Hi I'm new to the culture here, just came from the US. I was wondering if anybotdy can tell me something about interaction with Emarati girls at work. Can I shake hands with them? Can I smile when I see one as we normally do in the states? How do the locals normally interract with expats?
Thank you
Interaction with Emirati girls
By melitzer - Posted on May 20th, 2009
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It is customary for you to only shake hands if the women offer their hand first.
oh, in the beginning I was making that mistake all the time (extending my hand), because it's a habit for me, but gradually i learned and now i wait for her hand first if she does shake hands. Usually the women who don't shake hands with men are supposedly more religious, but they don't frown at you or scold you ha ha Oh, smiling is not a problem, at least in my environment, just don't smile too much, that might be misinterpreted. (Don't wink, either
shake hands only if she offers, smiling is fine within limits. have in mind that some of the local girls also unaware how to respond in a way not to offend but at the same time preserve their cultural/religious values by not shaking hands with you
>>>yes this is right, and also learn to put your hand on your chest if you are not sure to shake or not, coz some times u can't know if she is more religious or no,smile for them as u smile for others. but what i want to know from u is, how many times it happens to you before asking us about shaking
ha ha it did happen quite a few times until I get out of the habit of extending my hand. but at least nobody slapped me for my 'daring' behaviour
thanx danoah. I didn't know about putting my hand on my chest.. Willpractcie next time
You might also want to work on referring to the adults you work with as ladies, not girls.
Thank you for pointing that out, Kanga. By using "girls" I didn't mean to be disrespectful really. "Girls" conveys vitality and youthfulness. "Lady" is too pompous for my taste. So, if 'girls' sounds sexist to you (did I guess?), I'd prefer saying "woman". Thank you.