Understanding the Arabic Culture

Country Global Culture
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Country Global Culture
Introductions
The UAE has become a global business center. The UAE is a Muslim country with a set of rules and norms. Doing business there demands that individuals learn about business customs. According to Carpenter (2011), professionals err when they think that cultural differences do not matter in today’s business environment. An awareness of the Arabic culture is critical in succeeding in the UAE business environment.
Mannerisms
Greetings are important when Westerners introduce themselves and when they leave a meeting. The older people in a meeting should be greeted first, even if they are not the host. If it is the first meeting, avoid giving out business cards. It is better to wait for them to issue theirs. When given business cards, keep them well, since it is challenging to get the location data on phone directories. As a Westerner, avoid conversation topics that touch on politics, religion, or the condition of expatriates (AlMazrouei & Pech, 2014). Instead, talk about the positive things happening in the country like the luxurious malls and the country’s modernity.
Genders
Both men and women should maintain decency. They should avoid wearing anything that exposes too much space. Women should remain decent and dress conservatively. They should avoid making eye contact with men, especially on the streets. With women, Western men should avoid any form of physical contact since a gesture of courtesy is enough.
Business customs
In the UAE, individuals value personal relationships. In the first meeting, people want to establish who they are dealing with. Westerners should be prepared to answer questions regarding their families (AlMazrouei & Pech, 2014). In negotiations, Westerners should remain calm, even where they turn chaotic. The decision-making process can be slow with bureaucratic procedures delaying the final decision. However, when Emiratis make up their mind, they do not change easily.
Business meetings
Like most of Asia, power is part ...