How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

I am moving to Abu Dhabi at the end of this year and would really like to learn more about UAE and Arab and Islamic cultures and customs.

Yes, I know it isn't necessary, but I enjoy learning about different cultures and I want to use the opportunity while I live in the UAE to build my brain a little!

Can anyone recommend any books or guides that are worth reading?

What is a good greeting to use with an Emirati that shows you want to make an effort?

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

I take it you never lived in the ME before?

The best greeting for any UAE national is not to greet at all.....remember you are an expat a 2nd rated citizen in their country

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Start by taking a look at the pinned UAE history thread in the section above...

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

I would also say that it is necessary to learn a bit about customs and culture if you want to avoid being arrested for the wrong kind of hand gesture, behaving inappropriately and ignoring the strict rules for Ramadan.

Besides, why would a person move thousands of miles and not want to know anything about where they are living? Sadly there are too many of those types here already.

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

I think this is what the OP is looking for, and/or this.

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

There are a few good fiction and non-fiction books that help.

This was an interesting read when I first moved here; Amazon link

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Some of my favourites are here

Some Great Books About the UAE | The Desert Diva

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Fantastic. Thanks all. That's what I'm looking for.

I have read all the online guides I've found, and I have visited several times so know what it is like in Abu Dhabi. I was just looking for something a bit deeper than the usual etiquette guides.

I've ordered the CultureSmart guide and the book called "Rags to Riches".

Is there a good language course anyone can recommend?

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

I haven't done the Arabic, but I can certainly vouch for Michel Thomas' French course if you're after conversational ability, and Earworm's Italian (they both do Arabic, too). Il sont bellisomos.

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

The Sheikh Mohamed Centre for cultural understanding gives brilliant Q&A sessions run by Emiratis, it's a great way to learn more about Emiratis and some differences between traditions from gulf country to country.

Highly recommended.

The book "Don't they know it's Friday" gives a great overview for business as well as daily life as well. Good luck with your move. :)

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Thanks all! I will look up those courses.

The Sheikh Mohamed Centre looks fantastic. Just what I'm after when I arrive. Does anyone know of something similar in Abu Dhabi?

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

"...before I was nine I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me against my brother;me and my brother against our father; my family against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; and the tribe against the world. And all of us against the infidel."

Leon Uris: The Haj

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Know thine enemy. Doubly.

Re: How to learn local customs for the UAE, and Arab / Islamic culture
 

Watch the film Zulu, That's what The Trap (bar) is like at closing time.