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Doing business in the desert
Text: Complied by Nisan Danisman from www.executiveplanet.com
The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971 with Abu Dhabi as its capital. However, Dubai is the centre of business and tourism. This is a tax-free haven?over 80% of the population are non-local. This is a new land of opportunity where money can buy anything. Whitney Houston is giving a concert on Valentine's Day and the shopping festival begins the next day.
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Tips on making appointments
Businesses in the UAE open at about 9.00, close for most of the afternoon and then re-open from late afternoon until mid-evening. In the winter, most places work from 9 to 6.
As in the west, the basic working week is 5 days, save that the week begins on Saturday. Government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday. Private companies close on Friday and Saturday or just Friday.
If you make an appointment at government office, be prepared to see someone other than the person you made the appointment with or to share with other visitors. If your matter is confidential, ask to speak in private.
Tips on how to dress
Women may dress in a Western style. Still, avoid overtly revealing clothing. In the evening, women can dress more freely.
Tips on making conversation
As the UAE is so cosmopolitan, the likelihood is that one will find oneself dealing with other nationalities (except for government business). Conversational manners should, therefore, adapt to the nationality of the host.
Tips on how to address people
The use of first names denotes more familiarity than in the west. "Bin" (or ben or ibn), preceding a name means "son of." "Bint" means "daughter of". A man becomes known to his friends as "Abu" [father of], followed by the name of his son. Somewhat less common is the female equivalent "Umm" [mother of].
Tips on giving gifts
Gifts can be a problem in the UAE because virtually everything can be purchased there less expensively than anywhere else. A further complication is the mixture of nationalities. One would not give the same present to a Dubaian (who appreciates traditional perfume) as to an Egyptian.
Any gift must be the best affordable. A carpet must, for example, be handmade. Never buy gold jewellery or silk garments for men.
As a gesture of respect, the recipient is likely to open and examine the gift in the presence of the giver.
Traditional perfume is the gift most appreciated by Arabians. Just as in Europe a man displays his status by his tailoring, so in Arabia he does so by his scent. Perfume should be given to women only by other women or close relatives. Be careful to buy the best quality perfume. Do not be deceived by cheaper synthetics.
Tips on making a deal
The UAE encourages foreign enterprise. Generally, one need only satisfy financial criteria to open a business, with the result that most businesses are foreign owned and run. Etiquette may vary according to nationality but the following guidelines apply when dealing with people from anywhere in Arabia:
Once seated, crossing legs is perfectly acceptable, provided one does not direct the sole of the foot to an individual.
Business cards are common but not essential. English is the language of commerce so they do not need to be in Arabic. You can have English and Arabic printed one on each side of the same card.
Business proceeds at two rates: snail's pace and light speed. There seems to be nothing in between, which discourages foreigners by making it impossible to judge progress. After several lengthy but fruitless visits, the western businessman may be told his work required "overnight."
Until the discovery of oil, the emirates produced nothing except Dubaian pearls. There was no industry, only trading. Over the centuries, this merchant culture produced the shrewdest bargainers in the world. However, you cannot bargain in shopping malls. You can bargain on electronic goods.
Tips on how to behave in public
It is improper to eat with the left hand. One should avoid offering or handing someone something with the left hand.
Whilst loud speech and raucous laughter are deplored as vulgar, firm embraces, kissing on both cheeks and walking hand-in-hand are customary. These are gestures of close, brotherly friendship and have no sexual implications whatever.
Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri United Arab Emirates Doing business in the desert Çöldeki iş cenneti
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