One of the basic foundations to connect with other cultures is to remove any misconceptions and set aside all perceptions and begin relationships by:
- observing cultural norms without judgement
- asking sincere questions about what you see and experience
- reflecting on feedback including body language
- adapting behavior when neccessary
When learning about culture and building business relationships in the region, my workshops consider 4 categories that build awareness and cultural intelligence.
Social
Opening a meeting with small talk is a way to gather important information when meeting someon new. Our first impression and how we establish respect with any new acquaintance depends on these very important communications. Some minimum protocols start with understanding acceptable social norms in a different cultural environment.
Social TIps:
Learn the common greeting, Asalam Alikum (peace be with you) and few other words. This show geniune interest and an effort to adapt.
Understand the protocols of western greetings like a handshake bow. method of greetings, do you bow, shake hands or hug and kiss? most Arabs follow shaking hands that is man to man, while women to women do kiss and hug, when greeting the opposite gender some Arab women prefer not to shake hands with a stranger, so wait for her to extend her hand first.
The gender protocol continues when dealing with women, such as proximity, keep a proper distance and no touching.
Most Arabs follow the tradition of that when exiting a door, we start from the right the same goes for when we serve the guests. You’ll also come across where men will lead the women by being first to exit a door or walk in hallway, that is showing respect to a woman rather than follow from behind, when in public places walking side by side is the norm.
While interacting, we prefer a dialog not an argument nor an interview, speak honestly, openly. Ask deep question and not too general yet not too personal, avoid politics and religion initially, listen deeply and disagree respectfully.
Religious considerations, while in an Arab, Muslim country planning must take to consideration that Friday is a holly day and is strictly for worship and family for the majority as the rule nothing applies on everyone!
Of course, the prohibitions such as alcohol and pork in or outside of the Arabian region should be disused with the person you are inviting to see what is and is not acceptable to them, most of us prefer a business function or a gathering that offers neither, and always remember functions on Thursday night are not welcome due to the fact that Friday has began same as the Sabbath in Judaism the lunar day starts after sunset.
When in a Muslim country as a courtesy meeting scheduled during prayer, should at least have a provision for prayer break.
On the other hand, Calls during prayer time, for me it shows lake of cultural awareness and appropriation when you call me during prayer time and or scheduled a meeting at prayer time, while having no clue, whilst you are living and doing business with Muslims and are in a Muslim country.
And always keep in mind Islamic calendar, Ramadan, learn about do’s and don’ts. Eid celebration what it means and how you can be a part of it? Make sure you are well informed on all these special occasions as there is a lot to be considered here, your awareness shows a great deal of respect.
You will find few of my writings covering most of these topics on our blog ……. Or my LinkedIn @Nasifkayed
Legal considerations;
The true values of what Arabs stand for are hospitality, Honesty, and honour. That’s why trade has been integral to the Arabs, history, culture, in the region at large.
We welcome you with great hospitality, we honour the deal and we are honest and that’s why people still trade with us from long a go from all over the world, while that has been somewhat affected by greed and globalism. Be mindful, that we still prefer a fair deal is fair for both or all parties involved. When in conflict, lawyers and court system is a last resort we prefer peaceful, yet courteous and just resolutions to problems, while some countries and people opt and resort to the Shariaa` law jurisprudence, so you need to be aware of it.
Business consideration;
First is first, know the name of whom you need to deal with, learn to say the actual name correctly, we use first name not last names, and the appropriate way to connect with them and keep in mind same pear is relatively important to most.
Timing and punctuality, while there is a myth that we are always late, don’t take that with a grain of salt, be on time and dress in a modest business attire.
Small talk before business, but not about politics and religion or questions like what do all Arabs do, or do all Muslims pray five times a day? like I mentioned earlier in a genuine dialog ask about me and things that reflect my personality and interest, like what does a day look like in your daily life?
Be patient, we do like to take our time in making decision’s particularly on new ventures, and if you are familiar with our cultural values, we are a collective society so we will need to have the advice and at times the approval of those who are close to us.
Depending on who is your contact, know their position, we are a high-power society so the decision must come from the top, so I advise that if the matter requires quick attention and of great importance then it should be handled by the high powers of both sides.
Arabs also fall in the high context meaning indirect communication, so listen and pay attention to comments on what you are presenting, reflect and ask.
Contracts or agreements need to be fair like I mentioned earlier and can’t be one-sided, it is the relation ship with whom we doing business with is what matters most, not the legal terms and conditions we place in a contract, long term relationships in trading are evident if you look around you will come to realise that these relation ships are passed on throughout generations.
In summery knowing the Arab culture, history, faith and habits helps a great deal in a paving the way to a constructive relation ship that is beneficial for all those who are involved.
In my field of training, assisting and consulting for companies I emphasise on investing on learning and preparing before proceeding, different companies have different strategies and in doing business in the MiddleEast you can go very far if you have the knowledge and are welling to invest in the relationship rather in constructing a deal.
Be aware of not falling for the advice of a conscious bias people or a writer as I always say nothing applies to all people and all situations, look around there are many successful companies and people throughout the Arab world, I’m sure you can be the next one, Insha`Allah.