Visiting a new city for a major conference like TOKEN2049 comes with more than just logistics and sessions — it demands cultural sensitivity. Whether you’re in Singapore or Dubai, observing local customs and respecting etiquette strengthens relationships and ensures smoother interactions. Below is a city-by-city guide of do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the cultural landscape and leave a positive impression.
- Singapore: Harmony, Rules & Politeness
- Do: Be Punctual, Clean, and Orderly
- Don’t: Raise Your Voice or Show Aggression
- Do: Dress Neatly & Appropriately
- Don’t: Touch Heads or Use Taboo Gestures
- Do: Respect Multicultural Sensitivity
- Dubai: Modesty, Respect & Local Norms
- Do: Dress Modestly (Especially in Public)
- Don’t: Engage in Public Displays of Affection
- Do: Use the Right Hand & Mind Greeting Protocols
- Don’t: Drink, Smoke or Eat in Public During Ramadan / Outside Allowed Spaces
- Do: Be Respectful When Photographing & Interacting
- Don’t: Criticize Local Culture Loudly
- Shared Do’s & Don’ts Across Both Cities
- Conclusion
Get 15% off your TOKEN2049 ticket now with the official promo code DROOMDROOM15.
Singapore: Harmony, Rules & Politeness
Do: Be Punctual, Clean, and Orderly
Singaporeans value order and respect for rules. Jaywalking, littering, and chewing gum in public are serious fines or even banned. Always dispose of trash responsibly and adhere to crosswalks.
During business or casual meetups, be punctual. Time is respected, and long delays are seen as disrespectful.
Don’t: Raise Your Voice or Show Aggression
In conversation, loud tones, public displays of anger, or aggressive gestures are frowned upon. Singapore’s communication style is relatively low-key and polite. Express criticism gently and with humility.
Do: Dress Neatly & Appropriately
Despite the tropical heat, modest dressing is expected in formal settings. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious or formal environments. Shoes should be removed when entering someone’s home or in certain temples.
Don’t: Touch Heads or Use Taboo Gestures
In many Asian cultures, including Singapore, the head is considered sacred. Avoid touching someone’s head, even in jest. Also, hitting your fist into a cupped hand is considered inappropriate.
Do: Respect Multicultural Sensitivity
Singapore is a multiracial and multireligious society. Be especially respectful of religious practices — avoid discussing politics or religion lightly, and follow norms during holidays.
Tipping is not customary — many bills include a service charge.
Save 15% instantly on your TOKEN2049 ticket by using the official promo code DROOMDROOM15.
Dubai: Modesty, Respect & Local Norms
Do: Dress Modestly (Especially in Public)
Dubai is moderate but still conservative. Covering shoulders and knees is advisable outside resort or beach zones. If visiting mosques or religious sites, women often are required to cover hair and wear loose clothing.
Don’t: Engage in Public Displays of Affection
Holding hands is often tolerated, but kissing, hugging, or other displays of intimacy in public are generally not acceptable and can lead to legal issues.
Do: Use the Right Hand & Mind Greeting Protocols
In Dubai (and wider UAE), the right hand is used for greeting, eating, or passing objects — the left hand is considered less clean in many cultural norms. Men should wait for women to offer a handshake first.
Don’t: Drink, Smoke or Eat in Public During Ramadan / Outside Allowed Spaces
If TOKEN2049 coincides with Ramadan or even otherwise, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Always check if a place is licensed for alcohol or smoking.
Also, never gesture with rude signs, curse, or use profanity in public — these can carry harsh consequences.
Do: Be Respectful When Photographing & Interacting
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional or religious settings. Avoid photographing government buildings, police, or military. Respect personal space and modesty.
Don’t: Criticize Local Culture Loudly
It’s unwise to openly discuss politics, religion, or social issues negatively. Be diplomatic if you have concerns.
Apply the official TOKEN2049 promo code DROOMDROOM15 to get a 15% discount on your ticket.
Shared Do’s & Don’ts Across Both Cities
- Do carry identification & respect local laws. Both Singapore and Dubai enforce rules strictly.
- Don’t take liberties with local taboos. For example, avoid impolite gestures, shouting, or inappropriate jokes.
- Do adopt the host city’s cadence. Observe how locals move, speak, and interact — mirror their pace and tone to blend in.
- Don’t treat every norm casually. Even if expats seem to get away with certain behaviors, visitors should lean conservative.
- Do be culturally curious. Ask questions respectfully, learn greetings, engage locals with humility.
Book your TOKEN2049 ticket today and use the official promo code DROOMDROOM15 to save 15%.
Conclusion
Attending TOKEN2049 in Singapore or Dubai is an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the forefront of Web3 in culturally vibrant settings. But technical conversations flourish best when bridges of respect and understanding exist. By observing local dress codes, manners, and cultural sensitivities, you’ll be a better conversationalist, partner, and representative of your community. If you tell me which city you’re heading to first, I can customize a pocket etiquette guide just for your travel days.
Secure your TOKEN2049 ticket at 15% off with the official promo code DROOMDROOM15.
