Unlike some other nations within the region, the United Arab Emirates has shown notable trends in modernizing its attitudes. For example, the government maintains an organization called the Women's Federation and promotes training, education, and the advancement of the status of women. In 1988, it was estimated that women constituted 6.2% of the workforce in 1988, high in comparison with Saudi Arabia, for example, even though discrimination against women remains common in a more liberalized UAE ("United Arab Emirates," 2006, Library of Congress: Country Studies). However, anecdotally, this discrimination against women has not always extended to foreigners, and many women have reported 'using' their gender in negotiations within the region to disarm their opponent, by showing unexpected strength during a meeting -- although this technique must obviously be used with caution. However, the undeniable greater cultural tolerance of the oil-rich nation is reflected in the way it has actively sought out foreign investment and has shown an open and welcoming attitude to foreign businesses. This has extended to a level of tolerance of Western customs and culture. The many Westerners living the UAE make it a ripe audience for new products and services in the region coveted by expatriate Westerners. But Westerners doing business must not forget that even though some aspects of the modern United Arab Emirates may appear to be Western, they are still dealing with a largely homogeneous, Sunni...

If a business or service involves potentially inflammatory advertising and images that convey highly sexualized representations of women, or reflects a tolerance or promotion of alcohol, borrowing at interest, and gambling (all formally prohibited if often tacitly practiced, according to Islamic law) this must be altered (Lagace 2002). Finally, care and concern for employees and local associates is essential given: "In any country that has Islamic influences in its legal structure...if somebody is experiencing financial reversals, you can't put pressure on them, because that is not an appropriate thing to do when somebody is down. You don't kick them when they're down" (Lagace 2002). Charity and compassion to workers is also a cornerstone of Islamic law, as well as the better-known injunctions to dress modestly.
Works Cited

Beer, Jennifer. (2003) "High and low context." Culture at Work. Retrieved Aug 24, 2008 at http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html

Lagace, Martha. (4 Feb 2002). "How to do business in Islamic countries." Harvard Business

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/2745.html

United Arab Emirates." (26 Jun 2006). Library of Congress: Country Studies. Retrieved Aug 24

2008 http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/aetoc.html