Top ten tips on doing business in United Arab Emirates
Top ten tips on doing business in United Arab Emirates
The Muslim world is a very strict society and it is essential that you observe Islamic politeness and decorum. The United Arab Emirates are less strict and very cosmopolitan; though still adhere to Muslim values. Segregation of the sexes is an important feature of the Arab world. Men DO NOT under any circumstances touch an Arab woman ormake direct eye contact with her. No one should behave in public in a flirtatious or affectionate manner not even married couples. Alcohol is prohibited in most parts of the Middle East and gambling is considered evil.
Womenshould always be very modestly and conservatively dressed, often covered fully by a burka (a long black coat, with or without a veil). Skirts below the knee, high collars and long sleeves are required. You should check on any practice regarding wearing a long scarf for hair cover. There are special areas for Westerners where normal' dress, behaviour and customs are allowed out of sight of the locals. The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and The Lebanon (Beirut) are the exceptions; they accept western' dress and behaviour, Saudi Arabai does not.
1.Respect and friendship must be reached before any negotiations can take place.
2.All contracts should be translated into English and Arabic. Contracts may be broken at any time, justified because you are not a Muslim. However, trust and friendship will seal a true bond.
3.Bargaining is part of the process of negotiation. Start with high demands and then work your way towards a compromise'.
4.Nothing gets hurried. Be patient. Time is flexible. Deadlines are nothing more than approximations. Transactions may take a long time to finalise.
5.Decisions are made by a few principal people at the top of the company.
6.Business people prefer to deal with the same people throughout, so keep the same negotiating team.
7.Don't submit a report of 7 pages or so; 57 is more to their liking! Lots of paper and documentation is seen as serious meat'.
8.Don't get upset when your business meetings are constantly interrupted; this is the way of life, not a signal that you are unimportant.
9.Don't be aggressive in your attitude or demand "Yes" or "No" answers.
10.Don't underestimate the significance of social gatherings; many business transactions are dealt with then.