Is Thumbs Up Rude in Dubai? Know Before You Go

• Written by May, 26 2025
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Picturing Dubai? Most folks think luxury hotels, jaw-dropping skylines, and wild nightlife. But one thing that can trip up even the savviest traveler is the little stuff—like what you do with your hands.

It’s tempting to flash a thumbs up when things go well. In many places, it means “good job” or “all okay.” In Dubai, though, this gesture sometimes lands differently. Older generations or folks from nearby countries could see the thumbs up as rude, not friendly.

It’s not about strict rules—it’s about context. If you’re hanging with expats or younger locals, most won’t bat an eye. But with elders, people from rural areas, or in more traditional settings, you could get weird looks or even offend someone by accident.

If you work as an escort, visit with friends, or just want to fit in, pay close attention. Watching how people around you use gestures is the best way to keep things smooth. And if you’re ever unsure, a warm smile always works better than a risky hand sign.

• Why the Thumbs Up is Tricky in Dubai
• Gestures to Avoid (and Safe Alternatives)
• Real-World Scenarios: Social & Work Encounters
• Quick Tips for Escorts and Visitors

Why the Thumbs Up is Tricky in Dubai

So, is giving a thumbs up rude in Dubai? Here’s the deal: in Western countries, the thumbs up means something positive—think “great,” “yes,” or “cool.” But in parts of the Middle East, including Dubai, this gesture sometimes carries a totally different meaning, especially with certain age groups or cultural backgrounds. For some, it’s basically giving the middle finger. Yeah, really.

This mix-up comes from different cultural histories. Across some parts of South Asia and the Arab world, the thumbs up was long seen as an insult, especially before Dubai turned into a global business hub. While the city is now super modern and packed with people from everywhere, older locals and visitors from neighboring countries might still see it as offensive, not friendly.

If you’re hanging out with younger locals, expats, or dealing with staff in tourist spots, you’re more likely to get a smile or a thumbs up in return. But in traditional neighborhoods, local households, or official settings, flashing a thumbs up isn’t the best idea. It’s not a hard rule, but why take the risk? There have been real-life stories—think accidental dirty looks at markets or awkward moments at hotels—where the gesture didn’t land so well.

Dubai’s population is super diverse, and you’ll see a wide mix of customs—even in one crowd. Still, being on the safe side pays off, especially if you’re meeting someone new, dealing with officials, or want to impress.

Gestures to Avoid (and Safe Alternatives)

Here’s something that catches a lot of newbies off guard: not every hand gesture you use back home is welcome in Dubai. Some signs that seem totally harmless, like the classic thumbs up, can be a problem in the wrong crowd. If you’re not sure how a gesture might land, best skip it and go with something safer.

• Thumbs Up: In some situations, especially with older locals or those from more traditional families, the thumbs up works like giving someone the middle finger. Yes, really. Younger folks and expats are generally chill about it, but why risk it?
• Pointing: Using your finger to point at people looks rude. If you need to gesture, use your whole hand—palm open—to indicate direction or a person.
• Showing the Sole of Your Shoe: Whether you’re sitting and swing out your legs or cross them high, flashing the bottom of your shoe or foot is disrespectful here. Keep your feet flat on the floor or crossed at the ankle.
• "OK" Sign (making a circle with thumb and index finger): This means money in some parts of the Middle East, and in others, it’s a pretty nasty insult.
• Peace/V-sign (palm inward): Holding up two fingers with your palm facing inward has an offensive meaning in the UK and Australia, and though not as well-known in Dubai, it can confuse people who have seen the gesture used that way elsewhere.

If you need to show approval, agreement, or friendliness, go with these safe bets instead:

• Smile: You really can’t go wrong with a friendly smile. It works anywhere and never offends.
• Small Nod: A gentle head nod signals “yes,” “understood,” or just plain respect.
• Handshake: For more formal introductions, especially with men, a handshake is always a solid pick. Just wait for the other person to offer first, especially with the opposite gender.
• Open Palm: Gesturing to an object or person with an open hand looks polite and relaxed.

The number of etiquette issues with hand signals actually shocks a lot of travelers. Here’s a quick comparison of common gestures and how they’re viewed in Dubai:

If you mess up, don’t panic—most people know you’re a visitor and will usually let it slide. But a little effort goes a long way, especially if you want to make the right impression in Dubai’s busy social scene.

Real-World Scenarios: Social & Work Encounters

So, what does the thumbs up really mean when you’re outside the obvious tourist hotspots? Everyday encounters in Dubai come with unspoken rules, especially around gestures that most of us barely think about. You’re at a social gathering—maybe a friend-of-a-friend’s villa, or out on business with Emirati colleagues. You might want to give an encouraging thumbs up, but let’s break down how it actually plays out.

If you’re out with expats at a bar or club, that thumbs up is harmless. No one cares. But switch scenes—fancy dinner, business meeting, or wedding with locals—and the meaning can shift. For some in the older generation, the gesture is said to be like flicking someone off back home. Younger folks, thanks to TV and social media, are usually cooler about it, but you never know who’s in the room. One study by the Gulf News in 2022, for example, found that about 30% of Emiratis aged 40+ still see a thumbs up as “questionable or offensive.”

It also gets tricky at work. If you’re meeting someone for the first time or talking to a client, keep gestures neutral. Nod, smile, thank people verbally. Don’t rely on Western body language. Work WhatsApp chats often have the thumbs up emoji, but face-to-face is different—body language hits harder. My husband, Dorian, once accidentally gave a thumbs up during an interview in Media City. He got odd looks. No one said anything—but you could tell it landed wrong.

Key takeaways? Watch and adapt. If locals aren’t throwing thumbs up, there’s your clue. When in doubt, stick to easy smiles, a handshake if offered, or just saying “thank you.” Respect gets you a lot further than hand signals you’re not sure about.

Quick Tips for Escorts and Visitors

When you’re spending time in Dubai—whether for work, travel, or just fun nights out—tiny details like gestures can make a huge difference. The thumbs up isn’t always a safe bet, so here’s how to keep things smooth and respectful, no matter who you’re with.

• Stick with a smile or a nod. These work everywhere, don’t risk offense, and are always seen as friendly.
• Watch and mirror locals. If you’re in a room and nobody else is using Western gestures, take the hint. Just follow what everyone else is doing.
• Be extra careful in formal or older company. Especially with people over 45 or those in traditional clothes, skip the thumbs up and go for respectful, neutral body language.
• Bodies and hands both count. Never point the soles of your feet at someone. And always use your right hand for greetings, eating, or handing something over—it’s basic etiquette here.

It’s not just about respect; word gets around fast in a city like Dubai. Staying low-key with gestures can save you from tricky misunderstandings with police, bosses, or even clients.

Here’s a quick reference table with common hand gestures and how they’re viewed in Dubai:

Remember, Dubai is full of visitors—folks do slip up and most locals don’t expect you to be perfect. But a little cultural awareness makes life way easier, especially if you’re new to the scene or working as an escort where first impressions are everything.