Public spaces: lifts, escalators, doors and transport

Shared spaces work when everyone thinks one step ahead. These small habits make you a pleasure to be around in public.

Doors

• Whoever reaches a door first holds it for the people behind.
• Glance back before letting a door swing shut.

Lifts

• Let people get out before you get in.
• The person nearest the door gets out first.
• Move to the back, face the door, and keep your voice down. No speakerphone calls.

Escalators

• Stand on one side so others can walk past on the other. In London it is 'stand right, walk left'.
• Customs differ between cities, and some ask people not to walk at all, so follow the local flow.
• Keep a step between you and the person ahead, hold your bag in front of you, and step off promptly at the end.

Pavements and malls

• Do not walk four abreast; go two side by side at most.
• Never stop suddenly in the middle of a walkway; step aside.
• Leave a few steps of space when you pass in front of someone.

Public transport

• Let passengers off before you board, and move inside the carriage.
• Offer your seat to older people, pregnant women, people with disabilities and parents with young children.
• Bags on the floor or your lap, never on a seat. Feet off the seats.
• Keep calls short and quiet, and use headphones for anything you are watching or listening to.
• Dubai Metro specifics (women and children cabin, fines) are in the Emirati Etiquette module.