19. South Asians accounted for 50% of the total population at last estimate. Emirates constituted 19%, while other Arabs and Iranians made up 23%. Other expatriates, including Westerners and East Asians, totaled 8%. Jordanians, Palestinians, Egyptians, Iraqis, and Bahrainis are employed throughout the bureaucracy, including the educational system. Ethnic Groups
20. The United Arab Emirates dirham ( UD ), introduced as the currency in May 1973, is divided into 100 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils and 1 and 5 dirham and notes of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams. UD 1 = $0.27337 (or $1 = UD 3.658) Monetary Unit
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22. Being caught drinking outside these areas will result in fines, prison sentences and deportation depending on severity and/or frequency. Alcohol
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24. Special month of: Fasting, Repentance, Increased prayer, Increased charity.
25. Ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr: Day of celebration and gratitude. Ramadan
32. Between people of the same gender, kissing on the cheek or nose is a greeting that exemplifies respect or affection.
33. Holding hands or linking arms is a sign of a close bond among people of the same gender.Greetings Between People
34. In public places, people are expected to conform with UAE culture and tradition. Social Etiquette Disregarding the law can be punishable by deportation or prison sentences.
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36. As the left hand is considered unclean, always use your right hand for eating, drinking and shaking hands.
37. Unless you are a woman, avoid casual conversation with female Emirati Nationals; the same goes for shaking hands unless she extends hers first. Social Etiquette
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39. The large nightlife industry of Dubai gives businessmen an idea of where the country is heading in the future (all alcohol beverages contain a 30% additional tax). Since UAE has become so diverse, the country’s culture and religious roots are expected to become completely wiped out within 50 years or so. Diversity
