Is Etiquette the Same Across Every Gulf Country

The Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts are much easier to understand when visitors focus on respect rather than trying to memorise dozens of complicated rules. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait are modern countries welcoming millions of international visitors, but local traditions, Islamic values and expectations around privacy still influence everyday life.

A first-time visitor may move between very different environments during the same trip. One evening could involve dinner inside an international luxury hotel, while the next morning could include a traditional souq, government building or mosque. The behaviour and clothing that feel appropriate in one location may not be suitable everywhere else.

That does not mean visitors need to feel nervous.

Most situations can be handled successfully with three simple principles: dress appropriately for the setting, respect people’s privacy and observe how local people behave before assuming what is acceptable.

The following guide explains the most useful Gulf travel etiquette for beginners while also showing where expectations can differ between GCC countries.

Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts for Beginners

The Gulf combines modern urban life with traditions that have developed over generations.

Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Manama, Muscat and Kuwait City all contain international hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and business districts. At the same time, family traditions, religious practices and community values remain highly visible.

First-time visitors should therefore avoid two opposite mistakes.

The first is believing that Gulf countries are extremely strict everywhere.

The second is assuming that modern skylines mean local customs no longer matter.

Reality sits somewhere between these ideas.

Context is one of the most important parts of Gulf etiquette.

Is Etiquette the Same Across Every Gulf Country

No.

The six GCC countries share many cultural connections, including Arabic heritage, Islam, hospitality traditions and family-centred social life, but they are not culturally identical.

A visitor may find parts of Dubai or Bahrain relatively relaxed regarding clothing and social environments, while some locations in Oman or Saudi Arabia may feel more conservative.

Qatar recommends that visitors avoid excessively revealing public clothing and generally advises covering shoulders and knees. Oman similarly encourages conservative clothing in public areas.

Saudi Arabia requires visitors in public spaces to respect its Public Decorum rules and dress modestly.

The UAE also recommends modest public clothing, particularly in conservative locations and shopping malls.

Instead of using one rule for the entire region, visitors should ask:

Where am I?

What type of place am I entering?

Is this a religious or traditional setting?

What are people around me doing?

These questions are more useful than assuming every Gulf country operates identically.

1. Do Dress for the Place You Are Visiting

One of the most common questions from first-time Gulf visitors is what they should wear.

The answer depends heavily on location.

You do not normally need Gulf national dress. Tourists are generally not expected to wear a kandura, thobe or abaya simply because they are visiting the region.

However, modest clothing is a sensible choice in public settings.

Good everyday options can include:

• T-shirts
• Shirts
• Trousers
• Long dresses
• Skirts of an appropriate length
• Comfortable modest casualwear

When visiting conservative or religious locations, covering shoulders and knees is a useful general standard.

In Oman, official tourism guidance specifically encourages clothing covering shoulders and knees. Qatar provides similar advice for visitors.

Saudi public decorum rules also require clothing that respects local standards.

Remember: what works at a private resort pool may not be appropriate inside a shopping mall ten minutes later.

2. Don’t Assume Everyone Follows the Same Customs

Learning cultural etiquette is useful, but turning it into stereotypes is not.

Not every Emirati expects the same greeting.

Not every Saudi person dresses traditionally.

Not every Qatari family follows identical routines.

Not every Bahraini business meeting is informal.

Not every Omani person expects visitors to behave exactly the same way.

Individuals differ according to family, generation, profession, personality and lifestyle.

A better approach is to learn the general cultural principle and then allow the individual situation to guide you.

For example, you can know that some Muslim men and women prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender without assuming that every person you meet has the same preference.

Cultural awareness should make visitors more observant rather than more judgmental.

3. Do Learn Basic Greeting Etiquette

Greetings are usually warm and polite throughout the Gulf.

A handshake is common in many professional and social situations, particularly between people of the same gender.

Arabic greetings can also create a positive impression.

You do not need perfect pronunciation.

The important thing is using expressions naturally and respectfully.

Do: greet people when entering a meeting or social gathering.

Do: acknowledge older or senior people respectfully.

Don’t: worry if you do not know elaborate traditional greetings.

A normal polite hello is perfectly acceptable.

4. Don’t Automatically Shake Hands With Everyone

Opposite-gender physical greetings can require more awareness.

Some Muslim men and women are comfortable shaking hands with the opposite gender, while others prefer not to for religious reasons.

The safest approach is extremely simple:

Wait for the other person to offer their hand first.

If they do, you can respond normally.

If they do not, smile and greet them verbally.

There is no need to create an awkward moment.

This approach is specifically recommended in UAE visitor etiquette and is also useful across the wider Gulf.

Avoid interpreting a person declining physical contact as unfriendly.

It may simply reflect personal or religious preference.

5. Do Respect Local Hospitality

Hospitality is one of the strongest cultural traditions across the Arabian Gulf.

Visitors may be offered:

• Arabic coffee
• Tea
• Dates
• Sweets
• Fruit
• Snacks
• A full meal

These offers may happen in a private home, office, majlis or business meeting.

Coffee and conversation are not necessarily distractions from the real meeting. They can be part of establishing the relationship.

When accepting food or drinks, using the right hand is widely considered polite.

You do not have to consume something that conflicts with health, allergies or personal preferences. A courteous decline is acceptable.

A good response is simple: thank the host and show appreciation.

Hospitality is often about making the guest comfortable rather than testing whether the visitor understands every tradition.

6. Don’t Ignore Religious Customs

Islam plays an important role in daily life across all six GCC countries.

Visitors do not need to be Muslim to respect religious practices.

Prayer takes place five times a day, and some people may pause work, shopping or conversation to pray.

Mosques may issue calls to prayer throughout the day.

Religious holidays also influence opening hours, working schedules and social life.

Visitors should avoid:

• Making jokes about Islam
• Interrupting someone who is praying
• Behaving loudly inside religious locations
• Treating mosques only as photo locations
• Deliberately disrespecting religious practices

Saudi Arabia is particularly explicit about the importance of Islam in everyday public life. Visitors may notice some activities changing around prayer times.

Across the region, simple respect is enough.

You do not need to participate in a religious practice to allow others to observe it comfortably.

7. Do Understand Ramadan Before You Travel

Ramadan changes the rhythm of life across the Gulf.

Muslims who observe the fast avoid food and drink between dawn and sunset.

Government and private working hours may change, restaurant schedules can shift and evenings often become much more active after sunset.

For visitors, Ramadan can actually be a memorable time to experience Gulf culture.

Iftar meals, Ramadan markets, decorations and evening gatherings create a distinctive atmosphere.

However, visitors should understand local expectations.

During daylight fasting hours:

• Check current rules about eating publicly.
• Avoid deliberately eating in front of people who are fasting where inappropriate.
• Be considerate about drinking and smoking in public.
• Check restaurant operating hours.
• Expect some businesses to follow different schedules.

Qatar’s official tourism guidance asks visitors to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking publicly during daylight hours in Ramadan.

Oman similarly states that public eating, drinking and smoking during Ramadan daylight hours are restricted.

Exact rules and enforcement can vary by country and may change, so visitors should check current local guidance for the year they travel.

After sunset, the atmosphere can change completely.

Restaurants become busy, families gather and many people remain active late into the night.

8. Don’t Photograph People Without Permission

This is one of the easiest mistakes to make because phones have turned everyone into a photographer.

A beautiful souq, traditional outfit or local family may look interesting, but another person’s appearance should not automatically become your social media content.

The UAE specifically tells visitors not to photograph people without permission.

Oman’s official visitor guidance similarly asks tourists to obtain permission before photographing people or entering private property.

This is especially important when photographing:

• Women
• Children
• Families
• Private homes
• Religious activities
• Traditional communities

There can also be restrictions around government, military and security locations.

In the UAE, photography of certain government buildings and military installations is restricted, and official guidance also warns against photographing aircraft.

Best rule: if a person is clearly identifiable and is the main subject of your photograph, ask first.

9. Do Keep Public Behaviour Respectful

Public spaces across the Gulf are frequently used by families.

Visitors should therefore keep behaviour appropriate for shared environments.

This does not mean everyone must behave formally.

People laugh, socialise, celebrate and enjoy nightlife across the region.

The important issue is avoiding behaviour that becomes offensive or disruptive.

Do:

• Speak respectfully.
• Follow staff instructions.
• Keep arguments under control.
• Respect families around you.
• Dispose of rubbish properly.

Don’t:

• Use obscene gestures.
• Start aggressive confrontations.
• Shout abusive language.
• Damage public property.
• Intentionally disturb other people.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Decorum rules specifically regulate behaviour in public places, including indecent conduct, inappropriate clothing, littering and certain noise disturbances.

The UAE also warns visitors against obscene gestures, abusive language and excessive public disturbance.

Respectful behaviour is usually enough to avoid problems.

10. Don’t Treat Beaches and Public Spaces the Same

The Gulf contains world-class beaches and resorts, but swimwear belongs in the right location.

A swimsuit that is appropriate beside a hotel swimming pool may not be appropriate inside a shopping mall or traditional neighbourhood.

The UAE specifically advises that swimwear should remain in beaches, pools and water parks.

Oman’s tourism guidance also distinguishes between private hotel swimming areas and ordinary public locations, particularly during Ramadan.

Use this simple table.

Visitors should also pay attention to signs.

Different beaches can have different rules depending on location and facility.

11. Do Respect Mosques and Religious Sites

Mosques can be among the most beautiful places a visitor experiences in the Gulf.

Many major mosques welcome non-Muslim visitors during specific hours.

However, they remain active places of worship.

Before entering, check:

• Visitor hours
• Clothing requirements
• Photography rules
• Areas open to non-Muslims
• Whether shoes must be removed

At Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman, visitors are expected to cover shoulders and knees, while women should also cover their heads. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall.

Visitors should remain quiet and avoid standing in front of people who are praying.

Photography may be permitted in certain areas, but visitors should still respect other people’s privacy.

Do not assume every mosque has identical rules.

Some are major tourist attractions with organised visitor programmes. Others are primarily neighbourhood places of worship.

Follow the mosque’s own instructions.

12. Don’t Make Careless Comments About Religion or Culture

Travelling naturally creates questions.

Asking respectful questions can lead to fascinating conversations.

Mocking local customs is different.

Be careful with comments about:

• Religion
• National identity
• Local leaders
• Family traditions
• Political issues
• Regional conflicts

This does not mean people in the Gulf never discuss these topics.

They certainly do.

The issue is context.

A stranger you met five minutes ago may not want to debate religion or politics with a tourist.

Beginners are usually better starting with subjects such as:

• Food
• Sports
• Travel
• History
• Local attractions
• Business
• Architecture
• Culture

Deeper conversations can develop naturally once relationships become stronger.

13. Do Learn a Few Arabic Words

English is widely spoken across major Gulf tourism centres, especially in hotels, airports, malls and popular attractions.

Still, learning a few Arabic words can make interactions warmer.

You do not need to arrive with a language textbook.

Start small.

Marhaba means hello.

Shukran means thank you.

Inshallah generally means God willing and is commonly used when discussing future plans.

Mashallah is frequently used when appreciating something positively.

Yalla is widely used informally and can mean something similar to let’s go or come on depending on context.

Visitors should learn what expressions mean rather than repeating them only because they have seen them online.

Even basic language knowledge can help visitors better understand everyday Gulf culture.

14. Don’t Forget That Friday Can Affect Your Plans

Friday has particular religious significance in Islam.

Friday prayer takes place around midday, and business or retail schedules can differ from normal weekdays.

In Qatar, for example, official visitor guidance notes that some stores remain closed on Friday mornings and malls may open later.

Business weeks can also differ from what first-time visitors expect.

Bahrain’s typical business week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend.

Different public and private organisations across the GCC can follow different schedules.

This matters when planning:

• Government appointments
• Business meetings
• Bank visits
• Traditional markets
• Museum trips
• Restaurant bookings

Check current opening hours instead of assuming Google information or an old travel blog remains accurate.

Friday does not mean everything shuts down.

It simply means schedules may work differently.

15. Do Observe Before Acting

This is probably the most useful rule in this entire guide.

When you are uncertain, pause for a moment and look around.

Are people removing their shoes?

Is everyone standing to greet someone?

Are men and women shaking hands?

Is photography happening openly?

Has the host started eating?

Are people speaking quietly?

A visitor can understand many expectations simply through observation.

Use the four-step rule:

• Observe the environment.
• Respect the people around you.
• Ask when necessary.
• Adapt to the situation.

Most local people understand that international visitors may not know every custom.

A polite question usually causes far less embarrassment than pretending you understand something when you do not.

What Should You Do When Invited to a Local Home

A home invitation can provide one of the most authentic experiences of Gulf hospitality.

You do not need to arrive knowing every traditional rule.

Before the visit

Confirm the time and ask your host if you should bring anything. Avoid bringing uninvited additional guests unless the host has agreed.

When entering

Watch whether other people remove their shoes. Some homes expect it while others do not.

Greet the host and older family members respectfully.

During the visit

Coffee, tea, dates and food may be offered several times.

Do not interpret repeated offers as pressure. Generosity toward guests is a major part of hospitality across the region.

Use your right hand when receiving food or drink where practical.

Photography

Never start photographing someone’s home, family or children without asking.

A private family gathering should not automatically become social media content.

When leaving

Thank the host clearly.

Showing appreciation is far more important than knowing every detail of traditional etiquette.

What Should You Know About Eating and Dining

Dining culture ranges from casual street food to luxury restaurants and traditional family meals.

In some traditional meals, several people may share food.

The right hand is generally preferred when taking food directly.

Do:

• Follow the host’s lead.
• Mention allergies or dietary restrictions politely.
• Try unfamiliar dishes when comfortable.
• Thank people who prepared or hosted the meal.
• Respect fasting practices during Ramadan.

Don’t:

• Criticise food because it is unfamiliar.
• Reach awkwardly across other guests.
• Assume every meal follows Western dining etiquette.
• Pressure others to eat or drink.

If you do not understand how a dish is eaten, watch the people around you.

Nobody expects a visitor to instantly know every regional dish or custom.

What Should Couples Know About Public Behaviour

First-time visitors often ask whether couples can hold hands or show affection publicly.

Expectations differ between countries and locations.

The safest approach is keeping affection discreet.

Holding hands may be accepted in many environments, but overtly intimate behaviour can be viewed as inappropriate.

UAE visitor guidance specifically advises keeping public displays of affection minimal.

Qatar also advises against overt public intimacy.

Saudi public decorum rules regulate indecent behaviour in public locations.

A practical rule

Keep behaviour you would consider strongly intimate for private settings.

International resorts may feel relaxed, but public spaces outside them operate within the wider local social environment.

Photography Dos and Don’ts

Photography deserves its own checklist because it is one of the most common areas where travellers make avoidable mistakes.

For content creators

Influencers, photographers and professional creators should be especially careful.

Commercial photography, organised shoots, drones and professional productions may require permits beyond ordinary tourist photography.

Do not assume the rules for taking a personal phone photo also apply to a professional production.

Gulf Travel Etiquette by Country

The similarities across the GCC make general guidance useful, but first-time travellers should still understand local differences.

These descriptions are starting points, not stereotypes.

Cities and situations within the same country can still feel very different.

Dos and Don’ts in the UAE

The UAE is highly international, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but official visitor guidance still emphasises modest public clothing and respectful behaviour.

Do

• Dress appropriately in malls and conservative locations.
• Ask before photographing people.
• Respect mosques and religious customs.
• Use swimwear only in suitable areas.
• Accept hospitality politely.
• Follow local instructions around government sites.

Don’t

• Photograph people without permission.
• Photograph sensitive government or military locations.
• Use obscene gestures.
• Become aggressively confrontational in public.
• Wear swimwear around ordinary shopping or residential areas.
• Assume Dubai’s international lifestyle means every environment has the same expectations.

Women visitors are not generally expected to cover their hair or wear traditional Islamic clothing in normal public situations. Mosque visits are different and can involve additional dress requirements.

Dos and Don’ts in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become increasingly accessible to international tourism, but its Public Decorum rules remain important.

Do

• Wear modest clothing in public.
• Respect prayer and religious traditions.
• Follow rules at religious sites.
• Accept local hospitality.
• Check attraction opening hours.
• Be respectful when photographing people.

Don’t

• Wear clothing containing offensive images or messages.
• Play disruptive loud music in inappropriate places.
• Assume older stereotypes describe modern Saudi society accurately.
• Behave indecently in public.
• Treat religious customs casually.

Women tourists are not generally required to wear an abaya simply because they are visiting, but public clothing should remain modest and appropriate.

Saudi Arabia is also unique within the GCC in several areas of law and public behaviour, so visitors should review current official travel information before arrival.

Dos and Don’ts in Qatar

Qatar combines a highly international population with strong local cultural traditions.

Official tourism guidance recommends that both men and women avoid excessively revealing public clothing and generally keep shoulders and knees covered.

Do

• Dress respectfully in public.
• Check Friday opening hours.
• Learn basic Ramadan etiquette.
• Enjoy traditional markets such as Souq Waqif.
• Follow the other person’s lead with physical greetings.
• Respect religious customs.

Don’t

• Assume everyone will shake hands with the opposite gender.
• Show overt intimacy publicly.
• Ignore fasting etiquette during Ramadan.
• Wear beach clothing through ordinary public spaces.

Bargaining can be expected in traditional markets, which can make shopping more interactive than in fixed-price malls.

Approach it with humour and respect rather than aggression.

Dos and Don’ts in Bahrain

Bahrain generally has a relatively relaxed tourism environment.

Official tourism guidance states that tourists do not face one strict universal dress code, although respectful clothing is strongly recommended at mosques and religious sites.

Do

• Dress according to the setting.
• Respect the country’s religious diversity.
• Check business hours around weekends and religious holidays.
• Explore traditional markets and historic areas.
• Be considerate in religious locations.

Don’t

• Assume relaxed tourism means etiquette is irrelevant.
• Dress casually inside every religious site.
• Interrupt worship or ceremonies.
• Treat private people as tourist attractions.

Bahrain’s standard business week commonly runs from Sunday through Thursday, so first-time business travellers should plan meetings accordingly.

Its mixture of local traditions, international residents and regional visitors can make Bahrain a comfortable introduction to Gulf culture.

Dos and Don’ts in Oman

Oman places particular emphasis on modest public dress, privacy and respectful behaviour.

Official visitor guidance recommends clothing covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.

It also asks visitors to keep noise low and obtain permission before photographing people or entering private property.

Do

• Dress modestly.
• Keep music and noise controlled in residential areas.
• Ask before photographing people.
• Use licensed guides where required.
• Protect villages, wadis and natural environments.
• Follow mosque dress codes carefully.

Don’t

• Enter private land casually.
• Pick fruit or vegetables in villages without permission.
• Pollute falaj water systems.
• Photograph residents without asking.
• Wear revealing beach clothing in traditional village areas.
• Disturb the calm environment with unnecessary noise.

For Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, shoulders and knees should be covered, women should cover their hair and shoes are removed before the main prayer area.

Oman’s cultural etiquette also extends strongly into environmental respect.

Visitors should leave natural areas as they found them.

Dos and Don’ts in Kuwait

Kuwaiti social culture places strong importance on family, neighbours, friendships and hospitality.

Traditional clothing remains an important symbol of national identity even though Western clothing is also widely worn.

Religious occasions such as Ramadan and Eid remain important periods of social gathering and family visits.

Do

• Respect family and community traditions.
• Dress appropriately for the setting.
• Learn about diwaniya culture.
• Be respectful during religious occasions.
• Follow the host’s lead when visiting a home.
• Appreciate hospitality.

Don’t

• Assume Western clothing means traditional culture has disappeared.
• Intrude into private gatherings.
• Photograph families without permission.
• Treat Ramadan schedules like ordinary weeks.

A visitor invited to a diwaniya may experience one of Kuwait’s most distinctive social traditions.

Listen, participate respectfully and allow the host to guide the interaction.

Common Mistakes First-Time Gulf Visitors Make

The biggest mistakes are often based on assumptions rather than deliberate disrespect.

Treating the GCC as one country

Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Manama, Muscat and Kuwait City have different identities and social environments.

Overthinking clothing

You generally do not need traditional clothing. You simply need clothing appropriate for the location.

Ignoring privacy

Taking someone’s picture without asking can create unnecessary problems.

Relying on outdated stereotypes

The Gulf has changed rapidly. Advice from twenty years ago may no longer describe current life accurately.

Assuming modern means culturally unrestricted

Luxury hotels and international brands exist alongside local values.

Ignoring Ramadan

Opening hours and social routines can change considerably.

Being too nervous

Visitors sometimes become so worried about etiquette that they stop interacting naturally.

Courtesy is usually enough.

Forgetting context

A pool, mosque, office and souq should not be treated as identical social environments.

Quick Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts Table

This table covers most situations a normal visitor is likely to experience.

First-Time Gulf Visitor Checklist

Save this checklist before travelling.

Before the trip

• Check visa requirements.
• Review current official visitor guidance.
• Check Ramadan dates if relevant.
• Research local public holidays.
• Buy appropriate travel insurance.
• Pack modest everyday clothing.
• Bring suitable clothing for religious sites.

For daily life

• Carry normal respectful clothing even when visiting beaches.
• Ask before photographing individuals.
• Learn Marhaba and Shukran.
• Check opening hours before travelling across a city.
• Pay attention to Friday schedules.
• Follow posted rules at attractions.

When meeting people

• Greet politely.
• Wait for cues before opposite-gender handshakes.
• Respect older people.
• Accept hospitality graciously.
• Avoid intrusive personal questions.

When visiting religious sites

• Check visitor hours.
• Follow dress requirements.
• Remove shoes when instructed.
• Keep your voice low.
• Do not block worshippers.
• Confirm photography rules.

During Ramadan

• Check local rules for daytime eating and drinking.
• Expect changed business hours.
• Dress particularly respectfully.
• Be considerate toward people who are fasting.
• Experience an iftar if you have the opportunity.

For photography

• Ask permission for portraits.
• Avoid sensitive security locations.
• Respect private property.
• Check drone regulations separately.
• Do not assume professional filming follows tourist photography rules.

The most important check

Ask yourself:

Is what I am doing respectful to the people and place around me?

If the answer is yes, you are unlikely to have serious etiquette problems.

Final Thoughts on Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts

The Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts should help first-time visitors feel more confident, not more nervous.

The Gulf is not a place where tourists need to spend every minute worrying about making a small cultural mistake. Millions of international visitors travel through the region, and major cities are accustomed to people from very different backgrounds.

What matters most is attitude.

The UAE combines international tourism and multicultural city life with clear expectations around privacy, clothing, religious respect and public behaviour.

Saudi Arabia welcomes a rapidly growing international tourism market while maintaining Public Decorum rules and a highly visible Islamic cultural environment.

Qatar offers a modern visitor experience while recommending modest public clothing, considerate greetings and respectful Ramadan behaviour.

Bahrain has a comparatively relaxed tourism environment but continues to encourage respect for religious locations and local customs.

Oman places strong emphasis on modesty, calm public behaviour, personal privacy and respect for natural and village environments.

Kuwait maintains strong family and social traditions, with hospitality, religious occasions and community relationships playing important roles in everyday culture.

The differences matter, but the basic principles are remarkably simple.

Dress for the environment rather than only for yourself. Ask permission before photographing people. Treat religious traditions with respect. Keep highly intimate behaviour private. Accept hospitality graciously and remember that local residents are people, not cultural attractions.

Most importantly, observe.

If you enter a mosque and everyone removes their shoes, follow them.

If someone does not offer their hand, greet them verbally.

If your host offers coffee, respond politely.

If you are unsure whether photography is appropriate, ask.

Those small acts of awareness matter far more than trying to memorise hundreds of etiquette rules.

Travelling through the Gulf can introduce visitors to extraordinary food, architecture, landscapes, traditions and communities. Approaching those experiences with curiosity rather than judgment allows travellers to understand much more than they would from simply moving between tourist attractions.

For a first-time visitor, that is the real purpose of learning the Gulf Travel Dos and Don’ts.

The goal is not to behave perfectly.

The goal is to travel respectfully, enjoy the experience and leave with a better understanding of the people and cultures that make the Gulf distinctive.

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Read More – Gulf Culture and Etiquette: 12 Essential Rules for a Successful Visit