Doing business in the Middle East

Doing business in an entirely different part of the world demands the ability to be able to adapt and place yourself in someone else’s shoes. Many aspects of Middle Eastern business culture contrasts with the Western way of doing things. In order to help get you started, our translators have set out a few tips for you.

Tip 1: How business is seen

In the Arabic world, doing business is seen as a personal thing. People are less focussed on the company behind the person than the person themself. It will always work better therefore if there is one permanent point of contact for the company, someone who also has a permanent backup in place. You will be able to build up a good rapport in this way so that your business partner will be more likely to place their orders with you.

Tip 2: Practices and customs

Shaking hands is an important and positive gesture in most business cultures and that applies here as well. The hand is shook firmly and not too briefly. Pleasantries are exchanged at the same time and a positive wish is often expressed, for the health of the entire family, for example.
Business gifts are only exchanged at a subsequent meeting. When the purpose of the meeting is to get to know each other first then it isn’t necessary to bring a gift with you but, if you do, it shouldn’t be too expensive. A bunch of flowers would be sufficient, for instance.