The Middle East is predominantly a Muslim region, with different countries operating to varying degrees of strictness. Dubai is very westernised, and Qatar moderately so.
In Qatar, women hold a number of very senior positions and Her Highness Sheika Mozah is a positive role model for women and a visionary in terms of leading the country forward. Many Western women are surprised at the welcome they received and the number of Arabic women in business - so put aside your preconceptions on the role of women!
Some basic Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
use greetings and formalities. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least 'Good morning'
Dress modestly
Watch out for separate counters and lifts for women
Expect that meetings will not start on time or have any agreed timeframe
Expect that meetings will be held at short notice and also cancelled at short notice
To have a lot of meetings in the evenings - there is a culture of 'siesta' in the afternoon and starting again until late in the evening
Don't:
Be offended if your handshake is refused by someone of the opposite sex. It is not impolite, but many religious Muslims would feel uncomfortable shaking hands with non-Muslims. Best to wait to see if they hold out a hand to you
Take photos without seeking permission
Get annoyed with lateness of contacts, meetings….it just is the way business is done - Chill out, and relax, just remember that difference is just that, difference - no one way is either right or wrong.
Working Hours
Government offices tend to work a single shift - 7 am - 2 pm; private companies tend to have a morning and afternoon shift
The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, Friday is the main day of prayer and very little is open until after 4pm
In Qatar, women hold a number of very senior positions and Her Highness Sheika Mozah is a positive role model for women and a visionary in terms of leading the country forward. Many Western women are surprised at the welcome they received and the number of Arabic women in business - so put aside your preconceptions on the role of women!
Some basic Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
Dress modestly
Watch out for separate counters and lifts for women
Expect that meetings will not start on time or have any agreed timeframe
Expect that meetings will be held at short notice and also cancelled at short notice
To have a lot of meetings in the evenings - there is a culture of 'siesta' in the afternoon and starting again until late in the evening
Don't:
Be offended if your handshake is refused by someone of the opposite sex. It is not impolite, but many religious Muslims would feel uncomfortable shaking hands with non-Muslims. Best to wait to see if they hold out a hand to you
Take photos without seeking permission
Get annoyed with lateness of contacts, meetings….it just is the way business is done - Chill out, and relax, just remember that difference is just that, difference - no one way is either right or wrong.
Working Hours
Government offices tend to work a single shift - 7 am - 2 pm; private companies tend to have a morning and afternoon shift
The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, Friday is the main day of prayer and very little is open until after 4pm
