Is it okay to schedule meetings on Friday?

Avoid it. Friday is a holy day and a weekend day; most offices are closed, and those that are open operate with skeleton staff. It is the worst day for business productivity.

Do I need local currency?

Keep a small amount of local currency for tips, but almost all business-related expenses can be handled via international credit cards. Digital wallets like Apple Pay are widely accepted in urban centers.

Planning Effective Business Travel in the Middle East

Focus your schedule on the Tuesday to Thursday window to align with regional working weeks and prioritize face-to-face relationship building over quick transactions. Book your logistics through a single high-end provider to manage the volatility of local transit and secure reliable internet access.

Adjust to the regional work week. Most Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, follow a Monday-to-Friday or Sunday-to-Thursday work week. Plan your meetings for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to avoid the Sunday start-of-week rush and the Friday prayer closures.
Secure reliable ground transport. Do not rely on walking or public transit for business appointments. Book a private car and driver for your entire stay. Use apps like Careem or have your hotel arrange a dedicated driver to ensure you are never late due to heavy traffic or GPS errors.
Prioritize high-end hotel proximity. Stay in the primary financial district of the city (e.g., DIFC in Dubai, King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh). Traffic in major hubs can turn a 5km trip into an hour-long ordeal; being within walking distance of your core offices is a non-negotiable productivity hack.
Formalize your communication. Business in the Middle East is relationship-driven. Send meeting confirmation emails 48 hours in advance and follow up with a text message or WhatsApp confirmation the morning of the meeting to account for the local preference for mobile-based communication.

Is it okay to schedule meetings on Friday?: Avoid it. Friday is a holy day and a weekend day; most offices are closed, and those that are open operate with skeleton staff. It is the worst day for business productivity.
Do I need local currency?: Keep a small amount of local currency for tips, but almost all business-related expenses can be handled via international credit cards. Digital wallets like Apple Pay are widely accepted in urban centers.