Navigating Business Etiquette in Dubai
Business in Dubai is built on personal relationships and hierarchy, requiring patience and a high degree of formality. Always prioritize face-to-face meetings and show extreme respect for local customs to build the trust necessary to close deals.
- Master the greeting protocol. Always wait for your Emirati counterpart to initiate a handshake. If meeting a person of the opposite gender, do not reach out first; simply smile and place your right hand over your heart as a respectful gesture.
- Dress with conservative professionalism. Men should wear a high-quality suit and tie. Women should opt for professional attire that covers the shoulders and knees, avoiding tight-fitting clothing. Dubai business culture is formal, so dress slightly more conservatively than you would in London or New York.
- Navigate meeting timing. Meetings are often fluid and subject to interruptions. Expect mobile phones to ring and others to enter the room. Never show frustration at these delays, as time is viewed more flexibly here than in Western cultures.
- Handle business cards with care. Bring cards printed in both English and Arabic. Always offer and receive cards using your right hand only. Take a moment to read the card carefully before putting it away.
- Is it rude to talk about business immediately?
- Yes. Expect 15–30 minutes of small talk about family, travel, or general well-being. Never rush to the agenda.
- Can I bring alcohol to a business meeting?
- Absolutely not. Never offer alcohol to an Emirati business partner unless they bring it up themselves in a private, social setting.
- Should I schedule meetings on Friday?
- Friday is a holy day. Most businesses operate on a Monday–Friday work week now, but Friday afternoons remain sensitive for religious observances.