Business Etiquette in Dubai
Dubai has developed over the past three decades into a location where international professionals can meet to engage in negotiations. According to the government of Dubai, the country has become the largest reexporting center in the Middle East, which is why professionals from other countries should learn the basics of Dubai professional etiquette to secure business deals and build solid work relationships.
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Greetings
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When doing business in Dubai, it is proper etiquette to shake hands with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. It is also inappropriate for a man to shake hands with a woman, unless the woman extends her hand first. International professionals should be sure to acknowledge each person in the room before the business meeting begins, and should take a few minutes to engage in small talk before getting down to business. As in many professional settings, discussions involving politics, sex or religion should be avoided.
Body Language
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Hand gestures should not be used in excess when attending business meetings in Dubai. When a professional needs to indicate something with her hands, it is considered rude to point--using the entire hand is best. This goes the same for men. It is important to sit up straight during meetings and to avoid crossing your legs, as slouching and crossed legs are considered improper behavior. Professionals should refrain from checking watches or wireless devices in a meeting; this gesture sends a message that the businessperson is bored.
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Business Hours
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It is not proper to schedule a business meeting on Friday in Dubai, as Friday is considered a day of prayer and rest; it is also not appropriate to call Arab professionals on this day to discuss business. People in Dubai also take siestas daily, which are usually between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m.; business meetings are not to be scheduled during this time. Standard business hours in Dubai are Sunday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless a nap is happening.
Translators
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It is acceptable etiquette for international professionals to request that a translator be present at business meetings. Some companies in Dubai do not permit female translators, so international businesspeople should do research to figure out which organizations will permit this. Proper etiquette also suggests presenting business cards that are translated in Arabic on one side.
Business Meals
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It is quite common for professionals in Dubai to schedule a lunch meeting with clients. Discussing business over a meal is considered acceptable etiquette. Lunch meetings are scheduled much more often than dinner negotiations, as businesspeople in Dubai prefer to be finished with work at 5 p.m. Professional meetings may take place at restaurants that do not serve alcohol; it is best not to order alcoholic beverages with a meal, as this could cause embarrassment and may be offensive.
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References
- Photo Credit Dubai image by Martin Kienemund from Fotolia.com
