Doing business & staying in touch

Emirati businessmen are urbane enough to understand and tolerate the mores of their overseas counterparts; nevertheless, a few courtesies can help oil the wheels of business. Smart conservative clothing, which covers the upper arm and lower leg, is expected, despite the often soaring heat.

English is widely spoken in business circles, but translation services are likely to be available. Meetings often start late; as this is an accepted part of local custom, this should not be commented on. The Arabic handshake involves touching the heart with the palm of the right hand after each shake, although visitors should note that when greeting Arab women they should not offer their hand unless the woman extends hers first.

The terms 'Sayed' (Mr) or 'Sayeda' (Mrs), followed by the first name, should be used in greeting, to ensure politeness. It is also very important for visitors never to sit in such a way that their feet are pointing directly at someone else. Causing someone else to lose face, whether a client or colleague, is considered extremely offensive and any criticism or corrections should be kept for private discussions afterwards.

Meetings tend to start with plenty of preliminary chatting before moving onto the serious work and it is considered ill-mannered to 'get straight down to business'. Business meetings in Dubai are often seemingly casual affairs, in cafés or restaurants, although it is easy to be caught off guard, as the pace tends to quicken rapidly and deals are struck in a fraction of the time it can take in Western Europe.

Friday is considered a day of prayer and rest, so meetings should not be scheduled and calls to Arab people should be avoided on this day. Similarly, local people will not answer the telephone during siestas, which are usually taken between 1400 and 1700.

Business socialising in can be quite formal and sometimes lavish. Lunch meetings are more common than evening meetings and visitors should note that sometimes business meals will be served at venues that do not serve alcohol. Asking for alcohol may cause embarrassment and even insult.

Visitors are strongly advised not to initiate discussions on politics, sex or religion. If drawn into any of these topics of conversation, try to avoid personalising your comments.