UAE Etiquette > Gift Giving
  • If you are invited to an Emirati's house, bring a houseplant, box of imported chocolates, or a small gift from your home country.
  • Say the gift is for your host rather than the hostess.
  • If a man wants to give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.
  • Do not give alcohol.
  • A small gift for the children is appreciated.
  • At Ramadan, gifts of food and fruit are exchanged.
  • At Eid, sweets are the most popular gift.
  • During Haj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), gifts are generally given to children.
  • Gifts are not opened when received.
  • Gifts are given with two hands.