Common Culture Shocks OFWs Face When Working in the UAE

From Ramadan adjustments to language and living challenges, here’s what newly arrived OFWs should prepare for in the UAE.

1. Navigating Ramadan Fast & Etiquette

Many OFWs experience their first Ramadan in the UAE as a steep learning curve. According to Kristine Abante, a Filipina sales supervisor in Dubai, she found traditional Lenten fasting mild in comparison to the UAE’s strict dawn-to-dusk Ramadan fast, especially under the intense heat. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during these hours is not allowed—even for non-Muslims—until dedicated eating areas became available.

Dentist Dr. Jeramie Umali, a Christian Filipino, began fasting in solidarity with her Muslim colleagues in Saudi Arabia and continued in the UAE, finding both spiritual and communal value in the practice.

2. Respecting Local Customs & Religious Norms

Non-Muslim OFWs often face situations where eating or drinking in public during Ramadan is frowned upon or even restricted. Many early arrivals resort to discreet spaces like toilets to eat, as public areas remain off-limits .

Maintaining cultural sensitivity matters. One Filipino shared an incident in a Dubai iftar setting where fellow Pinoys were criticized for starting to eat before the official breaking time, drawing rebukes for being “insensitive and ignorant”.

3. Adapting to a Slower Pace During Holy Month

During Ramadan, daily routines change. Work hours shorten, shops and services operate on limited schedules, and mornings become especially quiet . For OFWs, this means planning ahead and adjusting to a calm—but slower—rhythm of life.

4. Living Conditions: Shared Spaces & Costs

Many Filipino workers live in shared accommodations like partitioned rooms or dorms. These crowded spaces—sometimes housing eight people—can test patience and personal boundaries. On top of that, rent and living expenses in the UAE are steep, eating into OFW salaries and making careful budgeting a must.

5. Embracing Diversity vs. Cultural Conflict

Dubai is a melting pot of nationalities, including Indians, Egyptians, Europeans, and more . While this multicultural mix enriches everyday life, it also brings occasional friction—unspoken social norms, communication gaps, and cultural misunderstandings.

For newly arrived OFWs, the key is keeping an open mind and being ready to adapt .

6. Seeking Your Tribe: Filipino Community Abroad

Connecting with fellow Filipinos can strengthen your support network. Community-led “bayanihan” spirit shows up during Ramadan, with shared iftars, fundraising, and gatherings at mosques or churches . These communities offer not just friendship but a sense of belonging in a foreign land.

Navigating Culture Shock: OFW Tips