uae business culture

The UAE is a global business center. Latest Update: November 2020. The World Business’ Culture website serves as the ideal dynamic resource to enable professionals doing business in the UAE to gain the knowledge needed for successful relationship-building and trading in the United Arab Emirates. During Ramadan, one greets by saying 'Ramadan Kareem!' Although the UAE is cosmopolitan and tolerant (80% expatriates), Islam regulates people's laws and attitudes. Managers request input from stakeholders to make decisions, but delegate implementation to team members. Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working. It is imperative to take the time to build personal relationships and establish trust. Santander, Santander Trade and the Flame logo are registered trademarks. Appointments should be made several weeks in advance as a sign of respect and morning meetings are generally preferred. Misunderstanding the culture in the UAE is no exception. Any Comment About This Content? Business meetings can take place in offices, but they can often be informal and take place in restaurants or cafés. Global Business Culture are the world's leading cultural awareness training consultancy. It could be just as likely, if not more probable, that you are liaising with a German or English expat than a local. However, it is easy to navigate, and this helpful guide explains how. Hierarchy tends to be highly vertical. Business culture | Emiratis are known to have very good negotiating skills and the spoken word is valued highly. Cultural considerations. Preparation should be made to accept and give compliments (as the Arabic language is one of hyperbole which lends itself to praise and flattery). All rights reserved. Home » Country Profiles » United Arab Emirates. You should never refuse a gift. One should not feel offended when the host takes telephone calls during a meeting or allows other people to enter. Decision-making is long and any pressure tactic is viewed negatively. Report It to Us. The most important thing to remember is that business etiquette in the UAE is all about respect. Meetings are rarely private. Meetings are rarely private and interruptions can often occur. If an expatriate woman has an appointment with an Emirati man, then she should not directly shake hands but wait until men present theirs. As such, many traditional attitudes and business practices are evolving towards a more westernised approach. Be patient and respectful when meetings begin with trivial small-talk or you are invited out to a meal by a local contact – all are key to the all-important relationship-building process. Trade negotiations demand patience and relationships are often built over a series of meetings. Men should wear a suit and tie while forgoing flashy jewelry; women should opt for modest business attire. This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in United Arab Emirates only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services. For business cards, minimalist white designs with one side printed in English and the other in Arabic are recommended. The Arabic greeting formula is 'essalamu 'aleikum' (may peace be with you), which is replied with 'wa aleikum essalam' (and with you peace). In this year, the UK left its political and military protectorate in the zone after more In comparison to countries in the surrounding region, the UAE is considered one of the least corrupt nations. The UAE is a considerably modern country in relation to the rest of the Middle East region. (blessed Ramadan). This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. A predominately liberal trade regime has contributed to sustaining an impetus for growth in the UAE – which comprises of seven states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. In this year, the UK left its political and military protectorate in the zone after more The holidays can be subjected to variations by virtue of presidential decrees. Business structures tend to be family-based and relationship driven. Networks and exchange of services are very important in the local culture. This festival can shift. By continuing your navigation on our website. Consult a lawyer before signing any document. In the Arab world, more than anywhere else, business is conducted on the basis of personal relationships and mutual trust. If a drink is offered, it should always be accepted as a refusal is considered as impolite. It is also important to avoid prolonged attention towards her. World Business Culture, West Down, Chalk Hill, Soberton, Hampshire SO32 3PH, Legal Notices No matter if you are dealing with a Western expat or a native Emirati you need to have a deep respect and understanding of the Islamic religion, which is enshrined in all aspects of society, including business life. Emiratis are quite informal with respect to the use of visitors' names. 4 days, 60 days after the end of Ramadan and Eid el Fitr. Santander Trade offers a set-content, database and tools provided and managed by Export Entreprises S.A. Santander provides access to its client companies but is totally unrelated to the contents and services provided which are, fully, the responsibility of Export Entreprises S.A. In this period a slowdown of activity should be expected. It is vitally important to build on these. Emiratis have the tendency to grasp hands when greeting for a long time; one should not be surprised and withdraw his/her hand abruptly, but rather wait until the other person finishes the greeting. Business culture The Fundamental Principles of Business Culture. This country profile has been produced to give a short overview of some of the key concepts to bear in mind when doing business with contacts in the UAE. This is the hottest month of the year and most of the Emiratis and expatriates go on vacation at this time. As for alcoholic beverages, it is a controversial topic and those drinks are best left alone in business negotiations. The 30 Free Trade Zones in Dubai, which enjoy benefits of tax exemptions, property ownership and confidentiality amongst other advantages, is another reason why doing business in the United Arab Emirates is an appealing prospect. This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in United Arab Emirates only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services. You should be formal and address the decision maker, the 'Sheikh', throughout your presentation. If there are several persons in the room, one should always greet the oldest person first and then continue greeting counterclockwise. The business culture in the United Arab Emirates is probably different from what you would experience at home. It is important to arrive on time for meetings and not be in a hurry. Always offer your right hand. Family and hospitality are key values. Opening Hours. Face-to-face meetings should be favoured when negotiating in order to strengthen the relationship. Business Culture in the United Arab Emirates Business Culture in the United Arab Emirates. Avoid discussions on any regional conflicts as well as comment that may cause public humiliation. The weekend is Friday and Saturday, which means the working week lasts from Sunday to Thursday. Family – Family and tribal connections form the basis of Emirati social structure. Business Culture in the United Arab Emirates, Recent Developments in Dividends Payment: Tax Optimization and Additional Questions, Portugal: A Country of Contradictions and Balances. Business Culture in the United Arab Emirates Business Culture in the United Arab Emirates. A predominately liberal trade regime has contributed to sustaining an impetus for growth in the UAE – which comprises of seven states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. Cafes, restaurants, and hotels are common places for business meetings. New businesses should nonetheless have some awareness of Arabic culture and the ways of commerce in an Arabian business environment.