Understanding the unwritten rules to gain the competitive edge. Almost all official documents, forms, laws and decrees are in Arabic. Please take a moment to review our terms and conditions and privacy policy. These local customs may seem strange to you, especially if it’s the first time you’ve been to an Arab country. The customary greeting is “As-salam alaikum" (peace be upon you), to which the reply is "Wa alaikum as-salam” (and upon you be peace). Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates, Company Formation / UAE Business Start-up Services. Most Arab people won’t say anything if you break an etiquette rule, and a simple apology will usually suffice to move past the mistake. Headscarves aren’t required of for… Only use your right hand to eat or accept food. However, although the national culture revolves around the religion of Islam, other religions are also respected and churches and temples can be found alongside mosques. When visiting any country, it is crucial to be well-aware of local customs. By clicking “I agree” below, you agree to our terms and conditions and consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. Cultural Emirati foods include chabab bread, Lugaimat (a famous dessert), machboos, and a few others. It’s recommended that you follow a traditional Arab dress code while traveling in the Middle East. While it is always better to know and understand about the culture of the planned destination, it also adds to ones’ general knowledge. Appointments should be made no more than two weeks in advance and confirmed a few days before the actual meeting as priorities may change. Macclesfield, UAE Culture, Customs And Etiquette 1. Friday and Saturday are the official days of rest, though in some cases, people will work Saturday. Copyright © Arab Academy. Arabic is the most commonly spoken language, followed by English, French, Russian, Hindi and more. 3. 1. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. When entering a meeting, general introductions will begin with a handshake. +44 (0) 1298 79562, Website There are many holy sites in Arabic countries, and you must treat them with utmost respect. All Rights Reserved. Geography and Nature A Birth of a Country The UAE Rulers (Sheikhs) The Original Citizens Immigration, Career and Government Authorities Courtesy Policy Do and Don’t Driving In UAE Holidays and Anniversaries Avoid shaking hands with a woman unless they extend their hand first. As a result the UAE is regarded as relatively liberal within the region and provides schools, cultural centres and restaurants catering for international cultures. The UAE has a diverse and multi-cultural society, and 80% of the UAE population are expatriates. The Islamic dress code is not compulsory. If you are a first-time visitor in the UAE, there are certain things you should […] Just like most of the other countries in the world, western culture has played a part in shaping the cuisine of the UAE. Of course, while it’s best practice to try and always follow local customs, there may still be times where you slip up. There are many exhibitions that take place in the UAE with some of the largest regional events held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The UAE is a considerably modern country in relation to the rest of the Middle East region. Face-to-face meetings are preferred as phone or emails are sometimes seen as impersonal. Personal relationships are key to doing business in the UAE. Overview. Saying “no” too much can be offensive. 2. UK exporters are encouraged to have a face-to-face business dialogue with their UAE counterparts. Modesty is important in Arab countries, and the most visible form of modesty is the way you dress. The working week traditionally starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. I agree. It is advised that you consult a lawyer prior to signing an agreement in the UAE. If traveling to the Middle East, Arabic is the language to learn. The working week within the private sector is Sunday-Thursday from 9am-5pm and within the public sector Sunday-Thursday from 7:30am-2:30pm (some offices are open until 4pm). Visit: https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays, IMA Ltd (on behalf of the Institute of Export & International Trade) See the ‘Resources’ section for details. In Azeri culture it is the thought behind the gift, rather than the price, that matters. English is widely spoken throughout the country. While it’s still your right to accept or decline the invitation based on the situation, eating in someone’s home can be an edifying and memorable experience. Arab countries are very religious, and the people are often very open about their religion. Drinking alcohol is permitted but being drunk is often considered socially unacceptable. www.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk, Newsdesk & out of hours SK11 7NA Traditionally, the people of the UAE (who are known as the Emiratis) have had their staple foods as rice, meat, and, seafood. Visit our Arabic courses pages to learn more about our offerings! It is also preferable to establish new business contacts via an introduction by mutual contact, exhibitions, networking receptions or through the Embassy in the form of an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS). You should greet each of your Emirati counterparts individually. Meetings should be scheduled in advance with extra time allocated in case it should go on longer or start later than anticipated. You should respect and be aware of local traditions and sensitivities and always behave and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. More likely than not, you’ll get invited to eat in at least one person’s home while you’re visiting. Some places have more cultural rules than others, and the Middle East is one of those places. Personal contact with potential and existing partners/clients and regular visits to the market are of the utmost importance and it is natural for the business relationship to be built with time. If you decide to visit a mosque or other kind of religious site, be aware that women must wear headscarves and men may be required to wear a head covering, as well. Most UAE Emirati males wear a kandura, an ankle length white shirt and most Emirati women wear an abaya, a black flowing-over garment covering most of the body. Therefore, it helps to have a working knowledge of the language. 2nd Floor, 32 Park Green, Through an OMIS, the Embassy in the UAE can provide a programme-arranging service, whereby your company would be introduced to the most appropriate contact and an appointment can be confirmed on your behalf.