Dubai seamlessly blends the old and the new. Newbies to the Emirate can be distracted by the glitz and glam and forget about the ancient culture that forms the backdrop the nation. It is important to remember that despite all the Western brands and comfort, Dubai is still essentially as Arab, Muslim state.
For newbies to Dubai here are some quick-fire tips on how to approach business.
Dress Well: People in Dubai dress well and expect others to look smart, well-groomed and professional. Turning up at a meeting in a pair of jeans or casual wear will not go down well.
Understand Who You Will Meet: Make sure you fully understand exactly who you are meeting and their position. If you are not meeting a local Emirati then the chances are you will meet a middle-man who will report back to the boss. If this be the case don’t expect decisions in your meeting.
Invest Time: Business in Dubai is mainly about who you know not what you know. If you are new to Dubai then be prepared for many trips to make sure you get your business done and when in town, make sure you spend lots of time socialising with the people you want to be doing business with.
Business is Personal: People in Dubai like to do business with people they trust. It is important you focus on relationship building on not only business. Don’t be shy in sharing personal information as it helps establish trust.
Beware of the Traffic: If you are doing business anywhere near the Sheikh Zayed Rd, then be prepared for traffic and jams especially during rush hours. Allow for extra time when planning meetings.
Be Patient: Nothing happens very quickly in Dubai so don’t be expecting to fly in for a week and fly back with a handful of contracts. Meetings will be cancelled last minute, negotiations will be painful and communication can be exhausting, but patience will get you through it.
Don’t Be So Direct: If you come from a culture where the communication style is direct (USA, Germany, Scandinavia, etc) then be sure to temper how you say things. The local culture respects and expects a more diplomatic communication style that does not risk causing embarrassment or discomfort.
Remember Fridays: Friday is the Muslim holy day and also a public holiday in the UAE. You will see men going to the mosque on mass around noon time. Do not expect to get any work done on a Friday.
Respect the Law: It is very easy to get lost in the wonder of Dubai and forget where you working. The local laws are very strict in terms in terms of the expected behaviour of foreigners – any contravention could lead to deportation and the end of any business dealings with the country.
Check Ramadan Dates: Ramadan is a holy month in Islam which requires adherents to fast from dawn till dusk. General productivity and business dips during Ramadan as most people tend to change working hours and focus less on work. Make sure to avoid doing business in Dubai during Ramadan if possible. Ramadan start/end dates change every year so make sure you always check.
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