Bring alcohol or pork products as a business gift (you’d be surprised that some do this!)
Discuss political or religious subjects during a meeting, and avoid discussion of Israel or the Palestinian situation
Be impatient – you are trying to build a relationship and it will take time
Be aggressive and pushy
Use your left hand to accept or eat food or gesture
If you are a woman, wear skimpy or revealing clothes
Call businesses (or expats) on a Friday unless its critical – it’s the equivalent of a Sunday, and is a day off with family and for prayer
Be intimate or show affection in public
Wear traditional emirati clothes as it may be offensive to some
Stare or look intently at women
Don’t enquire about wives or daughters. It is polite however to enquire in general terms about a person’s family
Point at people, swear or use any rude hand gestures (especially the middle finger) or even a thumbs-up gesture. Don’t beckon someone to come to you with a finger – use the palm and all the fingers
Cross your legs knee over knee in a meeting and particularly if you have done this have your shoe pointing at other people
Order alcohol to accompany your meal if you are at a business function
Eat or drink in public during Ramadan
Photograph people without permission, particularly women, or government buildings. Be careful what else may be in the background of the photo that you are taking