An authentic feast may feature a whole sheep served on a bed of rice.
(TIME) -- In the UAE, impatience is seen as bad form.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven Emirates -- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah located on the Arabian Peninsula.
Considered the most liberal country in the Gulf, the UAE is still relatively conservative by Western standards.
Less than half of the UAE's inhabitants are Arabs, though over 70 percent are Muslim. Arabic is the official language but English is widely used and understood.
People are relaxed about time in the UAE. Meetings generally begin with small talk and an offer of tea, Arabic coffee or soft drink -- it would be thought rude to get straight to business.
In the same way, discussions should not be brought to a sudden close even if you are pressed for time -- impatience is regarded as bad manners.
Arabs look badly on displays of ill-temper or annoyance and negotiations are generally good humored and informal.
Shaking hands on arrival and departure is the norm, although Arab men do not usually shake hands with women.
Women should wear a conservative skirt or trousers and jacket and ensure that necklines are modest.
Business entertaining is usually lavish and in the Western style. An authentic feast may feature a whole sheep served on a bed of rice.
This should be eaten with the right hand only as the left hand is considered unclean. Most Muslims do not drink and visitors should consult their host before ordering alcohol.
Wait for your host to signal that the evening has come to an end -- indicating that you are ready to leave would be taken as an insult.
