Emirati Etiquette · Lesson 2 of 8 · 10 min

Respect for elders, seating, feet and gestures

Respect for elders and senior people runs through every Emirati gathering. Small physical habits communicate that respect.

Standing and seating

Stand up when guests, elders or more senior people enter the room.
Elders and important guests are given the best seats.
At a traditional meal, people may sit in order of age, with the eldest in the middle.
Wait to be shown where to sit.

Pointing your feet at someone, or showing the soles of your feet or shoes, is disrespectful.
Do not cross your legs in front of important guests; crossing your knees can look arrogant.
Never put your feet up on furniture or public seating.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering a home. Follow the host's lead.

Use your right hand to eat, give and receive things.
Do not point with one finger; gesture with your whole open hand.
Rude gestures and bad language are not just impolite in the UAE; they can be criminal offences.

Tick each one off when you have done it.

Notice in your next family gathering how seating is arranged and who is served first.
Practise passing and receiving objects with your right hand for a whole day.

1. An older relative walks into the majlis. What do you do?

2. Which sitting position is respectful in front of important guests?

3. Which hand do you use to hand someone a gift?

4. How should you point out a direction to an elder?