Customer Reviews (1)

One of the nations of the Persian Gulf
The United Arab Emirates is like a mini (USA) in the Middle East with a lot of people with Arabs from different backgrounds (Emiratis, Saudis, Omanis, and Egyptians) that number between (48-50%)and South Asians (35%) and Others (15-17%). ... Read more

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A unique description and analysis of folklore in the United Arab Emirates, including folk customs and beliefs, traditional arts and crafts, folk dances, folk narratives and proverbs. ... Read more

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Understand the Culture of the UAE to Capitalise on YourBusiness Opportunities How are business practices in the UAE changing?What happens when the oil runs out? What is the impact of religion onbusiness? What is 'inshallah' decision-making? Is the UAE ahomogeneous market? What contributions will your UAE stakeholder maketo your business? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Most of this info is available on the internet.
This book was written by two individuals who've visited the region often.They don't really have an "insider's perspective" of someone who has lived there a long time, nor do they provide much information that is not already available on the web.

I wouldn't recommend this book.

SSuccess Secrets to Maximize Business in United Arab Emirates
I was high on hopes that this book would provide a wealth of secrets regarding conducting business in the United Arab Emirates.Unfortunately, my high hopes were left somewhat disappointed.There are of course highlights in this easy reading book.The first 114 pages provide an overview of the early years, the economy, the governmental structure and infrastructure.There are interesting side comments about the affects of illegal immigration and how the government is coping with the society pressure when only ten percent of the population comprises Emirate nationals.Pages 130 -179 provide a discussion of helpful tips to conducting business as well as acting as a tourist.

The judicial process is barely discussed.However, justice is swift.Drinking alcohol and driving is not permitted.When I was there in April 2007, one man made this unfortunate mistake by hitting a palm tree and getting arrested.The next day he was order to replace the palm tree, sentenced to one year in jail, and ordered deported at the end of his sentence.Considering the inexpensive cost of hiring a taxi or a driver, it is well advised to not disobey these laws.The UAE police are very efficient making law abiding folks feel extremely safe.

One of the limitations of the book is the 2002 copyright notice.As read in 2007, this book was written a lifetime ago when one compares the rapid progress the UAE makes every month.The book glosses over many details that are essential for doing business in the UAE.For readers seeking a deeper level of detail of operating in Dubai, they should consider the book "Setting Up in Dubai" by Essam Al Tamimi of the Al Tamimi law firm.Business is rapidly growing in the UAE and understanding the free trade zones as well as the Dubai International Finance Centre is essential.The "Success Secrets ..." book should be an executive overview first of many books should the reader truly desire to conduct business in the UAE.Leave successive books to fill in the substantive details that should be required reading before arrival.
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Customer Reviews (13)

I SHOULD BE SHOCKED!
I lived in UAE and do not know what this poor woman is talking about! I also read the reviews which makes me wonder if some reviewers have actually visited the country? This book tells you of nothing! Traditions? hey I come from that country and have never heard of them! No, this woman does no justice to the real UAE, its a pitty beacuse our traditions have deeper meaning, our ways have respect and our lives are actual breathing poetry. I suggest you look for better books.

Not My Experience
I read Culture Shock before traveling to Dubai and found almost everything described in the book either incorrect or outdated.Granted, I never traveled outside of urban areas and mostly dealt with business people in the Emirates but found everyone I met with to be genuine and warm.

In my opinion the UAE is a unique place in the world, and not only looks to the future on a grand scale but has the funding and vision to make it happen.

I agree that one should be sensitive to cultural differences, but not to the degree of that the author indicates.

Right on!
I lived in the UAE from 1997-2000.If I had not read this book in the beginning, I don't know that I would have made so many Emirati friends.The book made me interested in the people and understand our communication difficulties.This book is a must.

Clear view of life for an expatriate in the Emirates
I particularly liked the chapter on Culture Shock.The stages of shock as described by Ms. Crocetti are worth reading no matter what country you visit.The Emirates are a bit unusual in that they are a conglomeration of many cultures with a distinct minority as the dominant one.Ms. Crocetti clearly grasps the 'things are not as they seem' society and gives sound advice for coping.

Newly republished
The book has been updated & re-published, get the 2001 version, it has much more information. ... Read more

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Chapters: Culture of the United Arab Emirates, Women in the United Arab Emirates, Abra, Mr. Buffy, Midwakh, Mabkhara, Dokha, Bukhoor, M'alayah, Yowla, a Cup of Coffee, Meshawah. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 42. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society. The country's cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogenous pearling community was changed with the arrival of other ethnic groups and nationals first by the Iranians in the early 1900s, and later by Indians and Pakistanis in the 1960s. Dubai has been criticized for perpetuating a class-based society, where migrant workers are in the lower classes. Despite the diversity of the population, only minor and infrequent episodes of ethnic tensions, primarily between expatriates, have been reported in the city. Major holidays in Dubai include Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and National Day (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Emirati culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab, and Bedouin culture. Being a highly cosmopolitan society, the UAE has a diverse and vibrant culture. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent as well. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. The weekend begins on Friday due to Friday being the holiest day for Muslims. All Muslim countries have a Friday-Saturday or Thursday-Friday weekend. This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that the UAE is generally more liberal than its neighbors. While Islam is the main religion, Emiratis have been known for their tolerance, and Churches, Hindu temples, ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=20270829 ... Read more

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With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a bestselling series of culture and etiquette guides covering countless destinations around the world. For anyone at risk of culture shock, whether a tourist or a long-term resident, CultureShock! provides a sympathetic and fun-filled crash course on the do's and don'ts in foreign cultures. Fully updated and sporting a fresh new look, the revised editions of these books enlighten and inform through such topics as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, and business tips. CultureShock! books are packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, finances, accommodation, health, food and drink, clothes, shopping, festivals, and much, much more.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Very helpful information
I got this book before heading off to Abu Dhabi to work with their schools. Having been here now for over a week the information was correct and very helpful. It doesn't have touristy information but good solid advice for working here.

Great Book
As a professional speaker who provides Train The Trainer Programs all over the world, including the Middle East, I found this book to be invaluable.
Great information and details about the reqion.

Lenny Laskowski, international professional speaker
National Best Selling Author, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking"
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United Arab Emirates has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more

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THIS IS A BRAND NEW COPY OF [THE MIDDLE EAST] DISCOVERING WORLD CULTURES [VOLUME 5] ... Read more

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80 pages ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Countries and Their Cultures, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 1201 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Covers the broad range of popular religious culture of the United States at the close of the twentieth century. Beliefs, practices, symbols, traditions, movements, organizations, and leaders from the many traditions in the pluralistic American community are represented. Also includes cults and phenomena that drew followers, such as Heaven's Gale and UFOs. ... Read more