Noura Al Marzooqi, cultural presenter at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, shares how hospitality in the UAE isn’t just taught – it’s lived.
In a city celebrated for its skyscrapers, innovation, and cosmopolitan spirit, Dubai’s essence remains rooted in something much deeper – its values. Beneath the glittering surface of the buzzing metropolitan lies a culture anchored in respect, generosity, and hospitality. Few places encapsulate that better than the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), where the motto “Open Doors. Open Minds.” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life.
Founded in 1998, the center has become a living bridge between heritage and modernity, inviting visitors to experience the Emirati way of life firsthand. “From the moment guests arrive, we want them to feel at home,” says Noura Al Marzooqi, an Emirati cultural presenter at the SMCCU. “We welcome them with Arabic coffee and dates, the first act of hospitality in every Emirati home.
It’s more than a drink, it’s a sign of respect.” In the UAE, generosity is not merely a social gesture, it’s the heartbeat of daily life. Whether through the simple act of serving Arabic coffee or the quiet insistence of paying a guest’s bill, Emirati hospitality embodies a grace that goes beyond formality. It’s a gesture of welcome, of shared humanity, and of pride in tradition.
Even the coffee given to guests carries meaning. It is poured in small quantities to allow for conversation, its preparation and presentation reflecting attentiveness and care. The oldest or most senior guest is served first, a thoughtful move that quietly reinforces respect and order, two cornerstones of Emirati decorum. “Hospitality isn’t something we do, it’s who we are,” Al Marzooqi confirms Decorum in the UAE finds its truest form in the majlis, the traditional sitting room that remains the heart of Emirati social life. “We have a saying, Al majalis madaris, meaning ‘the gatherings are schools,’” Al Marzooqi shares.
“It’s where people learn about life, trade, history, and manners just by being present.” In a majlis, hierarchy, humility, and hospitality intertwine. Elders are greeted first, conversation is never interrupted, and tone is as important as content. Guests sit according to seniority, and younger attendees often listen more than they speak, a subtle acknowledgment of wisdom and experience.
“Every gesture has meaning,” Al Marzooqi explains. “When someone older walks in, you stand. When coffee is poured, you offer it with your right hand. When perfume or bukhoor is passed around, you accept it gracefully. These are simple acts, but they show deep respect.” To understand Emirati traditions is to understand that manners are lived, not performed. “In our culture,” says Al Marzooqi, “the smallest actions reflect who you are. Saying ‘salam’ when entering a space, offering help without being asked, lowering your voice when elders speak, all of these speak volumes.” Even attire carries an element of etiquette. Dressing modestly in public spaces, removing shoes before entering someone’s home, and avoiding excessive displays of wealth are gestures that communicate humility and awareness.
“Emirati culture values refinement over extravagance,” she says. “True elegance here is quiet, grounded in grace.” In a nation that welcomes over 200 nationalities, understanding local etiquette is not about conformity, however, it’s about connection. “Dubai has always been multicultural,” notes Al Marzooqi. “But what makes it special is that people don’t just coexist, they participate.”
SMCCU’s cultural presenter smiles as she recalls visitors who embrace the culture wholeheartedly. “During National Day, you’ll see everyone, locals and expats, decorating cars, waving flags, and celebrating together. During Ramadan, many non-Muslims even try fasting for a day. They come to our iftars, they ask questions, they want to learn. That curiosity is the first step toward respect.” Al Marzooqi encourages newcomers to the UAE to approach Emirati culture with openness. “When you visit someone’s home take a small gift, dates, sweets, even a candle. Dress modestly. Use your right hand to eat and greet. And never rush a conversation.
In our culture, time spent together is a gift.”For SMCCU, decorum is not a rulebook, it’s a rhythm. “It’s a way of life,” Al Marzooqi says simply. “From how we greet to how we give, it’s all connected to our values.” Dubai might feel like its bustling 24/7 and haste could feel as if it sometimes replaces humanity. But Emirati manners remind us that true sophistication lies in stillness, in noticing, listening, and extending warmth without expectation. It’s not about grand gestures but the quiet ones: the refill of a coffee cup, the offered seat, the kind word to a stranger. As a Third Culture kid, born and raised here in the UAE, I certainly know that elegance doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s already there, in every act of generosity, every shared meal, and every open door.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Getty & Unsplash @86media
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: emirateswoman.com
