Qatar Business Etiquette

Late-night business dinners are common in Quatar

Qatar is an Arab emirate in the Middle East and is rich in oil and gas reserves. That makes it a popular destination for international business executives who are involved in energy and related industries. Successfully doing business in Qatar will require patience and an understanding of the business culture, which is usually more relaxed than the pace of business in Western countries.

Meetings

Don't request midday meetings; meetings are generally held in the mornings and evenings. You can impress your Qatari contacts by learning a few greetings or words in Arabic. Your business card should be printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other. You should accept refreshments during your meeting, including tea and coffee.

Socializing

Attending late-night dinners is an important part of business socializing in Qatar, and your attendance when invited is vital, according to the United States Department of Commerce. The chamber says relationships established during business dinners or breaks during the day for tea are more important than having a good product or service.

Conversation

Eye contact is important during conversation, but avoid bringing up politics, sex and especially religion. A person can be deported from the country for engaging in certain conversations about religion, such as suggesting that someone convert to another faith. Safe topics include family, children and general discussions about weather or shopping. You should not ask a member of the opposite sex to speak with you behind closed doors. If you need privacy, you can meet in a room, but leave the door open and make sure you are clearly visible through the door. Men should not object to a woman bringing a close relative to a private meeting. Such a tactic is meant to show that the meeting with you is not of a romantic nature.

Handshakes

Generally you should avoid all physical contact such as hugs, draping your arm around someone's shoulder or giving him a pat on the back. However, men may shake the hand of a Muslim woman if she initiates the handshake. A woman intending to shake the hand of a Muslim man must wait for him to initiate the offer. Women are advised not to stand or sit too closely to men, because that could be interpreted as a sign of romantic interest.

Punctuality

Arriving late usually does not merit an apology, and you should not show signs of frustration or aggravation if your hosts are frequently late for meetings. Business matters are conducted at a slow pace, and it is considered rude if you seem to be in a hurry or are constantly glancing at your watch. Qatari business executives are usually reluctant to agree to meetings weeks or even days in advance. Seeking meetings the same day is generally considered a better tactic--and don't be surprised if your meeting is cancelled or changed, for example, if your host has a development with his family that he must attend to.

References

• United States Department of Commerce: Qatar Business Etiquette and Customs
• Qatar Visitor: Qatar Cultural Pointers