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Business Etiquette

Your How-To Guide to Succeeding in Dubai.Dubai is a place where business gets done. Opportunities for entrepreneurial expats are wide and the creation of a number of ’freezones’ means that you can set up a business without a local partner. Arabic is the official language but most business people speak English.Dubai is made up of two halves, Deira and Bur Dubai, separated by a Creek. The airport, to the southeast of Deira, is a short taxi ride away. The business district is centred around the World Trade Centre and the flash new office blocks on Sheikh Zayed Road. The new downtown is however shifting to what is now dubbed as ’New Dubai’.The native ’Emirati’ of Dubai - which make up just 20 per cent of the population - are known for their hospitality and politeness. Gushing compliments go down well, as do enquiries about family, although do not ask a man specifically about his wife or daughter. Suitable smalltalk includes joking about the weather or Dubai’s notoriously bad traffic.Business cards are vital when making contacts. When receiving a card, study it with scary intensity before stowing in a card holder (rather than your pocket or wallet). If working permanently in Dubai, get your cards printed in Arabic on one side.Timekeeping is important, so try to be punctual. If a meeting starts late, don’t mention the fact to your hosts. Don’t arrange meetings on Fridays, the Muslim day of prayer and rest.Dress formally when on business. Men should wear a suit and usually a tie. Women should dress conservatively, avoiding short skirts and low necklines. However, in free time, almost anything goes in Dubai - although cover up during the holy month of Ramadan (which starts in late September). Foreigners should never adopt the native dress. If crossing your legs in a business meeting, make sure that the sole of your foot isn’t visible to others, as this is considered an insult.If dining with Muslims, never eat or offer pork, even if it is on the menu - this is very offensive. Smoking is more socially acceptable than in the West - although not during daylight hours over Ramadan. It is illegal for Muslims to drink, but alcohol is freely available in the city’s hotels and sometimes appropriate for business events.The tipping rate in restaurants is 10-15 per cent. Give the same to taxi drivers, but more if you get stuck in traffic for a long time (unfairly for the driver, the taxi meter does not move when the vehicle is stationary).In a city with spiralling costs, this is a big relief!

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