Cross Cultural Training - United Arab Emirates

Cross Cultural Training:

United Arab Emirates

October 14, 2015

Summary

This report will provide a brief overall understanding of local culture, financial considerations, business customs, management practices, and social norms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE Federation was established in 1971 and consists of seven separate emirates with its own judicial systems. However, the federal government maintains exclusive rights in a number of areas, which will be discussed further to prevent ambiguity and culture shock upon your arrival.

Housing

Housing in the UAE is very limited and expensive; therefore, housing should be negotiated in your contract beforehand. Most people live in villas or apartments. In the recent years, housing prices have skyrocketed in Dubai and in response the government created RERA, Real Estate Regulatory Authority, which is to help “oversee the entire sector for the emirate” (Cocceti, 128). In other words, “the government strictly capped rental rates to no more than 7 percent annual increase” (Cocceti, 128). Most housing is often paid in either six or one year lump sums, but also have some apartment complexes that are rented on a month-to-month basis. If you’re looking for something cheap and don’t mind driving in traffic, Sharjah is highly recommended. The city of Sharjah is just 20 minutes from Dubai and is considerably less expensive.

Transportation

The three options of transportation are: drive your own car, take a taxi, or take a minibus. Walking and cycling are almost impossible especially in the summer due to the heat. Cycling is dangerous considering that drivers have little to no respect for cyclists. Most people in the UAE prefer white four-wheel-drive vehicles. White helps keep vehicles cool when it is 125 degrees outside during the summer. Another form of transportation is taking a taxi. There are numerous taxis in the UAE and are inexpensive, which Is why people usually opt to take a taxi instead...