The document provides information about a cross-cultural training plan for expatriates working in the United Arab Emirates. It discusses key facts about UAE such as the population being majority Muslim and expatriate workers making up half the population. It also outlines aspects of UAE culture, etiquette, and business practices that are important for foreigners to know like language, climate, costs of living. The proposed training plan would educate expatriates on UAE history, culture, social norms, and business customs through lectures, discussions, and scenarios to help them integrate and be successful living and working in the country.

1. C R O S S C U LT U R A L T R A I N I N G
P L A N
FOR
UAE
B Y : Z A H E E R S AY Y E D
1 5 M B A 1 4 1 2 1 2

2. COUNTRY OF CHOICE
UAE: Few countries in history have experienced, in less than four decades, a huge shift in
income and development comparable to that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during
last part of the twentieth century.
The UAE is a thriving part of the world that is playing an increasingly significant role in
international business and tourism.
Official Country Name: United Arab Emirates
Region: Middle East
Population: 2,369,153
Language(s): Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

3. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UAE FOR A HRM
PROFESSIONAL:
1. The United Arab Emirates as an Expat Destination:
• The UAE has a very significant expat community, which makes up for almost 50% of the total
population.
• Of the people living in the UAE a vast majority (95%) are Muslim.
• The majority of expats are drawn here as a result of the tax-free lifestyle on offer and for those on
an international wage the standard of living is very high.
• Cost of Living in The UAE is high but Utilities are slightly cheaper here than they are in many
countries as a result of government subsidies on electricity, water and gas.
2. Language:
• The official language of the UAE is Arabic
• English is widely spoken and the majority of expats living in the UAE do not experience any
difficulties communicating with the locals.
• Due to rich south east Asian expat population even Indian languages like Hindi and Malayalam and
Philippines and Mandarin are also spoken widely.

4. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UAE FOR A HRM
PROFESSIONAL:
3. Climate:
• Sub-tropical and arid.
• Temperatures range from over 50 degrees C in summer (April to September) through to -15 degrees
in the evenings.
• Sand storms occasionally occur.
4. Cost of Living in The UAE:
• Though cost of living in several cities of UAE was expensive in the past the new trends show how it is
on the decrease now.
• In 2012 Mercer Cost of living survey, no cities in the UAE featured in the top ten most expensive
cities in which to live
• Abu Dhabi at rank 76 is the most expensive city in UAE followed by Dubai which was ranked at 94.
With accommodation being the most expensive.
• The biggest benefit though is the tax free international income or low taxation on those which need
to pay taxes.
• Utilities are also slightly cheaper here than they are in many countries as a result of government
subsidies on electricity, water and gas.

5. 5. Living in The UAE: Expat Job and Career Opportunities:
• A program called Emiratisation was introduced by the government.
• This has placed significant pressure of companies to assist them to reduce unemployment amongst
nationals.
• This has led to a reduction in opportunities for foreign workers and it can be very difficult to secure
work.
• The majority of expats who are based there are on international contracts that were secured whilst
in their home countries.
Things to know about UAE for a HRM professional:

6. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UAE FOR A HRM
PROFESSIONAL:
6. Other Important things to know:
• If an individual holds an Israeli passport or if his/her passport has entry/exit stamps from Israel, they
will probably not be permitted to enter any UAE country.
• A permit is necessary for the purchase of alcohol from registered vendors. No alcohol at all is
permitted in the Emirate of Sharjah.
• There is no free state education for those living in the UAE who are not UAE nationals.
• Many rental accommodation contracts are for at least one year and many landlords will request that
the full year’s rent is paid in advance. If you leave the country before the end of the year the
likelihood is that you will not get the money back.
• If anyone in the UAE requests to keep the individual’s passport, e.g. a hotel or your company, they
should always say no. They don't have the authority by law to keep possession of your passport.

7. CROSS CULTURAL TRAINING PLAN FOR
UAE:
• Living & Working in UAE courses are designed to respond to the needs of
international assignees by providing practical information and advice on
the various aspects of living and working in UAE,
• Conveying an understanding of the underlying elements that shape UAE
culture inside and outside the workplace.

8. LIVING AND WORKING IN UAE
COURSE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH:
• A comprehensive insight to UAE and its historical, social and economic development
• An understanding of Middle Eastern culture or ‘way of doing things’
• Key communication tools and skills to understand and respond to business and social
subtleties and nuances of UAE culture while living and working in the UAE
• An awareness of culture and country shock and ways of surviving it
• Essential practical and information to improve your experience of living and working
in UAE.
Living and Working in UAE Course will be of
benefit/provided to the Expats who:
• Are about to relocate or have just relocated to UAE for future business purposes
• Work on short-term assignments or projects in UAE and spend periods of time in Dubai

9. COURSE CONTENT
• An overview of Dubai culture: history, religion and tradition
• Multiculturalism in Dubai: ethnic groups and attitudes to foreigners
• The expat community and Dubai society
• Practical information on living and working in Dubai
• Social and business etiquette
• Attitudes and values in Dubai business culture
• Management and negotiation styles
• Effective business communication in Dubai
• Tips and strategies for successful living and working in Dubai
• Working practices and business etiquette in Dubai

10. APPROACH:
• Living and Working in UAE course will take the approach of that of a lecture.
• It would be offered both in group and to individuals.
• It would be offered in groups with customization for team assignments.
• It would be designed and customized for individuals depending on the individual’s
competencies.
• Training would be provided at host country office in general training rooms for teams and
individuals both.
• Trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and
scenarios relevant to Expat’s own particular context.
• Trainer would pace up or pace down if requested in case of individual training.
• Time constraints would be kept in mind before scheduling the course based on mutual
consents of the trainee and the trainer.

11. THANK YOU!