Cultural Differences and the 3 Question Rule

H has been in Dubai all alone now since I returned to the UK. He has had to battle day in and day out to get things accomplished. He has been telling me of a few of the "quirks" and difficulties he has been dealing with:

-Giving a "thumbs-up" to an Iranian is like giving them the finger...oops! Just don't do it! Maybe try the "AOK" hand gesture instead...

-The 3 Question Rule: H has said that people will fight you until you pretty much demand something at least three times.
Example: Our internet was supposed to be installed early Saturday morning (9-10am). The company promised they would be there between that time and even gave H their personal number to call if there was a problem. So he gets a call at 9:45am on Saturday saying "Sir, we will come this afternoon."
"No, you are supposed to be here in 15 minutes." 
"Not possible sir, I am on the opposite side of Dubai. I will be there at 4pm"
"No, you have to be here this morning. Your company ensured me that it would be this morning."
"NO! Sir its not possible. I cannot be there now."
"No you need to come here this morning!"
"Okay sir, I will be there in 10 minutes..."
Haha! And the man was there in 10 minutes. So it was possible, he just didn't want to do it. Basically they will try to take advantage of you. You have to put your foot down, otherwise they will walk all over you. I think this will be difficult for me because I will always try to be polite. Which brings me to my next point: Taxi drivers...

-Taxis: We were always under the impression that the taxi drivers were pretty honorable, which is rare. Our tour guide a few years ago told us that they can't screw you or over charge you because if you complain they can lose their license to work. Now we are realizing you have to be careful with them. Some of H's colleagues have been in taxis where the journey is short but since they have been there for a while they know the way. Then the drivers seem to go a long way because they assume you have no idea and they want a larger fare. So now H has to say "Look, I'm a local, I know the way. So go the SHORTEST way possible." Sometimes they get annoyed but you have to make sure they don't "take you for a ride" (forgive the pun). H is a very generous tipper and very patient in these situations but even he is getting annoyed with some of the attitude they are giving.

Anyways, the plan is for me to return to the sand next week for good. I just got my visa today so I just need to finish up work and then I'm a permanent resident. I'm sure more stories will be coming soon!

**I've been corrected by H..Its not the Arabs who are offended by thumbs up, its the Iranians. And to all my lovely Americans out there, no they are not the same thing.  ;)