How to change coins for notes

How to change coins for notes and how to assess our cultural differences.

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Dear Ali, Where can I go to exchange dirham coins for paper money? Over the three and a half years I've lived in Abu Dhabi, I've collected about 500 dirham coins. I'm in the process of leaving and would like to exchange them for paper currency. Is there a bank that has a coin-counting machine or will I have to count the coins? WE, Abu Dhabi

Dear WE, I'm assuming you have a local bank account. If you have, your bank should offer this service. Some banks don't offer this service to all of their customers but as you have been with them for three years and are in the process of leaving, I'm sure they can help. Another option would be to pick up the special rolling paper that holds a specific number of coins. You wrap the coins up yourself and can then hand the tubes in at the bank, which will exchange them for notes. Alternatively, you can contact the central bank. Here is its address: www.centralbank.ae . The phone number is 02 665 2220. Thank you and God bless.

Dear Ali, I'm a Saudi student in the UAE and I have a project on the difference in cultural values between Arabs and expats in the Middle East. What would you say are the most key cultural differences? Any thoughts will be very much appreciated? Keep making us proud, brother. JQ, KSA Dear JQ, Fascinating subject, dear brother. I am glad to share some of the findings from my cultural awareness workshops with you. I believe that recognising these cultural differences equips us with the right tools to communicate more meaningfully, whether it is a diplomatic, business or social setting.

Let us first agree on one thing: the two cultures have very different foundations. One is collectivist, the other individualistic. This affects how both groups approach such things as religion, power structures, masculinity, femininity, friendship, trust and so on. As a cultural consultant, I feel that once this dichotomy is understood, everything else falls into place. Let us start with our western guests.

The West is usually known for its individualistic society. People live in nuclear or one-parent families and views on religion are relaxed. Children are supposed to take care of themselves as soon as possible and learn to think in terms of "I". Family ties are weak, there are more divorces and older relatives care for themselves. Choosing not to have children within a marriage is socially acceptable. Privacy is normal and speaking one's mind is characteristic of an honest person. Lasting friendships are hard to achieve.

The Arab world is known for its collective society. Relatives are important and people live among families instead of on their own. Family provides protection in exchange for lifelong loyalty. There are fewer divorces as this is frowned upon and society is built more on the term of "we" rather than "I", especially with regard to children. Taking care of older parents is a duty and having children is a sign of a complete marriage. Being alone is considered weird.

While these observations are generalisations, with no implied right or wrong, it is helpful to recognise them. I hate to see this become an argument of Arab vs western values. We are all, in the end, people and we want the same things in life. It is just that our priorities are different. Take care.

Ali Alsaloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from Abu Dhabi who has lived all over the world. For more of his advice, see his show on www.onetvo.com or visit www.ask-ali.com Ali's new book, Ask Ali: A Guide To Abu Dhabi, is available from www.ask-ali.com priced at Dh50.