Business Meeting Etiquette

From your initial greeting to your final exit, here are some general Arabic business etiquette tips that will help you demonstrate to your potential new partners that you have cultural understanding and awareness:

• Greetings: Rather than "hello" or "good morning," greet your Arab partner by saying "Assalamo Alaikum," which translates to "May peace be upon you and may God's blessings be with you." This is the traditional Islamic greeting exchanged in Arab countries.

• Planning: Since Islamic principles and culture value structure and order, make sure that you have a well-defined plan for your business meeting. If possible, write up an agenda that you can distribute to your Arab business partner. Creating, sticking to and announcing your plan will demonstrate not only your organization and business savvy but also your knowledge of and respect for Arabic business etiquette.

• Translations: In addition to having Arabic interpreters at your business meeting, you will also want an Arabic translation for each document you will use during your meeting. Having an accurate Arabic translation for each document will facilitate communication with your business partners, and show that you are willing to go the extra mile for them.

• What to Avoid: Given the Islamic dietary restrictions, avoid ordering or serving meat, pork, fish or fowl to your Arabian business partners. If you are choosing a restaurant for a business meeting, be sure there are plenty of vegetarian options available. Similarly, refrain from smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and consuming caffeine during your meeting. All of these practices are also frowned upon in Islamic culture and, therefore, go against proper Arabic business meeting etiquette.

 

Other Business Etiquette Tips Specific to Different Arab Countries

Aside from the above aspects of Arabian business etiquette, some countries in this region have their own unique nuances. Here is an outline of proper business etiquette specific to particular Arab countries:

• Bahrain: Smiling and direct eye contact are essential parts of proper business etiquette in Bahrain. Similarly, because friendly social interactions are valued in this Arabic country, don't be surprised if your Bahrain partner gives and expects a kiss on the cheek upon greeting you!

• Kuwait: Kuwaitis prefer to do business with people they know, so don't be surprised if you need to conduct multiple business meetings before your transaction is finished. Since Kuwaitis frown upon impatience, showing you are compliant and willing to interact socially prior to launching into business is a fundamental part of Kuwaiti business etiquette.

• Oman: Business meetings are formal affairs to which attendees must wear suits and ties. While English is primarily spoken at Oman business meetings, proper etiquette demands that foreigners use a few key Arabic phrases out of respect for your business partners. In addition, those conducting business meetings in Oman also value punctuality and put a heavy reliance on business cards – so be sure to bring plenty if you are conducting business in this country! In addition, do not forget to have your business cards and other important business documents translated into Arabic.

 

• Qatar: It is offensive and improper business etiquette to ask members of the opposite sex to meet alone with you in a closed room. If necessary, make sure that both genders are present at any Qatar meeting you conduct.

• Saudi Arabia: If conducting business in Saudi Arabia, non-Saudis must obtain official government permission before entering and exiting the country. Once in the country, Westerners are subject to Saudi Islamic law, which bans alcohol, drugs, porn and pork. Unfortunately, some Westerners are unaware of this fact and, consequently, are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia while intending to do business.  

• UAE (including Dubai): The lobbies of large hotels are the preferred venue for business meetings in the UAE, as these rooms limit distraction and give attendants easy access to refreshments. Similarly, having Arabic translations of any documents used during a business meeting is considered to be part of proper Arabic business etiquette.  

• Yemen: Business meetings are lavish, sumptuous affairs called qat. For qat, attendees are expected to bring tobacco and coals for smoking. Smoking will commence with the start of any meeting, and pipes are constantly passed among attendees. It is customary to only take the pipe with your right hand, and it is considered rude to keep the pipe for too long.

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• Whyis it important to know business etiquette?

• How does Islam influence business etiquette of Arabian countries?

• How can you describe the effect of the cast system?

• What does it mean to be well prepared for business meeting with your Arabian partners?

• Do you think it is a good idea to have business lunch with your Arabian partners?

• Why should your business cards and important documents be bilingual? What can you gain honor and respect in Arabian business world?

• What troubles can you expect if you are unaware of Islamic law?

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Consuming, Sharia, conservativism, socialclasses, well-defined, agenda, eye-contact, smoking, alcohol.