Cultural diversity in Dubai and considerations for international students

To understand Dubai's cultural landscape, you must familiarise yourself with the common social customs and practices. Here are some key cultural points for international students to learn in Dubai.

1. Respect for Islamic traditions: Dubai is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Respecting local customs should be a top priority for students in Dubai. It is best to understand and adjust to namaz timings and modest clothing, particularly in public spaces and religious sites.
   
   Quick Tip: Choose modest attire when visiting mosques or other religious sites and avoid public displays of affection.

2. Hospitality: Hospitality is an important and welcoming part of the Emirati culture. When invited into someone's home, remove your shoes and express your gratitude for the invitation politely. This is customary and make a note of this for your stay in Dubai.
   
   Quick Tip: Always accept invitations graciously and be sure to give your appreciation.

3. Ramadan etiquette: During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn till dusk. You are best advised to respect the practice by avoiding eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.
   
   Quick Tip: Plan your meals and outings accordingly during Ramadan and be mindful of local sensitivities.

4. Greetings: Greetings are an integral part of Emirati culture. A handshake is appropriate when meeting someone for the first time, followed by a polite greeting.
   
   Quick Tip: Use titles such as "Mr." or "Ms." followed by the person's surname when addressing them, unless invited to use their first name.

5. Language: While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business and academic settings.
   
   Quick Tip: It would be worthwhile to learn a few basic Arabic phrases. This can go a long way in building connections with locals and showing respect for their culture.

6. Friday brunch tradition: Friday brunch is a popular social activity in Dubai. Friends and families gather to enjoy a close get-together. It is a great way to experience local cuisine and hospitality.
   
   Quick Tip: Embrace this tradition as an opportunity to socialise and dive into Dubai's culinary scene.

7. Tolerance and respect: With cultural diversity, the people here take pride in being tolerant and inclusive as a society. Treating others with respect and kindness is important regardless of your background or beliefs.
   
   Quick Tip: Learn to embrace the cultural diversity in Dubai and be open-minded towards different perspectives.

Cultural integration is crucial for international students moving into the professional world in Dubai. Here are some practices to adopt cultural integration and understand cultural diversity in Dubai.

1. Cultural awareness training: There are some training programmes offered by the government of UAE that help you learn more about the culture. You can understand how to behave, communicate or involve in business practices when among locals. Such trainings can be helpful for you to know how things work in the country.
   
   
2. Networking events: Attend networking and social gatherings to connect with students/professionals from diverse backgrounds. Building relationships with peers or colleagues from different cultures can expand your perspective and open doors to new opportunities. Be proactive in seeking networking opportunities and open to making new connections with people.
   
   
3. Language exchange programmes: Engage in language exchange programmes to improve your Arabic skills and communication with local colleagues and clients. Practice speaking Arabic with native speakers whenever possible to build confidence and fluency.
   
   
4. Cultural awareness initiatives: Participate in cultural awareness initiatives organised by your workplace or educational institution. These initiatives can include cultural festivals, workshops and seminars to promote intercultural understanding and appreciation. Participate in cultural awareness initiatives to learn about different cultures and contribute to a more inclusive environment.

At GBS Dubai, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Our vibrant community brings together students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic learning environment where different perspectives are celebrated and valued. Through creating cultural exchange programmes, workshops and multicultural events, we strive to promote understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in Dubai within our student community.

We believe in training students through our customised curriculum, focusing on learning based on real-world examples. We offer courses in business and management, information technology, accounting and finance and construction management. Contact team GBS Dubai now to understand the eligibility and detailed information about our courses.

In today’s competitive employment landscape, nothing is better than a globally recognised qualification that boosts your career and brings you into an entrepreneurial mode. GBS Dubai is the right place to shape your dreams and career, as we believe in turning passion into reality through learning.