Gina Crocetti Banesh - CultureShock! UAE

This edition published in 2008. Reprinted 2009, 2010.

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eISBN: 978 981 4435 78 9

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Photo Credits:

All black and white photos from the author except (Getty Images). Colour photos from Getty Images pages de, f, i, lm, no, p; Photolibrary pages a, bc, de, h, i, jk Cover photo: Getty Images.

All illustrations by TRIGG

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones 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 peoplewhere 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 aspectshow 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 thats 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.

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.

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.

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.