
Eat with your right hand
Wait for people to finish their prayers before you start eating
Leave your cutlery at the top of your plate after eating
Don’t:
Keep your phone, keys, wallet or other personal items on the table
Begin eating before your host or other guests, unless asked to otherwise
Use your left hand to eat
Use your phone while dining
Reach across the table for food, take it from your side of the table
Photography in Public
Signs
It’s always better to look for a sign that indicates if the area prohibits photography. If there is no such sign, you can click photos. If there is one, put both your professional and phone cameras away.
Generally Prohibited Photos
It’s a general rule that photographing women, military and government facilities is not permitted unless specified otherwise.
Remember that non-consensual or prohibited photographs are considered an offence and can incur fines or punishment. If you are asked not to photograph or delete a picture of something or someone, do as instructed to avoid getting into trouble.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions.
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