Things you should know the Arab culture and Corporate Culture

Planning to visit or do business with Arab company? Here are some tips on business and the Arab culture for visitors, exporters and international traders to understand the culture, business culture, and how to do business with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman , Yemen and other Middle East countries.

Conservative behavior: In public, Arabs behave conservatively. Display of affection between spouses is nonexistent. This is a private company and the display of their feelings is private. You'll also notice that laughing and joking in public is attenuated, that is not the case in private meetings. Arguments between spouses, friends and people in general are also private or conducted in order to ensure no one else is aware.

Invitations: If you are invited to dinner or lunch, are not required to bring food, beverages, or gifts. Entering the house out the guest room are taken by you. If the shoes and sandals were left by other guests at the door, then take off their shoes. And 'customary when entering the guest room or office to greet all those present saying Alsalamo-Alikom, which means "peace be with you". The answer to this greeting is "Wa'alikom Alsalam". Once inside, everyone stood to greet you and shake your hand. Start with the person standing on the right or what is coming. Note that in modern and traditional rooms Arabs, the people are sitting in a circle to ensure that nobody is dealing with someone else behind. Also note that the soles of the feet should not point directly toward someone else. Always use your right hand when giving or receiving items.

Concept Save Face: The Arab culture is a non-confrontational one that seeks the least possible conflict. A concept called "save face" is a way to resolve conflicts and avoid embarrassing or inconvenient parties. Saving someone's face or dignity involves using maneuvers or holding one's reactions to give the other party a way out of the situation with minimal discomfort or harm to their dignity. This is a compromise, patience and sensitivity. The "save face" concept is considered as a high quality of ethical behavior and manners. The Arab culture encourages people to act with humility and sensitivity to the dignity of a person, especially when that person's dignity and self respect is in jeopardy. This is a suggestion that may be essential for those involved in the management of firms in an Arab country.

Family structure: In an Arab family, sex and age plays an important role in determining liability. The father is usually the head of the family and the provider for its needs, while the mother plays an important role in raising children and taking care of the house. Although the culture, traditions and Islam strongly emphasize the importance of the role of women in the home and raising children, is a mistake to think that Arab women are confined to this role. Before Islam there were many successful entrepreneurs and still exist in Arabic throughout the Arab region, but for cultural reasons, conducting business inconspicuously. One daughter lives with her family until she is married. Sons might move to their homes when they marry, but at least one child still living at the family home, even if they are married, in order to take care of their parents. When a woman gets married, there are no changes in any part of its name.

Business meetings with Arab societies: Sometimes when you try to set the dates of meetings with your clients Arabs will find that their response is something like "Every time you're in the area give us a call." Do not interpret this as a sign of lack of interest in your business. E 'equal to an answer that will set a date and time. Allow time for social chat with your customers Arabs before opening any business discussions.

Advertising and Marketing for the Arab market: Advertising Your firms should be cautious in content and appearance and has no social values ​​or situations that contradict with Arab culture and Islam. In almost all Arab countries, the advertisement must not contain, directly or explicitly comparing two different brands for the same type of products. Message should put more emphasis on quality and functionality of the product. The main sources of advertising are out newspapers, magazines and television .......