To start:
1. Carry high-quality business materials (English and Arabic)
a. Reports
b. Business Cards
c. Pamphlets
d. Brochures
2. Learn a few phrases in Arabic because its considered to be polite.
This video demonstrates basic greetings
This video demonstrates how to introduce yourself
3. As mentioned in prior pages, do not shake the hand of the opposite gender unless given permission to do so. If not give permission, simply nod.
4. Men should dress in a suit and tie, and women can wear a modest top and slacks.
5. Be on time because being punctuational matters. However, you might be expected to wait for your company to arrive.
6. Building relationships with your partner is important, so do not expect immediate results.
7. You may be invited for a cup of tea or coffee, or for a walk in the park for the first meeting because it is more important to build relationships and trust. It is polite to respond.
a. When out for a cup of coffee, shake the cup to indicate that you are done.
b. Do not have conversations over alcohol.
c. During a meal, reach with the right and never the left.
8. When talking to a group of people, address everyone. You are more likely to see everyone dressed in a similar manner (traditional Arab wear) so it will be difficult to tell who is the boss and who is the assistant.
9. Do not expect to meet the top decision maker because you will have to build your way up to that. Remember trust is important.
10. As mentioned before, do not point and do not show the soles of your feet. Use the whole hand when emphasizing words or phrases and keep feet steady on the ground.
