Business Etiquette in Arabic Cultures

Practicing proper business etiquette is always important, but it is particularly necessary to brush up on your business etiquette when dealing in international business. Each country and culture has different ideas about proper business etiquette. Within the Arab world, practicing the proper Arabian business etiquette is paramount. In business, as well as in their everyday lives, Arabic countries value order, rules and tradition.

If you are negotiating business deals with an Arabian client, partner or company, it is important to understand Arabian business meeting etiquette. Understanding and practicing traditional Arabian business etiquette, as well as showing respect for Arabian and Islamic values, will likely help you gain respect – and business – from Arabic clients.

Arabic Culture, Values, and Business Etiquette

In order to understand Arabian business etiquette, it is necessary to first understand the religion, politics and social structure of the Arabic world.

Islam is the primary religion practiced throughout the Arab world. Islamic beliefs heavily influence day-to-day Arab social customs, as well as proper Arabian business etiquette. Drinking alcohol and eating pork, shellfish, and poultry are forbidden by Islamic custom. While not absolutely forbidden, consuming caffeine and nicotine are also discouraged.

Islamic Rule of Law is a system of government that dictates the political, social and economic atmospheres of Arab countries. A wide range of cultural principles - from the way women dress, the rules for marriage, to punishment for crimes - is outlined according to the Islamic rule of law (also referred to as Sharia).

Specific aspects of Islamic Commercial Law may affect your business transactions, particularly if you are marketing products in the Arab world. There are several general themes that define Islamic Commercial Law. These include:

  • masculinity
  • obedience
  • tradition.

Customarily, to gain respect in the Arab world – both in business and beyond – one should respect, and follow, their rules and guidelines. Traditionally, Arab punishments for lawbreakers are strict and unyielding. These values translate to the rules and laws of the Arab business world.

The Arab world follows a caste system that traditionally prevents mobility between classes. It is generally very difficult to progress from the lower class to the wealthy upper class. The strict social structure of this caste system translates directly into the world of business; power and authority are highly valued in Arab business transactions.

Other values respected in Arab countries include:
  • consistency
  • loyalty
  • predictability
  • respect for authority.

Arabian Business Meeting Etiquette

Practicing proper business meeting etiquette is very important in Arab countries. Here are some business etiquette tips that, when put into practice, will help you demonstrate your cultural understanding and respect.

  • Business Dinners: Islamic law prohibits the consumption of meat, including beef, pork, fish and poultry. Out of respect, you may want to avoid eating meat yourself while at a business dinner, as some Arabs may find this offensive. Additionally, if you are choosing a restaurant for a business meeting, ensure that there are vegetarian meal options available.

  • Greetings: The traditional Islamic greeting exchanged in Arab countries is "Assalamo Alaikum," which translates to "May peace be upon you and may God's blessings be with you." You could use this translation in place of the English "Hello" or "Good morning."
  • Meetings: Islamic culture values structure and order. Therefore, you may want to make sure that you have a well-defined plan for your business meeting. You may also want to write up an agenda for your meeting. Properly communicating your plan will demonstrate not only your organization and business savvy, but also your knowledge of Arabic culture and values. You will also want to translate this agenda into Arabic.
  • Translations: You will probably want to have an Arabic interpreter or translator at your business meeting if your clients are not fluent in English. Additionally, it may be useful to have an Arabic translation of each of the documents you will refer to during your meeting. This will help facilitate communication with your Arab business partners, as well as demonstrate that you are willing to "go the extra mile" for them.

Additionally, showing the sole of one’s shoe to another person is considered to be extremely offensive in Arab countries, as shoes are considered unclean. Therefore, you should refrain from putting your ankle on your knee during a business meeting, or sitting in such a way that reveals the soles of your shoes to your Arab business partners.

You may also want to refrain from the following during your interactions with Arab business partners:

  • consuming caffeine
  • drinking alcohol
  • smoking cigarettes.
Each of these practices is generally discouraged in Islamic culture and should therefore be avoided, unless your Arab clients specify otherwise.

Business Etiquette Tips Specific to Different Arab Countries

In addition to the above aspects of Arabian business etiquette, many Arab countries have their own unique nuances. Here is an outline of proper business etiquette specific to particular Arab countries:
  • Bahrain: People in Bahrain value friendliness and warmth, and this translates directly into the business world. When conducting business in Bahrain, be sure to make direct eye contact with your clients. Additionally, people in Bahrain often greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.

  • Kuwait: Kuwaitis prefer to do business with personal friends or colleagues; therefore, in Kuwait, you may have a few personal outings or several business meetings with your clients before your transaction is finished. Additionally, Kuwaitis value patience. Kuwaiti business people will appreciate any effort you make to interact socially before conducting business; in many cases, this is expected.

  • Oman: In Oman, business meetings are formal affairs, and business attire should reflect this formality. Suits and ties are the generally accepted attire at meetings in Oman. While English is primarily spoken at business meetings in Oman, business people will likely appreciate if you use a few key Arabic phrases in your interactions.

    Professionals in Oman also value punctuality and put a heavy reliance on business cards as a way of networking. Therefore, you may want to bring plenty of business cards – translated into Arabic - to a meeting in Oman.

  • Qatar: In Qatar, it is improper business etiquette to ask members of the opposite sex to meet alone with you or in a closed room. If it is necessary to meet with a member of the opposite sex confidentially, make sure that you have a third party present.

  • Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, foreigners must obtain official government permission to cross the country’s borders, so the necessary documents must be obtained before conducting business in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, Westerners are subject to Saudi Islamic law, which bans alcohol, drugs, pornography and pork products, among other things. It is extremely important to follow Saudi Islamic Law, as exceptions are generally not granted and the law is taken extremely seriously.

  • United Arab Emirates (including Dubai): In the UAE, business meetings are often conducted in the lobbies of large hotels, as these rooms are often convenient to traveling business people and give attendants easy access to refreshments.

    Similarly, in the UAE, translating all of the necessary documents to Arabic is proper business etiquette.

  • Yemen: In Yemen, business meetings are often extravagant affairs called qat. For qat, attendees are often expected to bring tobacco and coals for smoking. Smoking generally commences at the beginning of a business meeting, and traditionally, pipes are passed among attendees for the duration of the meeting. It is considered rude to keep the pipe for too long, and customary to only take the pipe with your right hand.