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| The desert, the pyramids and a line of camels. |
In addition to attracting 10 million tourists a year, Egypt is becoming an important market for businessmen and women. Here are some tips on doing business in Egypt.
Tips on making appointments
* Punctuality is not that much of a priority. Although visitors should make an effort to arrive on time, your contact may be late for an appointment or not show up at all. Keep in mind that Cairo has some of the worst traffic jams in the world. Delays are frequently caused by traffic congestion. * No business is conducted on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Most people don't work on Thursdays, either. The working week takes place from Saturday through Wednesday. * Government hours are 8 to 2. Government offices are closed on either Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday. This is designed to reduce traffic on Cairo streets. * Business hours vary widely. In the winter, many businesses close in the early afternoon and reopen for a few hours in late afternoon. A typical schedule would be 9-13 and 17-19 in the winter and 8-14 in the summer. * Paperwork should include two dates: the Gregorian [Western] date and the Islamic date. Copts have yet another calendar.
Tips on how to dress
* Follow Egyptian standards of modesty. Even though it can be extremely hot, most of the body must remain covered. Refrain from wearing traditional native clothing as Egyptians may find it offensive.
Tips on making conversation
* Egyptians tend to speak at a close distance. If you step back, you may give the impression that you find your counterpart distasteful or that you are a cold person. Conversations often involve touching. * Egyptians like to joke around and make fun of themselves. Egyptian bureaucracy is a favourite target. No matter how self-deprecating their humour gets, you should not make fun of Egypt or the Egyptians. * Topics to avoid include women (inquiring about female members of your counterpart's family) and Israel. Welcome topics include Egyptian cotton or sports (soccer, boxing and swimming).
Tips on how to address people
* Egyptian names may be spelled several different ways in English. Most Egyptians should be addressed by title and surname, just as you would address a Westerner. In writing, use the full name. * Egyptians may address one another in different ways, depending upon the setting. For example, an Egyptian you were on a first-name basis with at a party might address you by your title in a business meeting.
Tips on giving gifts
* Give or receive gifts with the right hand, not the left. Using both hands is acceptable. * Flowers were traditionally used at funerals and weddings and should be given only to very Westernised Egyptians.
Tips on making a deal
* You are required to have an Egyptian agent to do business. If you're doing business in both Cairo and Alexandria, it's recommended that you have a separate agent for each city. * The Egyptians will accept information that does not contradict Islamic values. Compared to other Arabic cultures, they are more open to Western ideas. It should also be noted that many Egyptians are not practicing Muslims and some are Christians. * Women constitute about 10% of the workforce. Most are employed in the professional and service sectors. While there are many female secretaries and physicians, few female executives are to be found. If you encounter a woman decision-maker in business, she will probably be very Western-oriented in her behaviour. * Business will not proceed until your counterpart knows and decides that he likes you. Consequently, the social side of the deal is just as important as the work-related one.
Tips on entertaining
* Do not clean your plate. Leave a small portion to show that you have had enough. When eating in an Egyptian home, adding salt to your food is considered an insult, since this may imply that the dish is bland.
Tips on public behaviour
* A traditional Arab male may not necessarily introduce his wife. If he acts as if she isn't there, you should do the same. * The left hand is considered unclean in the Arab world. Unless you are handling something considered unclean, always use the right. Avoid gesturing with the left hand. * When sitting, keep both feet on the ground, since Arabs do not cross their legs when sitting. Moreover, exposing the bottom of your foot is considered offensive.
| Helpful hints... |
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* The best place to pick up a memory of your trip to Cairo is at the Khan el Khalili bazaar. You can find everything from tacky souvenirs to elegant gold jewellery at this ancient bazaar. Don't forget, haggling is part of the experience, but be respectful. * Felfela is one of Cairo's cheapest and tastiest restaurants serving delicious Egyptian fare. (15 Hoda Sharawi Street, +20 2 392 2833) * If you have time, make sure to visit the Egyptian Museum where you can experience 5000 years of Egyptian history under one roof. The museum store also sells good quality reproductions of popular objects. (Tahrir Square, +20 2 579 6974). |
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