CultureShock! UAE

Crocetti Banesh Gina

Description

CultureShock! United Arab Emirates orientates you into a country that is moving forward at a breathtaking pace unlike any other. The thriving economy attracts a large and diverse expatriate workforce, while luxurious hotels, spectacular skyscrapers and top-class shopping places continue to draw tourists from all corners of the globe. Learn more about the Emiratis' lifestyles, mentalities and religious practices, and pick up vital tips on how to behave, act and speak in a manner that will help you settle down into your new environment more comfortably.

Informations

• Publié par: MarshallCavendishM
• Date de parution: 01 août 2008
• Nombre de lectures: 1
• EAN13: 9789814435789
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 3 Mo

Extrait

This edition published in 2008. Reprinted 2009, 2010.
Published by Marshall Cavendish Corporation
99 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591-9001
www.marshallcavendish.us
1996 Times Editions Pte Ltd
2001 Times Media Private Limited
2004, 2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited
All rights reserved
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The publisher makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this book, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
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Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited. 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196 Marshall Cavendish International. PO Box 65829, London EC1P 1NY, UK Marshall Cavendish International (Thailand) Co Ltd. 253 Asoke, 12th Flr, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Marshall Cavendish (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Times Subang, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Marshall Cavendish is a trademark of Times Publishing Limited
eISBN: 978 981 4435 78 9
Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalog number
Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd
Photo Credits:
All black and white photos from the author except pages vi , 60 , 138 , 158 (Getty Images). Colour photos from Getty Images pages d-e, f, i, l-m, n-o, p; Photolibrary pages a, b-c, d-e, h, i, j-k Cover photo: Getty Images.
All illustrations by TRIGG
ABOUT THE SERIES
Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from one s comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.
Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.
Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the people-where they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.
Then on with the practical aspects-how to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through topics such as how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But that s not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.
To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Map of the United Arab Emirates
Chapter 1
First Impressions
Chapter 2
Land and History of the UAE
Change
Location
Boundary Disputes
Climate
Nature
Astronomy
The Emirates Through The Ages
Leadership
Problems of Modernisation
Chapter 3
The Emiratis
Population
The Working Population
Social Welfare
Religion
Women In The UAE
Chapter 4
Fitting In with the Emiratis
Tradition And Heritage
Point Of Discussion Or Taboo Topic?
Alternative Lifestyles
Chapter 5
Settling Down in the UAE
Entry
Culture Shock
Getting Around
The Bureaucracy
Post Office
Police
Payment
Shopping
Outdoors
Health
Education
Housing
Media
Singles And Married
The Short-Timer s Attitude
Advice For Coping
Chapter 6
Food in the UAE
Restaurants
Meal Times
Ramadan Schedule
Gulf Cuisine
Using Your Hands
Eating Customs
Non-Gulf Arab Cuisine
Fine Dining
The Roadside Caf
A Meal In The Park
Western Cuisine
Alcohol
Dishes Of The UAE
Chapter 7
Enjoying the Culture
Traditional Emirati Dress
The Majlis
The Modern Emirati
Traditional Games
Leisure Activities
Calendar Of Festivals And Holidays
Chapter 8
Language
Arabic Or English?
Learning Arabic
Numbers
Classical Arabic And Dialect
Taking Lessons
Language Need
Arabic And The Qur an
Arabic And Art
The Power Of Words
Non-Verbal Communication
Chapter 9
Working and Doing Business
Economics
Inflation
Tourism
Beyond The Oil Boom
International Relations
Business Opportunities
Conducting Your Business
Dirty Hands
Emiratization Of Jobs
Entry-Level Jobs
Job Negotiation
Western Working Women
Taxes
Bribes
Business Licenses
Environmental Issues
Law And The Court System
Non Government Organisations
Final Advice
Chapter 10
Fast Facts

Culture Quiz
Do s and Don ts
Glossary
Resource Guide
Further Reading
About the Author
Index
INTRODUCTION
On my latest trip to the United Arab Emirates I was equally amazed by the things that had changed as I was by the things that had not. While this book needed an update, culture is slow to change and my visit confirmed that I got it right the first time. The cultural traditions of the UAE are rooted in Islam and similar to those of the wider Arab world. Tribal identities remain strong, despite urbanisation, and the family is still the strongest and most cohesive social unit. The culture and society of the UAE are a blend of traditional and modern elements. The religion of Islam and the heritage of a traditional, tribal society form the basis of a stable and essentially conservative social structure. There is, however, a decidedly tolerant and cosmopolitan atmosphere that gives resident non-Emiratis opportunities to enjoy their own cultural and religious practices.
Despite having been gone from the UAE more than a decade, the meagre Arabic I had once known quickly came back to me upon my return. People appreciated my language skills more than ever simply because so few visitors attempt Arabic. The bare essentials: Hello, how are you, fine? , Thank you and Welcome are not hard to learn. The instant smiles and openness warmed me as nothing else could. I realise how fortunate I was to have lived in the UAE in earlier years since access to the Emiratis, to their culture, to their families and to their friendship is less available to most visitors than ever before. I cannot encourage the visitor enough to learn a little Arabic, small effort will reap big rewards.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Once again on my latest visit, those who were willing to talk to me asked not to be named in print. I am honoured they entrusted me with their knowledge and stories. In the early 1990s my neighbour and colleague Sheri Decker lived many of the experiences with me with insight and humour. She was my touchstone, my rock and my anchor.
Christine E. Henderson was kind enough to accompany me to the UAE this time and enabled me to experience the country as though it was my first time. Bob Woods was another rare find this time around. He recently returned from more than a decade living in the UAE and was an invaluable expert source. I am indebted to them both.
I would especially like to thank Maitha for her persistence in asking an observer to participate. It made all the difference.
DEDICATION
To the Emirati people with deep admiration.

A sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to our steps as we walk the tightrope of life. - Arabic proverb

T HE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) IS ONE OF THE FASTEST growing places on earth. It is a financial, political and economic success story in a region torn by conflict-an oasis, if you will, in the turbulent Middle East. In just a few decades the country has gone from nothing more than a sand spit to a destination for international business and tourism. No matter how much you read or how many pictures you see, you still may not be prepared for the energy of what is essentially a modern day gold rush with everything in overdrive.

Cranes and construction sites are a common sight in the cities of the UAE.
The cities are a physical manifestation of oil wealth converted into concrete, glass and steel that is changing the geography of the country. Skyscrapers rise out of the sand and man-made islands erupt from the sea. Of the two main cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a vast majority of visitors arrive in Dubai via Emirates Air into the midst of what has been called the largest construction site on earth, where half a million labourers work 12 hours a day on US$ 3.5 billion worth of construction projects. Guest workers and tourists from all over the world abound, rushing here and there in the pursuit of money and the enjoyment of fine dining, sparkling beaches and a bustling nightlife. Every so often the cityscape is dotted with a co