The Country The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven Arab emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharhah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah. Each emirate has its own sheikh (ruler). There is one federal government whose president is elected every five years. The UAE provides housing, free medical care, and free university for Emirati nationals.

Extended FamilyThe extended family is the basis of a person's identity. The extended family includes the immediate family, close and distant relatives, tribe members, friends, and neighbours. Loyalty to the family comes before all other relationships and commitments, even business. Nepotism is viewed positively, since it guarantees the hiring of people who can be trusted, which is crucial in a country where working with people one knows and trusts is of paramount importance.

The family is more private than in Western cultures. It is considered inappropriate to ask questions about an Emirati's wife or other female relatives.

In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the traditional family structure and roles of men and women are changing due to exposure to Western culture. The traditional large extended family living together in the same house, compound, or village is being replaced by nuclear families living in different cities. Nonetheless, the family remains the basis of stability where the individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home.

FatalismThe influences of Islam, combined with a long history of nomadic life and adverse climatic conditions, have produced a rather fatalistic approach towards life. Many sentences end with the phrase "insh'allah" (meaning "god willing"). This explains the Emirati approach to time, accountability, and initiative.

Emiratis do not generally plan far in the future because that would presume that they had control over future events, when in reality the future is in Allah's hands.

Tribal LoyaltyArab states are derived from different Bedouins tribes, which were patriarchal societies. Due to their naming conventions, members of a family or tribe can trace their lineage to a common ancestor. People remain loyal to everyone within the tribe, although their first loyalty is to their family. If a member of the tribe brought shame or dishonour to the tribe they were made to go off alone, which ultimately led to the person's death.

Although most Emiratis live in cities, their first loyalty is still to their tribe. This is seen in the business concessions given to family members and the intricate web of business holdings.