How Emiratis Entertain

• Emiratis socialize in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates or foreign business travellers.
• Entertainment is generally same-sex. If both sexes are included, they may be hosted in separate rooms.
• Visitors and close friends may be invited to a meal or party at an Emirati's house.
• Invitations may be given in writing about one week before the occasion or may be extended on the spur-of-the-moment.
• Accept invitations enthusiastically because this is an effusive culture. If you must decline, do so reluctantly and with profuse apologies.

If you are invited to an Emirati's house:

• Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
• Dressing well demonstrates respect towards your host.
• Punctuality is expected.
• Greeting elders first demonstrates respect.
• Accept offers of coffee, the Emirati symbol of hospitality.
• Send a handwritten thank you note the following day.
• Reciprocate the hospitality at an international hotel.

Dining Etiquette

• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Do not let your feet touch the food mat.
• Eat only with the right hand.  
• Try a bit of everything that is served.
• Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served.
• Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces or delicacies, which may be placed on their plate by the host.
• There is often more food than you can eat. Hospitality and generosity dictate showering guests with abundance.
• The evening ends quickly after the meal.
• There is often little speaking during meals, although there is a great deal of socializing before them.
• Meals are generally eaten quickly.
• When the host stands, the meal is over.

Dining OutDuring Ramadan, hotel restaurants are closed, although their coffee shops generally remain open.