Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Guide to safe living: Dos and Don'ts in the UAE




* Bathing suits are OK only in hotel pools and private beaches
* Men are also expected to dress decently with no bold overtones.
* Absolutely no cross-dressing
* Holding hands and kissing are unacceptable and can lead to arrest
* During Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, people are expected to abstain from alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking and singing in public during the day
* Eat/drink with your right hand as the left hand is considered to be unhygienic in this part of the world
* Don’t show the soles of your feet or shoes as this implies disrespect to others — that you are comparing the person to soles or ‘dirt’/‘trash’*
* If a Muslim is praying, do not walk in front of him or stare at him
* If you have not accepted Islam as your religion, take prior permission before entering a mosque
* Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful
* Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab;“small talk” can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by taxi drivers
* Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance.
* Keep your medicines in their original containers and bring a letter from your doctor as a well as a copy of your prescription with you
* Possession of illegal drugs, or the presence of an illegal substance in a blood or urine test, clothing, body, or in your luggage, could lead to arrest
* Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol is served at bars in major hotels but is intended for hotel guests.
* Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and may lead to fines and imprisonment
* Avoid making obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language to a police officer



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