Local Customs & Etiquette in ‘Ajmān, ‘Ajmān, United Arab Emirates
1. Friday Prayer Gathering
Community prayer gathering at the Grand Mosque in Ajman on Fridays, a significant cultural practice.
- Respect for Religion: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
- Community Participation: Participate quietly as a show of respect.
- Timing Awareness: Prayer begins at noon and lasts around an hour.
2. Women's Modesty Rules
Women should dress modestly with clothes that cover the entire body, except for the face and hands.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs by dressing appropriately.
- Public Decorum: Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places.
- Shopping Consideration: Cover arms and legs while shopping for clothing to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Greeting Customs
A traditional greeting known as 'Salaam' is common in Ajman, which involves shaking hands with a firm grip and maintaining eye contact.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn the local greeting to build rapport.
- Respectful Gestures: Avoid initiating a handshake with women unless offered first.
- Gentlemanly Behavior: Be patient, as some locals may take their time to respond to a greeting.
4. Mealtime Customs
Dining etiquette involves eating with the right hand in most cases and waiting for the host to begin eating.
- Culinary Experience: Experience traditional Emirati cuisine with local hospitality.
- Table Manners: Use the right hand, and avoid touching food directly with fingers.
- Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host's permission before starting to eat.
5. Social Invitations
Accepting invitations to social gatherings, especially in private homes, is a sign of goodwill.
- Hospitality: Respect local hospitality by accepting invitations.
- Cultural Exchange: Engage in conversations about local customs and traditions.
- Reciprocity: Return the hospitality by inviting your host to your home when possible.
6. Business Etiquette
Building relationships is essential in Ajman's business culture. Patience and persistence are key.
- Relationship Building: Develop a personal connection before discussing business matters.
- Formality: Address colleagues and business partners with the appropriate titles and formal salutations.
- Decision Making: Expect decision-making processes to be slow due to careful consideration.
7. Gift Giving
Gifts are customary in Ajman, especially during special occasions or as a gesture of goodwill.
- Cultural Understanding: Understand that giving and receiving gifts is an integral part of the culture.
- Gift Selection: Choose thoughtful and respectful gifts, such as sweets, coffee, or traditional Emirati items.
- Gift Presentation: Present the gift with both hands and avoid wrapping it in black, as it is associated with mourning.
8. Public Holidays Observance
Respect local holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, by refraining from visiting public areas during prayer times or taking part in festivities.
- Cultural Respect: Respect local customs during religious holidays.
- Community Participation: Join in community celebrations to experience the culture.
- Local Traditions: Learn about and participate in local customs during religious holidays.
9. Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women, as it is considered polite.
- Respect for Privacy: Respect privacy and avoid taking unauthorized photographs.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Learn about local customs regarding photography.
- Permission: Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially women and children.
10. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is not allowed to be consumed in public or sold in Ajman due to Islamic laws.
- Cultural Compliance: Respect local customs by not consuming alcohol in public.
- Alcohol-free Socializing: Join non-alcoholic social events during your stay.
- Private Consumption: Enjoy alcohol in the privacy of licensed hotels or rented apartments if you are a resident.
11. Dress Code for Women
Women should dress modestly with clothes that cover the entire body, except for the face and hands. In some places, a headscarf or abaya may be necessary.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs by dressing appropriately.
- Public Decorum: Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places.
- Shopping Consideration: Cover arms and legs while shopping for clothing to avoid misunderstandings.
12. Driving Rules
Driving rules in Ajman are similar to other parts of the UAE. Seat belts must be worn at all times and speed limits strictly enforced.
- Road Safety: Adhere to traffic rules for your safety and others.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to avoid fines or accidents.
- Road Signs: Familiarize yourself with local road signs and traffic signals.
13. Smoking Rules
Smoking is prohibited in many public places throughout Ajman due to Islamic laws.
- Respect for Culture: Respect local customs by not smoking in prohibited areas.
- Smoking-free Zones: Locate designated smoking areas before lighting up.
- Health Considerations: Avoid second-hand smoke by choosing smoking-free zones.
14. PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
Public displays of affection are discouraged in Ajman due to cultural and religious sensitivities.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs by avoiding public displays of affection.
- Privacy: Enjoy intimate moments in private settings instead.
- Respect for Others: Be mindful of local sensibilities and feelings.
15. Tipping
Tipping is customary in Ajman, especially in restaurants and taxi services. Around 10% of the total bill is usually appropriate.
- Appreciation: Show your appreciation for good service by leaving a tip.
- Customary Practice: Tipping is an expected part of the local culture in restaurants and taxi services.
- Service Quality: Evaluate service quality before deciding on a tip amount.