United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

1. Introduction

   • A massive change in the area
     • 1990 - 2018
   • Abu Dhabi Capital
     • Population/talk about foreign nationals
     • History of the other Emirates important
   • Unification
   • Founded in 1971, made up of 7 Emirates (States)

2. Why we chose this?

   • Four group members from four different countries, wanted to learn something different, intrigued by the middle east, a country that sprung up from the desert, heard they’re rich, wanted to see if there was more, What about their gender equality? What is their mindset? Business, religion etc.

3. Cultural Breakdown (Iceberg Model)

   • Observable Emirati Culture
     • Foods: uses a lot of meat, grain, and dairy; Multicultural cuisine
     • Music: Arabic music, Jazz, majority of local artists play rock and metal music
     • Holidays and Celebrations According to Al-Quran: The Prophet's Ascension, Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, etc.
     • Clothing: For Men and Women in UAE, traditional clothing, tourists beware
   • In-Depth Culture
     • Decency and Modesty
     • Greetings & Hospitality
       • Shoes are removed, Men greet, Guests, Personal spaces, Kahwa (Arabic coffee), Gesture, Avoid admiring an item
     • Perceptions, Altitudes, Beliefs, and Values:
       • Muslim country, no alcohol and pork, left hand is considered unclean, right hand, Men walking hand in hand is a sign a friendship, offensive thumbs up and showing bottom of shoes, Gifts, family values, Heritage/history, family business, taboo on topic of Israel, Communication, Majlis

4. Comparison to China

   • No tissue after toilet Don't use tableware only use right-hand
   • Marriage in UAE
     • One husband with four wives Most women married at 18
     • Each wife must have the same status
     • Husband takes care of all the financial problems

5. How to apply to workplace

   • Working time
     • Day Offs (Fridays, Saturday) Ramadan,2-3 hours
   • Greetings
     • Importance in titles, Hands placement, Men and Women, Traditional Greeting between men
   • Meetings
     • Small talk policies, disorganized meeting, decision maker is likely a silent observer, foreign laborers to work for them
   • Negotiation
     • Decisions through meals, Man of their words

6. Welfare

   • Free for health insurance
   • Subsidy for children and education

7. Conclusion

   • Hofstede’s dimensions of culture
     • Power Distance: 90, hierarchy based; Individualism: 25, collectivist society, family-oriented; Masculinity: 50, driven by success but also caring to others; Uncertainty Avoidance: 80, rigid codes of belief and behavior
     • Comparison with other Eastern culture, and Western culture
   • Trompenaars’s dimensions of culture
     • The relation to nature: Quran, nature and the human are created by Allah (equality), uses wool to make clothes; The relation to time: ʾIn shāʾ Allāh, Lifestyles are much more relaxed and uses time more flexibly; Universalism vs. Particulirism: Melting pot society, can be both; Individualism vs. Communitarianism: Communitarian oriented because of its Islamic background; Internal vs. External: Majority are internal, their God dictates their fate, for the externals, they blame themselves; Neutral vs. Emotional: Islamic culture is a culture in which emotions are more often expressed; Specific vs. Diffuse: boss-subordinate relationship can be friendly can be strict