Doing business in the United Arab Emirates

Any expat doing business in the UAE will find themselves to be one foreigner in a sea of many. The majority of the country’s population is made up of those from abroad, and as a result, the working world is a mosaic of multinational influences.

Business customs and practices in the UAE vary from one company, colleague and client to the next, and the most essential preparation an expat can make is to be flexible and understanding. That said, it’s also critical to remember that the UAE is an Islamic country, and Emirati businesspeople will still operate from a background embedded in Islamic and Arabic culture.

Fast facts

Business hours

For many years, the standard workweek in the UAE was from Sunday to Thursday. In early 2022, the government made a number of changes in the public sector, with the workweek now being from Monday to Friday. Working hours in the public sector are from 7.30am to 3.30pm from Monday to Thursday, with early closure on Fridays at noon. The private sector follows similar scheduling.

Business language

Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is widely spoken in business.

Dress

Business attire in the UAE is generally formal. Women should dress modestly, keeping their arms and legs covered. Traditional Islamic attire is not necessary. Local businesspeople may wear Western attire or a dishdasha, a flowing robe seen on nearly every type of occasion.

Gifts

Giving gifts to business contacts in the UAE is unnecessary, but a small token with personal significance is not inappropriate.

Gender equality

Men and women are treated equally in business, although men still dominate senior executive positions.

Greeting

A handshake is the usual greeting between men. Placing one’s right hand on one’s chest after shaking hands marks a sign of respect. If greeting a woman, wait for her to extend her hand first. More devout Muslim women may not be comfortable shaking hands with men, and while dress may be an indicator, there is no easy way to gauge this beforehand. The best practice is to allow female business associates to offer their hand first.

Business culture in the UAE

 Despite its cosmopolitan veneer, business culture in the UAE has its roots in Arab values and traditions. Along with respecting the all-encompassing effect religion has on everyday activity, expats will need to realise that relationship-building is paramount in the working world.

Communication and relationships

Foreigners looking to successfully do business in the UAE must acquaint themselves with the importance of building relationships. Emiratis do business with people they trust, and initial business dealings will always be devoted to getting to know each other. Some smaller, family-owned businesses may only grant access to decision-makers once a connection with junior members has been forged. Expats should budget time for this endeavour and should take care not to rush into negotiations.

It’s also important to note that verbal agreements carry significant weight in the UAE. Be mindful of what is said, especially when it comes to agreements, conditions and refusals. That said, haggling is a common practice, so be prepared to engage in some good-natured negotiating.

Meetings

Expats may be surprised to find that punctuality is not always observed, and it is not uncommon to be kept waiting on occasion. As family takes precedence in the Middle East, meetings may feature frequent interruptions and disturbances, so patience is expected. The Arabic greeting of ‘assalamu alaikum’ is used instead of ‘hello’, and relationships built on politeness are pivotal to success in the professional world.

Attitude to foreigners

The business culture in the UAE is welcoming to foreign investment. Expat business owners must be respectful of Islamic culture and tradition; however, they are not required to practise it themselves.

Dos and don’ts of business in the UAE

• Always dress conservatively and formally
• Don’t rush into business talk. Emiratis prefer getting to know their business associates before actual negotiations can begin.
• Respect Islamic religious and cultural practices. Although foreigners are not expected to practice the religion, they should be mindful of its impact on everyday life in the UAE.
• Always arrive on time, but understand that locals may be late
• Don’t use the left hand to eat or gesture to another person
• Have one side of a business card translated into Arabic