7 Tips On Doing Business With The Arabs.

7 Tips On Doing Business With The Arabs.

The Living Legend

Ahmad Javed Kamran Amiri

Dated: Sunday 5^th January 2020

[Business between the Middle East and the West has grown tremendously in the last 40 years. Cultural differences sometimes cause problems in carrying out business transaction. This article gives suggestions to Western business men and salesmen who do business in the Arab world; It is intended to help them understand polite customs and practices in the Middle East.]

1.         Arabs are considering it extremely bad manners to start talking business immediately and even the busiest government official or executive always takes extra time to be polite and offer refreshments. No matter how busy you are, you should make time for this hospitality.

2.         The “conference visit” is a way of doing business throughout the Arab world and frequently, you will have to discuss your business in the presence of strangers, who may or may not have anything to do with your business. You do not have to be surprised if your meeting is interrupted several times by people who come into the room unannounced or without saying, without knocking, without informing, you have to whisper, or speak softly to the person with whom you are talking, and leave when you finished your words. You have to act as though you do not hear, and never show displeasure at being interrupted in a meeting or conference.

3.         As others making decisions quickly or taking a quick decision is not an Arab custom; there is a vagueness is doing business in the Middle East which will puzzle a newcomer. You have to give yourself lots of time and ask lots of questions.

4.         One of the most important qualities is Patience, may you have to wait or you may have to wait for two or three days to see high-level government officials as they are very busy, so give yourself enough time.

5.         Personal relationships are very important; they are the key points to doing business in Arab countries or with the Arab people. Try to identify the decision-maker regarding your product or service immediately and get to know on a friendly basis. Do your homework and be prepared to discuss details of your product or proposal. Be ready to answer technical questions.

6.         You have to familiarize yourself with the Moslem and their national holidays. Avoid a visit during Ramadan month, the Moslem month of fasting. Most Arab countries have a six day workweek from Saturday through Thursday; when matched with the Monday to Friday practice in most Western countries, it leaves only three and a half workdays shared. Remember this in planning your appointments. Moslems do not eat pork. Some are strict about the religion’s prohibition against alcoholic beverages; when / if you are not sure about it, wait for your host to suggest the proper thing to drink and what not to drink.

7.         When an Arab says yes, he may mean ‘’maybe’’ when he says maybe, he probably means ‘’no.’’ you will seldom get a direct ‘’no’’ from an Arab because it is considered impolite. Also, he does not want to close his option. Instead of ‘’no’’ he will say ‘’inshallah, ‘’which means, ‘’ if God is willing. ‘’ On the other hand, ‘’yes’’ does not necessarily mean ‘’yes’’. A smile and a slow nod might seem like an agreement, but in fact, your host is being polite, An Arab considers is impolite to disagree with a guest.