Briefcase
Travel to the Middle East may be quite different than what you are used to, but business is brisk in several parts of that region. Learn about the culture and traditions of each country before you travel. Although cultural norms will differ from country to country, a basic set of standard etiquette will be expected from your hosts in the Middle East.
Dress and Appearance
In Turkey and Arab countries, business dress is formal; wear a dark suit and tie. In other Middle Eastern countries, business casual dress is acceptable.
In some countries in the Middle East, women are required to wear veils or have their hair covered in public. Female executives traveling to the Middle East should take care to heed particular policy for the country in which they will be conducting business. The mixing of men and women is also forbidden in certain countries.
Religion
The major religion in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel) is Islam. The religion is such a prominent part of daily life in those countries that a basic knowledge of general Islamic practices is critical.
Alcohol and pork are not consumed.
Prayers are said five times per day and all business ceases during prayer times.
Avoid traveling to Middle Eastern countries during the holy month of Ramadan. The dates of Ramadan change each year, as it is based on the Islamic calendar, not the Western calendar.
Two major celebrations, Eid al-Fitr, following Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, following the annual pilgrimage, occur every year. Business shuts down for several days during those celebrations. Some businesses will close for longer periods of time around these festivals.
Meetings
Handshakes are a customary greeting and may be lengthy. With more familiar contacts, a hug is also expected. Be aware that men hold hands with other men as a form of courtesy.
Business cards are an essential part of business in the Middle East. Have your card printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other if traveling to an Arab nation (never assume that all Middle Easterners are Arabs; as in other parts of the world, the Middle East is home to many different ethnicities who may be offended if you identify them as some other ethnicity).
Be prompt for meetings; business people in the Middle East expect meetings to begin on time.
Be prepared for meetings to be long and unorganized. Your hosts will also want to engage in a fairly long period of negotiation. Bartering is a strong part of the culture in the Middle East. A quick "no" will be seen as rude and you will most likely be dismissed. Instead, participate in negotiation as the game that it is considered.
Make sure to only make promises that you can keep. Your word is considered as valid as a contract to many Middle Eastern business people. Failing to stick to your word will cause you to be seen as untrustworthy and dishonest. If you are not certain you can fulfill a request, make it clear that you will try to do so, but don't promise results.
Tags: Middle East, Middle Eastern, business people, countries business, Eastern countries
