United Arab EmiratesCulture and Traditions

UAE practices a peculiar way of greeting that isn't found in any other culture. The men greet each other with an Emirati kiss — Khusmak, where men touch each other's nose. Alternatively, people hug and shake hands, but it is prohibited when greeting the opposite gender because of their religious adherence. While both are the traditional ways of greeting, you can use the safe path by nodding your head, placing your right hand on the heart, and then smiling.

If you are an Islamic practitioner, Islam is at the heart of the UAE. The majority of locals practice Islam and you can see the influence on every aspect of their daily life including cultural practices, prayers, and custom dietary. UAE is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest and the most beautiful mosque with a total of 82 domes and over 1000 columns, the sight of the mosque  just takes your breath away. So, when you visit the UAE, make sure to pay a visit to this grandiose mosque.

When speaking of culture, how can we miss traditional dressing? UAE's dressing is inspired by their Islamic texts, where modesty and conservativeness are prioritized. Men and women wear clothes that cover most parts of the body. Women in UAE wear an "Abaya," a long black cloak that covers most of the body except feet, hands, and face. An "Abaya" is paired with a "Niqab" and "Gafaaz," which cover the face and hands. The man wears a "Kandura," a long loose-fitting robe, which is usually white. Along with "Kandura," a headscarf is tied in various styles. While in the UAE, don't miss the opportunity to immerse in their traditional attire because to get a feel of the place you need to soak into their culture.