Ask Ali: Is it acceptable to pose nationality questions and will offensive body language land someone in prison

In this week's Ask Ali we learn whether it's OK to ask people about their nationalities and whether there is truth to the idea that offensive body language or gestures can send someone to prison.

Dear Ali: Is it OK to ask people here about their nationality? I'm asked this question myself all the time, even when I'm out shopping. AA, Dubai

Dear AA: I understand your concern. Indeed, this question has become one of the most popular here, probably after asking your name.

In countries where fewer nationalities live together, people don’t ask. However, in the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities live and work together, to know each other’s background is essential. It helps us understand how to approach and treat individuals respectfully in accordance with their culture.

This question is asked here not to criticise people’s origin or to stereotype – it’s for us to try to find some connection with them. For me, once I know a person’s origin, I always try to say something in their language or share a wonderful experience I had when I visited their country as a way of connecting with them.

For example, if I have a meeting with a Japanese businessman, I would slightly bow when greeting him or extend my business card holding it with both my hands. The same way, once a person knows that I’m an Arab, they usually say “assalamu alaykum” to me when we meet, even if they don’t know Arabic well. When you work or deal with people of different nationalities you need to build this bridge of understanding, and the best way to do it is by acknowledging their background.

Dear Ali: I heard that in the UAE, if someone finds your body language or gestures offensive, you can be sent to prison. Can you explain this to me, please? IG, Colombia

Dear IG: This isn't something you hear about the UAE alone, but in many different countries that share similar values.

The UAE has specific laws and regulations regarding human behaviour. For example, when I travel to Europe, I see some people wearing T-shirts with rude messages or images on them. These people consider it freedom of personal expression. In our culture, it would be not acceptable, and therefore is viewed as disrespectful to others.

These regulations were formed a long time ago, and became unwritten laws or a form of social code. They were so strongly supported that they were reflected in the constitution of the UAE.

It’s the context that matters most. If offence is caused by a common unpleasant gesture in a situation such as a quarrel, then, yes, it could be regarded as humiliating and disrespectful, and the unfortunate consequences could result in imprisonment. This shows how important it is for us to remain dignified and respect others.

Interpretation of body language is another thing – when displaying what is perhaps a non-offensive gesture in their own country, someone can find they’re misunderstood and the same gesture could be seen as something bad here. In that case, if it happens, I advise you to explain its meaning as soon as possible and avoid using the gesture the next time.

Always remember that you won’t go to prison because of a misunderstanding or mistake without bad intentions. It’s not like anybody in this country, which is considered one of the most developed in the world, thinks it’s fun just to put people in prison.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.