The main features of the business culture of the Middle East

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Key characteristics of business culture in the Middle East

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Key characteristics of business culture in the Middle East

Are you planning to open a business in the UAE and want to take into account all the nuances to build strong relationships with your foreign partners? Then don't forget to study the peculiarities of the country's business culture and traditions. After all, respecting them will determine their first impression of you, as well as the success of your future activities.

Specifics of Business Etiquette in the UAE

Every relationship in the United Arab Emirates is closely linked to the country's religion and traditions. Although the UAE has a fairly tolerant society that is sensitive to the mentality and habits of newcomers, locals always expect respect for their cultural and religious values.

When communicating with business partners, reliability, punctuality, hospitality and respect are highly valued. Therefore, to build successful communication, do not deviate from the established rules and maintain a friendly atmosphere.

Specifics of communication

Schedule a business meeting. Schedule a meeting in advance by phone or in person. Avoid using email and messengers for this purpose.
Slowness in closing deals. Be prepared that local partners will not be in a hurry to close a deal. It may take several meetings to discuss and resolve all issues.
Ability to compromise. Do not insist or pressure your partner to prove your point. It is better to listen carefully to his arguments and try to find a compromise solution.
Forms of Address. "Mr.," "Sheikh," "Prince," and your partner's name are accepted forms of address.
Business correspondence. In correspondence, try to avoid a deliberately casual tone and use official language.
Important little things. Business cards, brochures and presentation materials should be printed in both English and Arabic.
Networking. Before closing a deal, try to establish friendly, trusting relationships that will help you do business successfully in the UAE.

Gift giving and hospitality

The golden mean. When choosing a gift for your business partner, remember two principles: the first is generosity, the second is the absence of excessive waste.
Which gifts are not recommended. If your partner is a Muslim, do not give him alcoholic beverages and souvenirs made of pigskin.
What to give. A gift related to your partner's hobbies, a book or a non-banal souvenir will set a good tone.

UAE business culture is a combination of tradition, hospitality and modern business ethics. To work successfully in the country, you need to understand and respect local customs and traditions, build good personal relationships and strictly follow business protocol. These key principles will help you conduct business successfully in the UAE and build productive partnerships.

UAE Business Culture: Basic Rules

Relationship of Laws and Religion. Many laws in the United Arab Emirates are based on religious canons. Be sure to take this into account, as doing business in the country is subject to strict legal requirements.
Respect the country's religious holidays. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, do not hold business meetings and shorten the working day.
Punctuality is one of the basics of UAE etiquette. Try to arrive in advance or on time for meetings and negotiations, and never be late.
Language of Communication. The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but most residents speak English, so it is acceptable in negotiations.
Speech and Posture. Straight back, absence of fidgeting, competent, measured speech with no word parasites - the main signs of a businessman with whom you can deal.
Business attire is an immutable attribute of Emirates business etiquette. Men should wear a light suit, shirt and tie. Women's business attire should cover the shoulders, arms and legs.
National dress. If a foreigner wears UAE national dress, it is considered ignorant by the locals.
Greetings. Begin the greeting by shaking hands with the person of the highest status, then shake hands with everyone else. Be sure to use only the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean by Muslims. If a woman extends her hand to you during the greeting, you should shake it. A man should not shake a woman's hand first.
Weekends. Saturday and Sunday are rest days in the Emirates.
Keeping secrets. Disclosure of information entrusted to you will be viewed very negatively.
To ensure that your business meeting is conducted at a high level, agree on a time and place that is convenient for all parties, clearly define the objectives of the negotiations and develop a plan.

Business etiquette in the UAE when dining out

The location and time of the business lunch. Both are chosen by the invited business partner. It is advisable to send the invitation several days in advance so that the guest can choose the most convenient location.
Topics of conversation. Avoid political or religious topics. It is better to talk about the weather, family, vacations, or other distractions.
A tribute to hospitality. During the meeting, you will be offered sweets, tea, and coffee. You should not refuse. It shows your respect.
Smoking. Do not smoke during the meeting unless you are sure it is acceptable to your partner.
Eating and drinking. If dining in a restaurant, do not order alcoholic beverages or pork dishes. This shows respect for the culture and traditions of the country.
Business meeting at a colleague's home. When you arrive at a colleague's home, be sure to remove your shoes, and when you leave, shake the host's hand and thank him or her for his or her hospitality.

04.12.2023