Golden rules of the Orient

If you want to do business in the city state of Dubaï, you must be well prepared. Here are some useful tips for business visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

OOD MOOD. As soon as you land in Dubai you’ll be struck by the tremendous friendliness of the Arabs. You‘ll be given a charming and interested welcome. Behave in the same way. If you come over as grumpy, impatient or just plain loud you will make few friends here, and you won’t enjoy it much either.

COVER UP. Correct dress style is very important. Women should ensure their shoulders, stomach, knees and cleavage are well covered. See-through and very tight clothes are considered indecent. People do not wish to see lots of male skin either Shorts, bare feet in sandals and open-necked shirts make you appear frivolous. Emiratis will notice if you are wearing designer brands, because they imply prosperity, good manners and respect.

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. You may find certain attitudes and types of behavior rather off-putting. Don’t make a song and dance about it; if you’re about to make a critical remark, or a humorous comment, think better of it. Respect for religion is the basis of all communication in Arab countries.

GREETINGS. You greet the men first, starting with your host. Offer your hand, but let the other man decide how long the handshake is going to last. If the relation-ship is of longer standing it’s normal to embrace and kiss the other person on the cheek. When greeting a woman wait and see if she offers her hand. If she does, make the handshake brief and don’t squeeze too hard. If the woman makes no move, just give her a polite nod. You should never look directly in the eyes of an Arab woman. This is not ignoring her, it is showing her respect.

GO GENTLY. If you want to do business in Dubai you’ll need to be flexible, sensitive and very, very patient. First meetings are for confidence-building. There may be a lengthy succession of meetings before you really get down to business.

PASSING THE TIME. Allow ample time for your business visit. Your opposite number may well postpone the meeting for an hour or two without prior warning. Or for a day.

TALK, TALK, TALK. Good topics of conversation are the nice weather you’re having (don’t complain about the heat), golf, the spectacularly rapid development of Dubai, horse racing and the beautiful coast. Religion and politics are taboo.

TITLES. Holders of academic titles should always be addressed by them. Hence a generous exchange of visiting cards is an important element.

GIFT RANGE. A gift to your host will be appreciated, but it isn’t usual to bring flowers. Picture books and children’s toys usually go down well.

KEEPING TIME. The five daily prayer times are sacred. All discussions will be broken off for these prayers. Take them into account when arranging a meeting.

HANDIWORK. Moslems consider the left hand to be unclean. Left-handers must be particularly careful not to use their left hand. Even giving a brief wave with the left hand would be a mistake.

BON APPETIT. If somebody offers you food or drink, take it with thanks and express fervent appreciation. If no implements are offered, just use your hand. A piece of bread can be used to scoop up food. Don’t over-eat.

NEXT TO GODLINESS. Dubai is a land of sweet odors. Cleanliness is definitely next to godliness. The cleanliness of beaches, streets, public places and restrooms is striking. Do your level best not to get sweaty. And remember to take your shoes off when entering a mosque or private house.

OFF LIMITS. You won’t find alcohol except in hotels and restaurants. It is an offence to drink in the street, in parks or on beaches. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Smoking is also forbidden in ost public places in Dubai.

QUIET ZONE. Everything changes during Ramadan. This fasting period, a vital rule of the Koran, coincides with the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar – this year it ran from 11 August to 9 September. During Ramadan the working day is reduced by two hours. Many shops and restaurants do not open till after sunset.