Western women living and working in Dubai would once have been considered a rarity, but this is no longer the case.
While the Middle East in general has traditionally been seen as a region where men dominate the business world, in Dubai, where there is a more liberal attitude, women are now well-established within the business arena and can find excellent opportunities for career progression.
However, Western women face certain cultural adjustments when moving to a Muslim country such as Dubai, and while adapting to any new city can be a little daunting, the more you know about the traditions, laws, and customs, the easier is it to fit comfortably into your new setting.
Understanding Dubai
Dubai (the city and the Emirate) has been made famous over the last few decades for its opulence, nightlife, and futuristic architecture so today it is a successful, modern Emirate operating as a base for many global and high-tech industries.
However, it is also a Muslim country, steeped in Islamic tradition and rooted in trade.
This trade has encouraged people from many nations to settle and work here, so much so that the population of Dubai is made up of around 85% expats and 15% native Arabs.
As you can imagine given these figures, it is relatively easy for Westerners to find a local network of supportive expats who have already “been there and done that!”
The high number of expats have also encouraged a more liberal stance from the government and new legislation has been passed to reflect this.
Gender equality has been a priority for the Emirate and laws passed last year to support the growing number of women and Westerners in Dubai have now made life a little easier and less restrictive.
These new laws allow for greater freedom for unmarried women, protect women’s rights in general, and permit a more flexible tolerance regarding alcohol and lifestyles for non-Muslim expats and tourists.
However, an understanding of Dubai’s laws and culture is essential for Western women choosing to live and work here and helps form an awareness and respect for Muslim traditions as although the Emirate is generally liberal in many of its views there are still some behaviours which are not acceptable and most of these are linked to Islam.
Below you’ll find a list of Dos and Don’ts which covers the basics of appropriate behaviour for Western women living and working in Dubai but a deeper understanding can be gained via cultural awareness training and can be invaluable for
Working Women in Dubai
Many Arab women now work in sectors such as nursing and education, but they can also be found in positions of power within both the government and business.
Almost 30% of governmental positions are filled by women and over 65% of all public sector roles, so there are few limits on how far you can progress as a woman in Dubai.
And, while the business world is still largely dominated by men, many senior level positions are now filled by women.
There are also many women-only business networks, especially on social media platforms, which encourage local support for women in business and can be really helpful when first finding your feet in Dubai.
The Dubai government are committed to gender equality and have formed the Dubai Women Establishment with the aim of highlighting “the importance of increasing Emirati women’s active participation in economic, social and political spheres, and enhancing their representation in leadership and decision-making roles in both the public and private sectors to utilize their capabilities as key partners in the development process.”
On the website you can access forums and publications or find support through initiatives such as “Qudwa” (meaning role model) where women share their knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Tips for Western Women in Dubai
• Women living in a Muslim country are expected to act and dress modestly both at work and socially
• If you are in doubt about the dress code for a particular function always err on the side of respectability and modesty; cover your shoulders and wear a skirt, or trousers, which cover your knees
• In tourist areas (beaches and hotel pools) swimwear is acceptable, but full nudity is a definite no-no
• Western (non-Muslim) women are permitted to drink without needing a special licence
• English is often used in business settings and many people understand and speak it, but Arabic is the official language
• Arabs tend to be very friendly, tactile people who enjoy hosting events and entertaining guests, so it is consider impolite to turn down an invitation without good reason
• The region is very safe for women – there are many women-only areas in parks, clubs, and spas, and public transport offers women-only sections. There are even “pink taxis” driven by women, for women
• During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims will refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, so be prepared for some late-night work and meals
• Some Muslim men will refrain from touching a member of the opposite sex so don’t be surprised if they don’t offer you a handshake. If they do offer their hand, only use your right hand to reciprocate
• It is common to see two men hold hands or link arms and is a sign of close friendship – it should not be mistaken with homosexuality which is forbidden
• Public displays of affection are taboo – holding hands is acceptable but kissing or intimate cuddling is forbidden
• Punctuality is expected, as is respectfulness to elders or superiors
• The working week changed on January 1st 2022 to be more in line with Western nations. It used to run from Sunday to Thursday, but it is now common for firms to work Monday to Thursday with a half day on Friday (Friday is traditionally a religious day for Islamic nations)
Whether you are moving to Dubai for work or pleasure, it is important to understand the culture and people if you wish to settle in comfortably and easily.
Cultural awareness training is a good option for ensuring you’re culturally competent and ready to work within a predominantly Muslim setting.
The team here at Creative Word have years of experience helping firms ensure their employees are ready for successful business dealings with their Middle Eastern colleagues and contemporaries.
Contact us now to see how we can support you and your team.
