It is always challenging to move to another country, especially when the language and culture of the destination country is different for one’s own. The United Arab Emirates witnesses the flocking of hundreds and thousands of expats each year in the country with a rise in the number of expats than the previous year. This immigration provides opportunities of cultural exchange between people of different countries and linguistic backgrounds and invites proactive preparation for every one towards cultural adaptation. This includes meaningful connection with different communities, understanding local Emirati values, graciously embracing the traditions and finding effective ways to bridge the communication gaps.
Here is a comprehensive guide for the expats for better understanding of the local culture of UAE and seamlessly integrating themselves into the social fabric of the nation. When any expat completely learns the way of cultural adaptation, he/she may forget the hardships faced during initial stages after reaching the UAE because of the benefits they achieve from the cross-culturing living in the UAE.
Understanding Local Cultural Values is Vital
For integrating oneself into the UAE’s social fabric, it is very important to grasp the essence of Emirati culture. It is an honour for the people of the UAE that they are renowned as a cosmopolitan nation due to the cultural diversity, tolerance, and the rule of law. Additionally, Bedouin traditions and special attention towards Islamic values is also reflected from the culture of the country.
Some of the characteristics of Emirati culture includes but not limited to:
- The nation emphasizes on unity and focuses on family bonds
- The authority figures, elders and ancestors are given respect
- Liberal thoughts and religious tolerance are the traits of the nation
- Guests are hosted with generosity and hospitality
- People are very loyal and there are tribal kinship systems
- Always take care of the values of dignity, reputation and honor
- Modest behaviors, good manners and etiquettes
- Following Islamic teachings to spend their lives
The acts of misconstruing everyday social cues and norms of the local people can be avoided if the immigrants understand the above facets and avoid social gaffes leading towards displeasure of the local community.
The non-resident Arabians are given opportunities by the UAE Government that if they want to return to UAE for work or permanent settlement, they may get great features and benefits which will enhance their experiences and living standards. On the other hand, living costs in UAE are also lower as compared with European countries and the residents can enjoy their time exploring and adapting to new cultures.
Pick Up Some Conversational Arabic
English language is generally the medium of communication in the UAE however, immigrants can learn some basic Arabic phrases and sentences to communicate with the local merchants and officials in day-to-day personal as well as official and financial matters.
The beginner-level Arabic language can be learnt through attending some language courses to enhance the conversational vocabulary. After learning the basics of the language one can make requests, ask some queries, express gratitude, reiterate Arabic numbering and obtain some other social niceties.
Moreover, if the children have started schooling, they may generally soak up Arabic quickly and social interactions also play the same role in language learning process in which not only children but the parents can also pick up some phrases and keywords. In this way, immigrants can demonstrate respect for the local culture and in return warm bonds with the Emiratis can be forged.
Expat Communities Provide Guidance
There are well-established expatriate communities in the UAE which have been settled since a long time and understand the cultural and social norms of the native residents. They often guide the new immigrants about the new things which they may face during their stay including cultural nuances. These guidelines serve the best in smooth adjustments of the newcomers.
The knowledge disseminated by the senior expats about different practical aspects may include:
- Guidance of parents in finding schools for their children with information of admission process
- Information about necessary paperwork and completion of documentation
- Searching for suitable and affordable accommodation
- Finding the best house fixing and maintenance service provider
- Procedure of opening bank account
- Guidelines about the employment contracts and fringe benefits
- Registration of automobile and procedure of obtaining driving license
- Tips to obtain personal finances and maximizing income
- Information about best health care providers and health insurance services
They also guide about culture shock management and adaptation with the unfamiliar norms prevailing in other communities. Immigrants can search for social and heritage groups on social media created by expat nationalities providing necessary guidelines about living in the UAE. If talking more precisely then one may join certain country-specific UAE groups to understand the culture of the local residents even before relocating to the UAE.
Cultural Orientation Workshops Are Helpful to Cultural Adaptation in the UAE
In case the expats are employees and want to relocate to the UAE along with their families, they may search for the multinational companies which are providing cultural orientation programs. These organizations also offer the informative sessions free of cost to enhance understanding of UAE-bound immigrants. Following information is provided in these sessions:
- History of the UAE and cultural norms of the residents
- Eating habits and customs of dining
- Etiquette and basic sentences and phrases of Arabic language
- Dressing manners and behavior
- Improving networking with the local community and making new friends
- Family limitations and dealing with opposite gender
- Rules and regulations of the specific Emirate
- Any changes in the government policies and recent social and political events
The immigrants can get complete guidelines through online sessions about different important aspects of the country before takeoff from the origin country.
Connect Locally to Build Cultural Bridges
The first-hand experience of local culture comes after interaction with Emirati citizens which is the easiest way but a natural hesitance in approaching the locals directly is the main barrier for the immigrants. This issue can be addressed through the volunteers who provide assistance to develop organic connections.
Cultural interaction between all expats in the UAE belonging to different countries of the world is important so that people from all over the world can live, work and study together in a multicultural environment of the UAE. Therefore, non-profit organizations and other community-oriented professionals put their efforts to bridge the communication gaps.
Participate in Festivals and Celebrations
One of the effective ways of increasing interaction with different communities is through arranging and attending cultural events and festivals where people from different languages and cultural background gather to witness the cultural norms of the organizing community. Additionally, the festivals like Eid, Ramadan, Christmas, Holi and Dewali etc. depict the true religious and cultural picture of Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities which constitute the majority population of the UAE.
Little acts of kindness and consideration can have a profound impact on fostering effective communication. Even greeting someone in his/her own language can garner appreciation from the addressed person and paves the way for meaningful friendship for further interaction.
Additionally, whether the expat is living in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai or any other emirate, translation and interpretation services are also beneficial to understand the proceedings of events and festivals. There are different service providers in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE and recomended services of translation in Abu Dhabi company, one of the best translation and interpretation services providers in Abu Dhabi.
Role of Translation and Interpretation Companies in effective communication
Translation and interpretation companies are the best option for expats to increase the communication with the speakers of other languages which expats do not understand. Translation agencies like Translation in Dubai facilitate the expats in translating their documents into Arabic and 200+ languages to use them for specific purposes. Translators having certification from relevant authority are mostly contacted to get the accurate and reliable translation in which meaning and nuances of the original documents should be preserved.
Another important service offered by translation companies is the simultaneous and consecutive interpretation which is again provided by the certified interpreters during different events, official meetings, legal proceedings and medical appointments. These services are proven to be the best in communicating business messages by the business entities to their target communities.
Best Translation Companies in different Emirates of the UAE
The expatriates are present in all Emirates of the UAE. However, the population concentration may differ from one emirate to the other. Dubai is the business hub of the Arabic world where Arabian and non-Arabian individuals and business organizations have flourished top of the line businesses including world’s famous brands. The linguistic differences of people and official requirements of documents translation has led to the boost in obtaining services of translation companies. There are different translation companies in Dubai but Translation in JLT is one of the best and accurate translation service providers where all kinds of documents in more than 200 languages can be translated into any other language.
The company is offering a complete set of services besides translation including interpretation, content writing, website localization, voice-over and voice dubbing, desktop publishing, documents attestation, notarization, visa application forms filling services, driving license translation and many more services. If the expats are living in Sharjah and looking for universally acceptable translation of all types of personal and legal documents, Sharjah Translation Services is the best translation company in the entire Emirate.
The preceding comprehensive guideline offers invaluable insights into the advantages of cultural exchange. Moreover, it furnishes practical solutions to surmount the linguistic barriers prevalent among both local and expatriate communities residing in the UAE.