I’m truly fascinated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It seems to be a world full of excess, much like the mid 1980’s here in the United States, but in a different way, one in which there is the benefit of new technology to boot. This is demonstrated in everyday life with the driverless metro rail, indoor skiing and Ferrari World. Even the police get to get in on the fun with access to driving exotic cars like Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. And Masdar City, within Abu Dhabi aims at being the world’s most eco sustainable place.
In a country with so much money, a product of oil wealth, business is booming. Even with the economic troubles of 2008, knowing your way around business etiquette in the UAE is key.
- Take your time when getting to know your business partners and treat everyone equally (although don’t extend your hand to the opposite sex!). Unlike in the United States, bluntness and directness is not valued. Instead leisurely small talk to help determine if that person is the right business partner, is preferred.
- Patience is a virtue. Don’t expect to be able to keep a strict time schedule. As mentioned above those in the UAE like to take their time and often show up late to meetings, step out to take calls and meeting times are often extended due to this.
- Lastly, don’t forget to mind your manners. This might seem like a no brainer but profanity or making disparaging remarks about Islamic culture, even in a joking manner, will get you fined and or jailed – not exactly the best way to wrap up a business trip.
The UAE can be an exciting pace to do business and even more exciting as an entrepreneur. With government subsidies, tax breaks and the ease in which to start your own business, it will be easy fall in love with this exciting country. Just make sure to noe the cultural differences so as to maximize the potential of your business and business relationships.
Khan, T. (2017, August 02). 10 Fun Facts About the United Arab Emirates. Retrieved from https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2017/08/04/facts-united-arab-emirates/
Petch, N. (2016, August 24). The Do’s And Don’t’s Of Doing Business In Dubai. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/281347
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