Should I bring a physical presentation?

Yes, always bring printed copies of your deck. It is considered a sign of preparedness and respect for the senior stakeholders who may prefer reading physical documents.

Is it rude to say no to coffee?

In a business setting, it is polite to accept at least one cup of Arabic coffee. It signifies that you are willing to engage in the relationship-building process.

Are meetings in Dubai punctual?

You should always arrive on time, but be prepared for your host to be late or for the meeting to be interrupted by frequent phone calls or drop-ins. Patience is essential.

Navigating Business Meetings in Dubai

Business in Dubai relies on building personal rapport before discussing contracts, so expect slow initial progress and multiple face-to-face meetings. Always defer to the most senior person in the room and never rush to get straight to business.

Schedule well in advance. Send meeting requests at least 2 weeks ahead of time via email, then follow up with a phone call. Avoid scheduling during Ramadan, as office hours are shortened and decision-makers are harder to reach.
Master the 'Small Talk' phase. The first 15-20 minutes of a meeting are for social bonding. Ask about their journey, the weather, or general industry trends. Do not launch into your pitch until your host initiates the business topic.
Respect hierarchy and gender dynamics. Address the most senior person first. If you are a man meeting a local woman, wait for her to initiate a handshake; if she does not, a polite nod and hand over the heart is the appropriate professional greeting.
Follow the 'Right Hand' rule. Always use your right hand to shake hands, exchange business cards, or accept coffee and water. The left hand is considered unclean in local tradition.
Dress with conservative professionalism. Wear a full suit for men and professional business attire that covers shoulders and knees for women. Dubai is cosmopolitan, but business culture remains formal and modest.

Should I bring a physical presentation?: Yes, always bring printed copies of your deck. It is considered a sign of preparedness and respect for the senior stakeholders who may prefer reading physical documents.
Is it rude to say no to coffee?: In a business setting, it is polite to accept at least one cup of Arabic coffee. It signifies that you are willing to engage in the relationship-building process.
Are meetings in Dubai punctual?: You should always arrive on time, but be prepared for your host to be late or for the meeting to be interrupted by frequent phone calls or drop-ins. Patience is essential.