Understanding Business Culture and Etiquette in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a liberal economic policy which actively promotes foreign investments worldwide. With its strategic geographical location, the UAE has further evolved into a prominent economic hub, attracting business professionals from various corners of the globe. Given that approximately 80% of the UAE population is composed of expatriates, possessing a solid understanding of the local business culture is imperative for fostering smooth interactions with Emiratis.

Greetings

The UAE is a Muslim country with a diversely multicultural community. Therefore, it is essential to get your greetings right. A little research prior to your business meeting in the UAE will go a long way. It might be useful to prepare business cards translated into Arabic before you arrive in the UAE since Emiratis use Arabic in most official documents although they speak English. It is the norm to exchange business cards after introductions have been made. When accepting a business card, either use both hands or only your right hand. The official greeting is "As-salam-alaikum" which translates to "peace be upon you". Typically, one responds to this greeting with, "Wa alaikum as-salam" which translates to "and upon you be peace". Handshakes are the customary form of greeting, however, men are expected to wait until women extend their hand to greet. 

Social Hierarchy in Business

As with any other country, the UAE also has its own culture with regard to the social hierarchy of a business environment. Respect is directly proportional to age and seniority. It is most likely for initial negotiations to take place with juniors while significant decisions are always made by the top-level management. In order to establish trust with Emiratis, it is necessary to have a connection with someone in the UAE who can make introductions. Winning over Emirati businessmen requires time since they are known to cultivate business relationships slowly. Although gender inclusivity has improved over the ages, relatively fewer women are employed in the higher decision-making order and there is a preference for males over females. 

Hospitality

It is a good idea to entertain your business partners, especially during meetings since Emiratis appreciate it as a good gesture. Always offer a beverage during meetings and if you are in turn served any food or drink, it is advisable to accept it cordially because it is discourteous to refuse. Furthermore, expect meetings to be organized at a Business Hotel Abu Dhabi because the capital of UAE is a central hub for business activities with its sophisticated and well-equipped venues including 5-star hotels such as Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi. If your business partners invite you to discuss matters over lunch or dinner at their family homes, expect opposite genders to eat separately, particularly in more conservative families. It is important to respect the cultural norms of Emiratis when doing business with them.

At Meetings

When attending meetings, adherence to the Islamic dress code is not compulsory, but it is crucial to be respectful of local traditions by dressing modestly. It is recommended for men to wear suits and women should ensure that their arms and legs are covered. In addition, Emiratis prefer face-to-face meetings and it is advisable to schedule appointments at least two weeks in advance. Since decision-making is never a rushed process, meetings often take place in informal settings which require a great deal of networking and socializing to seal the deal. While meetings may get interrupted frequently or commence much later than scheduled, visitors should arrive on time and demonstrate professionalism to ensure a successful outcome from the business relationship. High-pressure tactics and direct criticism are rarely appreciated in Emirati business culture. Additionally, it's noteworthy that Emiratis honour verbal deals at the same level as written agreements, thus expecting their counterparts to uphold the same level of commitment.