Arabic Business Culture
The Arabic countries cover the areas of North Africa and the Middle East. With ancient ruins of great civilizations, stunning natural wonders and diverse cultural offerings, Arab countries prove popular tourist destinations. However, with a population well over 200 million, the Arabic world has in the 20th and 21st centuries grown in the business market as well. Business travelers should be aware of certain customs and cultural norms when in the Arab world.
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Introductions
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Business introductions are social affairs. Initial business meetings are almost entirely a social affair in the Arab world. Don't put too much on the agenda for a first meeting. According to Soumaya Khalifa, a diversity consultant specializing in Arab countries, during an initial meeting, you may find more coffee drinking and friendly chats than actual business discussion. The point of the initial meeting is to get to know one another on a personal level. Personal relationships are of paramount importance in Arab business deals.
Time
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Arabic cultures tend to have a relaxed attitude towards time, even within the business and professional world. Lateness beyond what is considered acceptable in the United States or Europe is not uncommon. Meetings may also be interrupted, even multiple times. Because of this relaxed attitude, it is considered very rude to look at your watch during a meeting. If possible, try not to schedule any engagements directly after business meetings as time constraints are rarely enforced, and your meeting may go longer than expected.
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Language
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Even if you don't speak Arabic, it will be greatly appreciated to learn some basic phrases and greetings. If you have a translator, be aware that spoken dialects vary from country to country within the Arab world. If you are speaking in English, try to avoid idioms and slang as they may get lost in translation. Unless your host has significant experience with idiomatic English from your country, stick to basic, formal English. You don't want to accidentally offend prospective business partners by using an informal expression that they can misinterpret as an insult.
Faith
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A mosque is the holy place of prayer for Muslims. You can find followers of many faiths in the Arab world, though according to the Federation of American Scientists, Islam is the most prevalent. Be aware that religion has a varying impact on business practices depending on the country. In every Arabic country, try to avoid scheduling meetings on Fridays. Friday is the holy day of rest in Islam and the day when many Muslims visit the mosque to pray. Ramadan is a holy month whose dates change yearly based on the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, practicing Muslims traditionally fast from sunrise to sundown. If you must do business in an Arab country during the month of Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in the presence of Muslim colleagues or business associates.
Considerations
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Learning some Arabic will endear you to your hosts. When traveling and completing international business deals, it is always a good idea to be as culturally sensitive and aware as possible. However, it is quite common for many business professionals to have previous experience with Western associates. Some may have university or work experience in the United States or Europe. They may have some familiarity with Western business practices and thus be forgiving of any faux pas you may accidentally commit.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dubai creek view image by JULOR from Fotolia.com Turkish coffee. image by Crusted from Fotolia.com mosque 3 image by Dusan Radivojevic from Fotolia.com peace! in arabic: salam image by Tristano Ajmone from Fotolia.com
