Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. As an upcoming urban landscape, it has undergone major developments in the last several years. Abu Dhabi is considered a single-stop destination for many travellers.
The city offers something to people of all age groups. It not only has luxurious malls and tall buildings, but also man-made islands and several lavishly designed hotels. Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. But it still has customs.
Abu Dhabi’s culture is still upheld, and as a first-time visitor to the city, it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of the customs and traditions observed here.
Important customs and traditions followed in Abu Dhabi
1. Religious practices etiquette
Abu Dhabi is a city that welcomes people of all religions. Most people here follow Islam, but respect other religions. In the city, you are allowed to practice your faith in the authorised places of worship, as the government promotes interfaith understanding and dialogue among residents.
You need to ensure that Abu Dhabi’s traditions of religious practices are respected and followed. At all times and in all places, you must show respect for Islamic practices, particularly during Ramadan. During this month, refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the daylight hours.
The prayer or Adhan is called from the mosque. When this happens, show respect for the prayers. Friday is a holy day in Abu Dhabi. So, when exploring the city, keep this in mind, as you will find most offices and other areas of interest closed.
A visit to a mosque is a must for you if you are in Abu Dhabi for the first time. But be prepared. You need to dress appropriately to visit any mosque. Also, never criticise Islam as a religion in the city.
You can enjoy an enriched cultural experience in Abu Dhabi if you have the know-how of its traditions and customs.
2. Dress code and modesty etiquette
Adhering to the dress code is necessary in Abu Dhabi traditions. Abu Dhabi presents a modern and cosmopolitan image and welcomes people wearing Western attire. However, these clothes should be modest, covering your shoulders and knees, particularly when in public places.
Ideally, traditions require women to be dressed in long skirts or trousers. Women can pair these with sleeved blouses. Women who are visiting mosques should always cover their heads. Therefore, a scarf becomes a vital piece of clothing for women. As a female explorer, avoid wearing clothes that are inappropriate in public areas.
Men should normally wear full-length loose-fitting trousers. Shirts that men wear must be sleeved. However, in resorts or hotels, men can wear shorts and t-shirts. Both men and women can wear swimwear in the swimming areas, but not in any other place.
For any formal event or social gathering, men and women should dress in formal attire.
3. Social interactions and greetings
You need to be aware of the social norms observed by people in Abu Dhabi to integrate seamlessly into the community. When invited to someone’s home, it is excellent to bring sweets or dates, as they are a traditional gift.
Both verbal and non-verbal gesture styles need to be adapted when interacting with people in Abu Dhabi. While a smile goes a long way in any positive interaction, physical contact is limited to people of the same gender.
When you are in a public place and meet someone from the opposite gender, wait for the first physical contact or a handshake from their end. A nod can also serve as a gesture of social awareness between individuals.
When you meet people in the city, use titles to address them. You may call them by their first names only when invited to do so. When engaging in conversation with someone, discuss general topics and avoid discussing anything personal or religious, as this may spark controversy.
You may also learn a few greetings, such as As-salamu alaykum (meaning “peace be upon you”) and shukran (meaning “thank you”), that can be used socially. These greetings will help you create warmer relationships.
Refrain from using disrespectful and foul language in the city. Also, avoid speaking loudly in public and maintain a soft tone when conversing with someone.
When you respect and follow these Abu Dhabi customs during social events and gatherings, you can have positive and effective interactions.
4. Culinary customs
Abu Dhabi’s local cuisine is well-known and appreciated for its flavours. However, Abu Dhabi is a multicultural city, and so, cuisines from across the globe are served here. Follow some specific practices when eating here to enjoy the culinary journey.
Sharing food is one of the most essential traditions in Abu Dhabi. In most restaurants, food is served on large plates and bowls, allowing it to be shared and savoured by the entire family.
To enjoy the flavours, don’t gulp down your food but eat slowly. Also, always appreciate and compliment the cook.
When at a social gathering, wait for the host to invite you to start eating. Doing otherwise is looked down upon. People eat with their right hand in this city. The use of the left hand to eat food is considered impolite. If you are left-handed, consider using cutlery to eat your food.
It is nice to tip in hotels and restaurants as a mark of appreciation. However, it is voluntary and not mandatory. Culinary etiquette should also be observed during Ramadan. During this period, it is better not to eat, drink or smoke publicly as it is considered to be an offensive action.
5. Abu Dhabi customs when visiting mosques and government buildings
It is essential to show respect for mosques and governmental buildings and be mindful of their customs when visiting. Allow for all types of security checks when visiting these buildings and follow all the rules and regulations stated. Moreover, dress appropriately when visiting these places.
Further, you need to take permission to take photographs. Most government buildings do not permit photography. However, if you are allowed to do so and want to upload these on social media, always tag the correct location. Do not upload any insensitive content online.
Speaking of mosques, when you are in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-see, so make sure to check it out!
6. Local rules and laws
The most important thing that you need to do when exploring Abu Dhabi as a newcomer is to follow the local laws and rules. Remember, smoking is not allowed in public places, so avoid doing that. Alcohol can neither be used nor distributed publicly. Likewise, you need to seek permission when clicking photographs with locals.
Do not litter the city. There is a fine that you must pay if you are found littering on the roads or anywhere other than the marked areas for trash.
Public display of affection is a big no-no in Abu Dhabi. Most people take offence if anyone indulges in public display of affection and may show you down as well.
7. Public transport etiquette
You can use Abu Dhabi’s public transport system, including taxis, buses, trams, ferries and trains to explore the city. However, you need to follow the guidelines. You are not allowed to damage the public vehicles or smoke in them.
Please sit in your allotted seats and leave the seats reserved for children, women, and the elderly. Do not talk loudly when using the public transport system. When using taxis, be aware of the fare and request a receipt from the taxi driver. Keep an eye on your belongings so that they are not left behind.
Key takeaways
As a first-time visitor to Abu Dhabi, having a basic understanding of the local traditions and customs can be very helpful. Be aware of the regional and religious traditions. Remember to keep your shoulders covered and follow modesty etiquette when in public places.
Keep public display of affection at bay if travelling with your partner, and don’t forget to ask for permission when taking photographs. Have a clear idea about local prayer times to ensure that you stop and show respect.
Moreover, for a perfect culinary experience, enjoy the flavours by taking small portions and eating slowly. Finally, with the correct greeting words and a smile, you can make your interactions in the city warm and positive and eventually create beautiful lifelong memories.
FAQs
Ramadan is a holy month. You need to follow all traditions and customs this holy month. Do not smoke, eat, or drink in public places during Ramadan. When the prayer is announced, stop to offer respect. Be aware that most eateries are closed during the daytime during this month.
With that being said, you can still have fun in Ramadan in Abu Dhabi with many fantastic things to do and places to see.
In public, men and women must dress subtly. Revealing and tight-fitting clothes are not considered modest in the city. Modest clothing covers your knees and shoulders. If you are a woman, you may wear sleeved blouses, loose-fitting pants, and long skirts.
Men can wear loose pants and sleeved shirts. Beachwear can only be worn in resorts or other designated areas where it is permitted. If you wish to wear swimwear, you can do so in places with swimming pools, but not in different locations.
All individuals residing in Abu Dhabi are required to comply with local laws and regulations. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed in public places. E-cigarettes are banned in the UAE, and they may be confiscated upon entry into the country.
You cannot throw trash anywhere in the city to avoid paying a fine. It is also a local rule to ask for permission when clicking photographs. As a newcomer, you need to know that public display of affection is not permitted. If you do so, you are looked down upon by the locals.
The appeal of mosques and government buildings makes many people visit these places. However, when visiting these places, dress according to the specific dress code and in a modest manner.
Your shoulders and knees need to be covered. You cannot take photographs of these places without permission. It is also essential to avoid damaging these buildings in any manner. If you post pictures of these buildings on social media, tag the correct location.
Abu Dhabi welcomes people from across the globe with open arms to experience its multicultural and diverse environment. To best enjoy what this city has to offer, get to know about the various Abu Dhabi customs and traditions that the city and its people are proud of and uphold.
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