Since oil was discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the mid-20th century, it has become one of the richest countries in the Middle East — and one of the most liberal socially, due to the foreign nationals who make up more than 80 percent of its residents.

Dubai, the largest metropolis in the U.A.E., is a flourishing cultural and financial hub of the Middle East for many reasons in addition to oil — chiefly tourism, financial services and real estate. Like New York, N.Y., the city of Dubai lies within an emirate that bears the same name — and the comparisons don’t end there. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with more than 210 nationalities represented, and you can find any cuisine, lodging or products you desire.

That said, Dubai is a Muslim country in which Islam pervades every aspect of life, including business.

“It’s important to be aware of cultural and business differences if you want to succeed,” says Jan Dickinson, president and CEO of the Dickinson Consulting Group and an internationally recognized authority on all phases of corporate relocation.

“In Dubai,” she says, “showing businessmen that you know and respect their beliefs and habits indicates you are putting an effort into building a relationship, which is the first step in working with them.

“Dubai’s pro-business attitude makes it easy for foreigners to establish companies or branches there, which is why it’s becoming a big player on the world scene,” she adds. “There are 22 free trade zones throughout the country where foreigners can own 100 percent of their ventures and taxes are minimal.”

Dickinson cautions that you are expected to be prompt, but don’t be alarmed if your meeting doesn’t start on time. “It’s not like the U.S., where time is of the essence and you launch right into your flip charts or PowerPoints,” she explains. “In Dubai there is a get-acquainted period before you get down to business, and you don’t want to rush it. Follow your host’s lead.”

Even if it’s 120 degrees outside (and it may well be), conservative business suits and ties are mandatory for business meetings. Women should wear shoes with closed toes and modest clothing that covers arms and legs. Your hosts may be dressed in Western attire or dishdashas — ankle-length robes that they may wear on almost any occasion. The women you meet may be garbed in body-covering burkas that reveal only their faces or eyes.

Arabic is the official language of Dubai, even though English is widely spoken. You can make a good first impression by having your business card printed in Arabic on one side and by learning some basic Arabic words, especially the greeting, “As-sa-lam a-lay-kum,” or “Peace be upon you”, and the reply, “Wa a-lay-kum as-sa-lam,” or “Upon you be peace.” Muslim businessmen shake hands, but unless a woman offers her hand, don’t extend yours.

If you are left-handed, start practicing doing everything with your right hand. Muslims view the left hand as unclean and are insulted if you use it to eat, handle objects or gesture. This custom pre-dates modern hygiene, but old habits die hard. Also offensive to Muslims is showing the soles of your shoes, so think twice before you cross your legs.

Devout Muslims do not drink alcohol, so forget the two-martini lunch. Alcohol is only served in hotels but is easy to find. Needless to say, public drinking, intoxication or illegal drugs will land you in jail.

Before requesting meetings, study the Muslim holidays and daily prayer schedule. On any day, your host may excuse himself to perform his prayers. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. This is not the best time to ask for a breakfast or lunch meeting. During celebratory holidays, Muslims will want to be with their families.

If possible, schedule your visit between December and March, when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. June through September is sweltering, with high humidity and temperatures of 108–120 degrees.

In Dubai, as in all Arab countries, the work week is Sunday through Thursday. In summer, offices forego the 8 to 5 workday for a split shift with time off during the heat of the day.

Be prepared to crane your neck in Dubai, which is home to more than 900 skyscrapers, 88 of which are nearly 600 feet high. The piéce de resistance of the city’s skyline (one of the most impressive on the planet) is the world’s tallest building — the 2,717-foot-high Burj Khalifa. The high-rise boom that began a decade ago continues, with nearly a thousand skyscrapers under construction or on the drawing board.

Dubai is a city of superlatives in other areas, including world-class sporting venues for cricket, golf, hockey, horse racing, rugby, swimming and tennis. The city also boasts one of the world’s largest shopping malls. The Mall of the Emirates sprawls over an area equal to 73 football fields and contains 520 name-brand stores and an indoor ski area.

How do you navigate a burgeoning city of nearly 2 million? If you have time to kill, try the modern Dubai Metro or the air-conditioned double-decker buses. For appointments, take a taxi, avoiding the pink-topped ones (intended for families and Muslim women who do not wish to ride with men). Get explicit directions; traffic jams are ubiquitous, and the city’s landscape changes so fast even Google Earth can’t keep up.

Dubai is a diner’s delight, with more options than you can imagine. A choice place for a power breakfast, according to Dubai-based Kamal Niazy, EMEA (Europe-Middle East-Africa) market development manager for DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions, is The Rotisserie at the One&Only Royal Mirage, with its courtyard terrace overlooking the gardens. The show kitchen allows guests to interact with the chefs as they prepare traditional European dishes.

Any Dubai visit should include a business lunch or dinner at At.mosphere, 1,450 feet up in the Burj Khalifa tower. The view is akin to that from a plane, only better, and the menu is a worldly smorgasbord including fresh vegetables from Provence, lamb from Australia and lobsters from Maine.

Despite Muslim traditions, Dubai has a lively nightlife. One of Niazy’s favorites is Blends at The Address Dubai Marina. While enjoying the view of the marina lights, you can sample vintages from floor-to-ceiling wine racks, test the bartender’s mixology skills in the cocktail lounge or puff on a rare stogie in the cigar bar.