United+Arab+Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a small but relatively wealthy country located on the Arabian gulf, and is considered one of the gulf countries in that area. Note that it is important never to call the Arabian Gulf the Persian gulf.

The UAE features an economic and political system where there is often a large economic gap between the middle class citizens and the wealthy leaders, and there is little opprotunity for individual growth. Because of the high tension region in which this country is located, leaders often create and enforce many rules and regulations, which are meant to keep peace and avoid uncertainty. Most imortantly, because of the prevailing Muslim faith of the region, daily life and cultural customs are often dictated by Muslim religion.

With these facts in mind, here are some customs one would want to be aware of when doing business in the UAE:

__Behavior:__ __Apperance/dress:__
 * When greeting someone, it is reccomended to allow the person you are greeting to initiate the greeting. This is especially true when a woman is greeting a man, she should wait for the man to extend his hand. Besides the usual handsake, a more traditional greeting is done between two men, where they grab eachother's right hand, place their left hands on eachother's shoulders, and kiss each cheek.
 * The "thumbs up" gesture may be considered offensive.
 * Do not cross you legs when sitting (showing the bottom of your shoes is considered disrespectful).
 * Shoes are usually removed upon entering a building, but you should follow the lead of your host.
 * Alchohol and pork products are forbidden by the Muslim faith, therefore it is advisable to avoid bringing achohol and pork products with you or giving them as a gift.
 * Other gifts to avoid include anything that has to do with dogs or any item that depicts nude or scantily clad women, even if it has artistic value (note: gifts are not neccesary, but are appreciated).
 * Visitors are expected to be modest and respectful in dress (despite the heat, most of the body should be covered), but one should not wear native clothing. A forienger wearing traditional clothing may be seen as offensive.
 * For men, a suit is usually required for business meetings (note: jewlry should be avoided, especially necklaces). For women, high necklines and sleeves at least to the elbows are expected, and hemlines should be well below the knee. women should always have a head scarf handy, especially when entering a mosque.

__Communications:__ __sources__:
 * Never talk about women or Islam.
 * Meetings are often interrupted by phone calls and visits from friends and family.
 * It is required by islamic law for a Muslim to pray several times a day, so this must be taken into consideration when planning events, and just about any activity may be interrupted for this purpose.
 * when making a business deal, "Yes" usually means "Probably".
 * The person at a meeting who talks the most and asks the most questions is likely the least important. The decision maker is likely to be a silent observer.
 * A customary greeting is "salaam alaykum". The correct response is saying "Kaif halak" accompanied with shaking of hands.
 * //Patty Butler:// []
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