Visitor Guidelines

Formal Meeting and Greeting

There are many ways of greeting a person in the UAE. Some people choose not to shake hands upon meeting, which should not be considered an insult of offensive. It is generally more polite to begin with a verbal greeting, and to then allow the person you are greeting to indicate whether hand shaking is welcome. 

• When greeting a member of the opposite gender, do not offer to shake hands unless they extend their hand first. Both men and women may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender due to religious (or. more recently, public health reasons). When shaking hands, make direct eye contact with the guest to show confidence and set the stage for positive meeting and experience. 

• Salutations: members of the Ruling Family are addressed as "Your Highness", and Ministers or Head of a government entity as "Your Excellency". It is good practice to always research your guests to confirm their appropriate title before their arrival. 

• It is important to stand for VIP guests as they enter a room. 

• If you are sitting in front of an important guest, it is considered rude to cross your legs of show the soles of your feet.

Professional Appearance and Attire

Appropriate business attire is required. 

For men: National dress, or a suit, with or without a tie , is appropriate.

For women: National dress, or a suit/business attired is appropriate. Skirts should be knee length or longer and you should avoid sleeveless of low-cut blouses. 

For students: business casual attire is appropriate. 

Business Cards

• For VVIPs such as Ruling Family or Ministers, do not present your card unless you are asked for it. It's more appropriate in this case to present your card to a representative of their office. 

• Business cards should be exchanged before the start of the meeting.

• The cards should be printed in Arabic and English.

• Present and receive the card with your right hand, or in both hands. 

• If in a meeting, always make sure to place the card of the table in front of you to show respect. 

Photography

• Permission is required for all people photographed in the UAE.