As the UAE’s economy thrives steadily, business activities are also advancing. With its cultural and religious diversity, this country has great potential to attract business clientele. However, some principles remain constant, like reflecting traditions and cultural norms and business etiquette when dealing with people in the UAE.
It is crucial to give respect and build a healthy relationship with your business associate. Let’s discuss the key aspects of UAE business etiquette!
- Greetings
- Dress Code
- Building Business Relationships
- Negotiations in Business Dealing
- Business Cards
- Respect Islamic Customs
- Exchange Gifts
- Communicate in Arabic
- Punctuality
- Be Cautious With Your Hand and Feet
- FAQs
10 Major Business Etiquettes in the UAE
We’ve gathered all the prominent business etiquette and best practices you should follow while meeting a business client or partner in the UAE.
1. Greetings
The Middle East greets its people with the greeting ‘As-salaam Alaikum’, which translates to ‘Peace be upon you’. To which one must reply with ‘Walaikum Assalam’, which means ‘And upon you be peace’.
In the UAE, addressing superiors and colleagues with respect is crucial. Formal titles and last names are common when interacting with senior members, but generic titles can be used if unsure. When speaking to higher officials, use ‘Excellency’ or ‘Your Excellency’.
2. Dress Code
The UAE’s dress code in business settings emphasises respect and modesty, reflecting local culture. Men wear suits and ties, with conservative colours for formal events and lighter fabrics for hotter months.
Women at work must also be dressed modestly, covering their shoulders, arms, and knees. Business suits, modest dresses, and skirts paired with blouses are appropriate choices. Carrying a scarf is advisable for religious or traditional buildings.
Cultural sensitivities extend to accessories and overall appearance, with excessive jewellery or flashy clothing seen as distracting or inappropriate. Tattoos should be covered and piercings should be limited to culturally accepted ones.
3. Building Business Relationships
Face-to-face meetings are crucial for building trust with potential business partners, as they often cross a trust divide. However, business deals require several meetings before signing the contracts, which can be time-consuming, so be patient and open-minded.
To ensure quick responses, include a UAE number on your business cards and be reachable via WhatsApp. As it is a popular local channel for sharing business documents.
Additionally, respond quickly after leaving the market to avoid a lag and maintain the trust you built during the meeting.
4. Negotiations in Business Dealing
In the UAE, informal conversations are crucial for relationship-building and understanding the hierarchical decision-making process is essential. Emiratis value trust and thorough consideration of all aspects of a deal, so negotiations may proceed slowly.
High-pressure sales tactics are ineffective and are considered disrespectful. Instead, patience and a willingness to compromise are essential during negotiations. It demonstrates alignment with mutual benefits and potential for long-term relationships.
5. Business Cards
The UAE has a relaxed attitude towards business cards due to its international persona. In meetings, cards are typically exchanged with the right hand, as it is impolite to use the left.
All company employees should have a business card with the following details in both Arabic and English:
- Company Name
- Name
- Designation
- Phone number
- Website
6. Respect Islamic Customs
One must respect religious customs, such as the five daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan. Valuing Islamic customs is crucial in UAE society and culture. Businesses in the UAE often adjust their schedules to honour these practices.
Moreover, during Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, exchanging greetings and well wishes with your colleagues is customary. This gesture demonstrates cultural sensitivity and enhances business relationships.
7. Exchange Gifts
Gift-giving should be thoughtful and respectful of Islamic traditions and exchanging extravagant or embarrassing items should be avoided. High-quality pens, small gadgets or books about your home country can be suitable.
You must present and open gifts with both hands. Also, avoid exchanging presents that violate Islamic principles, such as alcohol or pigskin. Moreover, you can also present Eid gifts to show respect and sincerity.
8. Communicate in Arabic
Communication is key in business dealings. The Emiratis are not fluent in English, so there is a high chance of misinterpretation. As a result, consider your speaking speed and avoid Kiwi-ism.
English is a widely spoken language in business, but for most people, it’s their second or third language. To overcome language barriers in the UAE, start by introducing simple Arabic words like ‘As-salaam Alaikum’ or ‘Shukran’.
9. Punctuality
UAE time is more flexible than Western standards, with meetings often starting later than scheduled. The business culture values relationship-building over strict adherence to the clock.
Moreover, it is essential to remain patient and adaptable. Also, you must consider prayer times and religious as well as public holidays in UAE when scheduling meetings, as these can affect availability.
10. Be Cautious With Your Hand and Feet
In the Middle East, showing one’s feet or shoes to anyone is considered insulting. So it is best to keep your feet firmly on the floor during meetings with Emirati business contacts. Crossing legs can lead to pointing at someone without intention.
Also, in the UAE and the Arab world, using your left hand is considered extremely rude while:
- Shaking hands
- Offering or accepting something
- Eating
Therefore, when doing business in the UAE, use your right hand for everything. As it is deeply rooted in Islamic culture and applies to diverse situations.
FAQs
Islamic principles, including honesty, integrity, and fairness, are crucial in business dealings. These principles foster trust and lasting partnerships in the UAE.
Multiculturalism, traditions, and religions influence the UAE’s unique business culture. UAE’s business culture emphasises personal relationships and small talk, even in work meetings.
In the UAE, business cards should be treated respectfully and kept on the table. One must receive the business card with the right hand, as the left hand may be considered unclean.
Islamic principles have a significant impact on UAE’s business etiquette. From greeting your business client or partner to sealing the business deal, the Emiratis observe your behaviours keenly. So, they appreciate it when you know the basic yet impactful UAE business etiquette.
Meanwhile, those looking for a job can check out these top recruitment agencies in Dubai.
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