Many westerners are understandably concerned about the clash of religions that, if you watch the TV news, seems to be taking place across the globe right now. Some involved in business or property in the United Arab Emirates have tried to diminish those worries by claiming that the country is not particularly Islamic. This is plain wrong – faith is important to Muslims in the Emirates and you’d be shocked if you expected otherwise.

However, the region is also extremely tolerant of other religions and represents a truer portrayal of Islam than we’re faced with in our sensationalist media every day. In Dubai, for example, you’ll find churches and temples, as well as mosques. Indeed, Muslims even believe that Jesus was one of God’s messengers sent to mankind, second only to Mohammed in terms of importance.

So, if you’re considering moving to or buying a property in the UAE and haven’t considered religions since high school RE, what are the main principles that your new neighbours will hold dear?

First and foremost, Muslims believe in one God – Allah – and their holy book, the Qu’ran, shapes much of their lives, not just their worship. Like Christians, Muslims believe that there will come a day of judgement and that this physical life is preparation for the next. If you live as a good Muslim, you’ll live in eternal Paradise once you die. When a Muslim dies, they are buried as quickly as possible and always within 24 hours.

There are five pillars of Islam that often affect lives on a daily basis. The first is Shahadah – a declaration that there is no God but Allah and Mohammed was his prophet. The second is Salat. This means that, five times a day, wherever they are when they hear the Azan call, Muslims must turn to face Mecca and pray. Zakat, the third pillar, means supporting the needy, while the fourth, Sawm, is fasting during the month of Ramadan so that Muslims can emphasise with the planet’s hungry and it’s also a form of cleansing. During Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Finally, there is the Hajj, that says that all able-bodied Muslims should make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime.

There are other matters of faith that affect Muslims’ lives, such as the fact that they cannot eat pork or any pork-related products, their meat must have died naturally or specifically for food and must be slaughtered in a specific way.

The most important thing is to be knowledgeable and respectful of Islamic principles, however, you’ll soon discover that Muslims in the Emirates are exceptionally broad-minded and do not try to force their beliefs on ex-pats or visitors.