Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
countries of the region than those who rush in with solutions that are inappropriate to the
context and then feel defeated at the lack of application or implementation.
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
Much of Arab life is underpinned by a sense of 'what will be, will be'. This fatalism stems from Islam and the be-
lief that God determines fate and is reflected in the frequent conversational phrase,
insha'allah,
which literally
means 'if Allah wills it'. A belief in God's will threads through all aspects of life; it informs the response to a car
accident, a soured business deal or the death of a loved one, and it leads to a culture where personal accountabil-
ity and the culture of blame (both closely held Western concepts) have limited meaning.
For the expat who is unaware of this difference, there are many frustrations involved in social and business in-
teractions. For example, when rushing towards a deadline (a moveable concept across the region), it's not unusual
to find colleagues have knocked off for a tea break. But then, from the Arab point of view, what can be more im-
portant than sharing time to discuss the day and swap family news? The deadline will be met if Allah wills it so in
the meantime, take your rest and have a chat. More 'business' is conducted over a
chi libton
(cup of tea) than is
ever concluded after a Powerpoint presentation because in Peninsula society, people come first. To enjoy as well
as to succeed in living and working in the Arabian Peninsula, the expat has to learn to put people first, too, and
the investment in good relations invariably pays unexpected dividends, smoothing the passage of daily life and
opening up social and business opportunities.
Business Etiquette
People from the Arabian Peninsula have been eminent merchants for centuries, with glob-
al trade in copper, frankincense, pearls and, latterly, oil running through their veins.
Inevitably, they have developed highly refined customs and manners when it comes to
commercial interaction and they are always a tad disdainful of their Western counterparts
whose alacrity to get straight down to business shows, in their book, a lack of finesse in
the fine arts of trade.
Though urbane enough to tolerate the mores of their overseas counterparts, Arab busi-
ness people are impressed with good manners. Observing the following courtesies, there-
fore, may just help seal the deal.
Clothing
Wear a suit (with a tie for men) but avoid silk or linen, which crease badly; women should cover knees, cleav-
age and shoulders. Attempts at dressing local-style (in
dishdasha
or
abeyya,
for example) are deemed ridiculous.
Timing
Be on time for meetings but be tolerant of late arrivals (an accepted part of local custom). Avoid meetings or
telephone calls on a Friday, which is the day of prayer and rest; during afternoon siesta (except in the UAE where the
practice is dying out); and in the holy month of Ramadan.
Greeting
Shake hands readily with men but wait for an Arab woman to proffer her hand first. Only use Arab greetings
if you can master them, otherwise stick to formal English. Don't be surprised if people touch their heart after a greeting
(as in Saudi), kisses on the cheek are exchanged between men (as in the Gulf States), noses are knocked or rubbed (as in
areas of Oman) - equally don't try to do the same.
Addressing
Use Arab given names, as opposed to family names. Instead of Mr Al-Wahabbi, it's Mr Mohammed. In the
same way, expect to be called Mr or Ms plus your first name (Mr John or Prof Jane, for example) and don't attempt to
