Sheikh Zayed Mosque, United Arab Emirates

The indigenous people are very sensitive to their houses. You shouldn’t enter a living room with your shoes on. Naturally, visitors are very unlikely to remember all traditions and customs of Abu Dhabi, but learning some basic rules and etiquette will not be superfluous. For example, the locals never greet each other with a handshake. Here it is replaced with a small bow. During a walk in the city a man and a woman should not hold their arms even if they are legal spouses. Drinking alcoholic beverages is allowed in specially designated areas only. The locals have quite severe rules concerning the consumption of alcohol. In general, the townspeople are very friendly with visitors. They are characterized by unhurried type of communication and helpfulness. Many of the local people speak English, so it will be really simple for tourists to find a "common language" with them.

Local people are generous and hospitable. They usually meet guests in a special room called "majlis". In the center of the room there is always a large table, on which are served dishes with dates, nuts and other treats. The room is traditionally decorated with most luxurious carpets and posh interior. In this way owners of the house are always ready to accept new guests. The only thing they need to do is to serve fragrant Arabic coffee. Guests, in their turn, must try a bit of fujal - a delicious snack made of nuts and dried fruit.
Read further...