Cross cultural considerations - business wise - Middle East
It’s a fact that the cultural difference between the western culture and the islamic culture is huge. Therefore if you target the Middle East for business possibilities, you must try and know their ways. This will bring honour to your business (perceived by a middle east businessman), opening more doors where better contacts can streamline your business. It’s also a fact that nobody has time to study all the traditions of any given culture.
The Diversity of the Region
These are some useful points that can aid you or introduce you to the Middle Eastern culture, when it comes to doing business. But always bear in mind the diversity of the region - all cultures have a great diversity. By doing such an exercise stereotypes disappear and the barriers of communication are less treacherous. Creating a relaxed and extended atmosphere towards a business meeting at their office or, if possible at a business centrehttp://www.regus.qa/locations/business-centre/doha-airport, this can be considered as neutral grounds. Exposing your resources in the country to the future business partner.
Islam
Pray five times a day - everything revolves around prayers
Friday congregational prayers - obligatory all males attend
Month of Ramadan - avoid doing business
Two Eids - Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan - Eid al-Adha follows the annual pilgrimage they last approximately 3 days
Four kwintessentialhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-middle-east.html points to do business in the middle east
Meeting and Greeting
Traditional Islamic greeting - 'Asalamu alaykum' (peace be with you)
Traditional Islamic reply - 'wa alaykum salam' (and peace be with you)
Handshake - right hand recommended to wait for the other to withdraw
Men holding hands - common not the same connotations as in the western culture
Addressing someone - informal called by name Mr. John
Arab titles - Sayyid (descendant of the Prophet Muhammad), Sheikh (an old man, scholar, leader) and Hajji (one who has performed the pilgrimage)
Business and family
Professional and personal life - the same thing
Decision making - prioritised through personal relationships, family ties, trust and honour
Business relationships - built on mutual friendship and trust
Wasta - biased but common
The power of spoken words
A businessman’s word - connected to his honour
Making promises - only what you can deliver, failure will bring loss of honour
Official meetings
Meeting appointments - not too far in advance, confirm verbally a few days before the meeting
Initial meetings - trust and compatibility test
Chaotic meetings - always ready to exercise patients
Meetings - have circular nature
Punctuality - expected of foreigners
Set meetings - 'mow'id inglizee' (English meeting)
These are only basic outlines that can aid you in a future business meeting. Therefore it’s recommendable to form an own research report on the subject and contrast information. This way, although more time consuming, your business’s chances can escalate. Bringing more confidence to your product and honour in the eyes of the muslim businessmen.
