You could be the typical expat and live oblivious to the country that you have moved to, or you could find out a little about the culture. Understand what and why from these selection of books.
Culture Shock! United Arab Emirates
by Jack Smart
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Coming from a Western society, you are sure to have some sort of culture shock. This book picks up on the hang ups and issues that you might face in a direct way.
Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times
by Margaret K. Nydell
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The latest edition from a top selling book. This book is unbiased and looks at a number of issues, from the importance of family to social strucure to social distance and gesturing. A real insight into the arabic culture.
The Arab Mind
by Raphel Patai
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If you have the patience for a proper study of Arab thought, this piece will give you great insight to Beduin values, marginality and emotion. A true literary piece of work from the late Dr Patai.
Mother without a Mask
by Patricia Holton
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A first hand insight into a local family's life in Al Ain from the eyes of a Westerner.
Arabian Sands
by Wilfred Thesiger
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Imagine a timeless Bedouin classic about life in the Dubai dessert - this is the book, by the late Thesiger. Read it now before the film gets out. Ralph Fiennes is rumoured to be playing Thesiger.
The Wink of the Mona Lisa
by Muhammed al Murr
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Why is this book important? Firstly, it is written by a local Emirati. And secondly, it draws some very accurate comparisons to the normality of lives of Arabs in comparison to the West.
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