This document summarizes cultural standards and business etiquette in the Arab world. It defines the Arab world based on language, religion, and the Arab League. Cultures in the Arab world tend to have high power distance, collectivism, and uncertainty avoidance. Communication is often indirect and high context. Meetings can be interrupted and late arrivals are common. Business attire is modest and varies by gender. Handshakes are customary greetings and showing interest in local culture is appreciated when visiting the Arab world.

1. 1
Cultural Standards of the Arab World
‫العربي‬ ‫للعالم‬ ‫الثقافية‬ ‫المعايير‬

2. 2
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3. 3
Definition Arab World
 3 different criteria:
- Arabic language (linguistic criterion)
- Islam (religious criterion)
- Arab League (political criterion)
 Most accepted definition:
Arab World = Arab League
 ≠ Middle East

4. 4
Power Distance (PDI)
The extent to which the less powerful members of
institutions and organisations within a country
expect and accept that power is distributed
inequally
 Arabs accept hierarchical orders
 Patriarchal tradition of Arab families
 Subordinates expect to be told what to do
Hofstede

5. 5
Hofstede
Individualism (IDV)
The degree of interdependence a society maintains
among its members ( „I“ vs. „We“ )
 Collectivistic society
 Loyalty (more to the manager than to the organisational
rules)
 Hiring of family members is quite popular

6. 6
Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)
The extent to which the members of a culture feel
threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations
 High preference for avoiding uncertainty
 Security is important
 Strong need for rules
Hofstede

7. 7
Hall
Communication
 High context communication (metaphors, comparisons, etc)
 Use of Nonverbal signals
 Yes means maybe; maybe means no; the word no is not used
Time
 Polychrome
 Many tasks are handled simultaneously
 Time is not that important
 Appointment time is flexible

8. 8
Hall
Space
 Arabs stand and sit closer and
touch people of the same sex
more often than Westerners do.
 Arabs have a different
concept of public and
private space,

9. 9
Proxemics

10. 10
Family
Authority
Hospitality

11. 11
Communication
 Communication is rather slow. Don‘t feel obligated to speak during
periods of silence.
 Indirect communication style  Save Face
 Don‘t discuss the subject of women. The topic of Israel should be
avoided as well. Sports, however, is mostly an appropriate topic.
XX

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Behaviour
 Gesture and eat with the right hand (Keep it in mind while receiving
the business card).
 Don‘t cross your legs while sitting Showing the bottom of
your shoe or foot is considered as offensive.
 The "thumbs up" gesture could be seen as offensive as well.
XX

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Business Etiquette
Appearance
 Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty. They
shouldn‘t adopt native clothing though.
 The body must always remain covered regardless of high
tempearture.
Appearence at business meetings (Men):
A jacket and tie are usually required for men.
It is equally well-seen if men wear long pants and a shirt that is both
long-sleeved and buttoned up to the collar.
What men should avert is wearing
jewelry, especially around the neck.
X

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Business Etiquette
Appearence at business meetings (Women):
Women should pay attention to dress modest in public.
Plunging necklines and short sleevesare not desired.
Pants or pant suits are not recommended for women.

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Business Etiquette
Meetings
 Arabs often arrive late, whereas Germans are expected to be on
time.
 Meetings are often interrupted by phone calls and visits from friends
and family.
 Titel is very important:
 e.g. Mr. Ahmed or Dr. Mohamed
 Using the first name is common in business encounters
A customary greeting is "salam alaikum". Shaking hands follows.

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Good Idea or not?
1) As a woman, you should avoid close contact to your male
business partner. So, the best thing to do for welcoming your
partner is offering him your hand for a following handshake.
2) Due to the high temperatures in the Arab World, Arab people
like to use perfume. So, with bringing them a sample of the new
Chanel or Boss fragance, you receive great sympathy right
from the beginning.
3) Arab people love to receive compliments about their personal
items. So, if you see that your Arab partner has for instance a
nice necklace or pen, don‘t hesistate to show your admiration.

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Conclusion
or how to act while visiting the Arab World
 Show interest in the person, the country and its
culture!
Adapt to the cultural standards while visiting the
country!
Be patient about the different style of communication!

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Any Questions?
Thank you for your attention!

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www.planetplanit.biz/business-etiquette-in-the-middle-east/
 Harris,P.;Moran, R.: Managing cultural differences, 4.edition, Houston: Golf
publishing company, 1996
 Hofstede,Geert: Culture‘s Consequences, London: Sage Publications, 1984
 Lustig,M.; Koester,J.: Intercultural Competence, 2.edition, New York:
HarperCollins College Publishers, 1996
 www.oppapers.com/essays/Arabs-1/649211
 karrierebibel.de/al-hamdu-lillah-business-knigge-fuer-die-arabische-welt/
 www.cyborlink.com/besite/uae.htm
 www.cross-cultures.de/pdf/Business_Etiquette_Arab_web.pdf
 www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-in-UAE.html
 www.ardisson.org/smokey/mal/intro.pdf
 geert-hofstede.com/arab-world-egiqkwlblysa.html
 middleeast.about.com/od/middleeast101/tp/me080120.htm
Sources