About lizzie2

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Some Forum Posts:

United Arab Emirates: Getting Engaged to an Emirati:

The Emiratis are very warm and peaceful people, but I also would urge you to use caution. You get many comments of this type because many ladies have been burned, sorry to say. Now having said that, let's get to the practical stuff you asked.... Can your fiance give you more info about the family? eg. Do his sisters wear abaya and hijab? If so, is it for religious or cultural reasons? If it is for religious reasons, how would they feel about you (a non Muslim) wearing their outfit? Would this be a sign to them that you plan to convert to Islam? It's a great idea for you to go meet the family. :) Where will you be staying? - if you could stay with a sister, it would give you good insight into the family. Personally, I don't think the family will be especially impressed by you wearing an abaya/hijab (at least at this point - when you aren't married). However, they would certainly appreciate you wearing very modest clothing whenever you are in mixed company. Sleeves which cover below your elbow. High neckline. Skirts which go to mid calf (or longer). Shirts which cover most of your hips. Nothing tight. Always wear/carry a scarf which can be used as a head covering when necessary. I really suggest you speak with your fiance about how you dress when going over there. He may have strong thoughts about what you should or shouldn't do when there. If you do decide to buy an abaya, I agree with the other person's suggestion - go shopping with your future in-laws. Emirati ladies LOVE shopping!! If you still want one in advance, you can probably find an online store in Europe which caters to Emirati women. Yes, learn Arabic! - but especially learn Kaleeji Arabic, the Arabic spoken in the Gulf. If you can at least know the proper greetings and courtesies it would be good. Chances are, they speak some English, but they would appreciate your efforts. One of the biggest differences about visiting/living in a Muslim country is their idea of what is proper between men and women. As a woman, you must learn these things. You do not want to be seen by his family as a flirt, for example. Thus, a few rules I think of are: - Do not look men in the eye! - or do it only briefly. - Do not initiate conversations with men. Certainly do not offer your hand(shake) to any man. He must make the first move. When you see someone, just look them (briefly) in the eyes and give a gracious nod of your head. (I learned to do so naturally I began to feel like the queen!) - Woman are very "touchy" in their greetings to each other - it is not even proper to ask a woman about her husband, brother, etc., as that is showing inappropriate interest in a male. - if you must talk with a man (acquaintance, business, etc.) go out-of-your-way to include another woman into the conversation. (Look at her as you say the words to him. Or ask him questions about the woman. Or whatever.) Anyway, these are a few tips.

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2/18/2014

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