Unlike many Western cultures, the rules regarding punctuality are not necessarily strict. While it is still important to arrive on time for meetings, it is also customary to take the time to chat and develop personal relationships. In the same vein, hospitality has a central role in business proceedings, and negotiations are often held in hotels or restaurants.
Like many other countries in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a rich culture with a number of unique customs and traditions. Businesses in the UAE rely heavily on building mutual trust and personal relationships, which largely dictate the success or failure of business arrangements. While society has changed considerably in recent years, many businesses remain family-run operations with the head of the household as the primary decision maker. As such, it is important to identify the head of the family and to direct all business inquiries to that individual.
Unlike many Western cultures, the rules regarding punctuality are not necessarily strict. While it is still important to arrive on time for meetings, it is also customary to take the time to chat and develop personal relationships. In the same vein, hospitality has a central role in business proceedings, and negotiations are often held in hotels or restaurants. Over the past several decades, Dubai has emerged as one of the most important economic centers in the Middle East. Modern Dubai traces its roots back to the early 19th century, when members of the Bani Yas tribe established a small fishing settlement at the mouth of the creek in Dubai. By the beginning of the 20th century, Dubai had grown into a significant regional port, with a population of 20,000 and some 350 shops along the coast.
In 1966, oil was discovered in the Dubai area. Starting in 1969, Dubai began exporting oil and using revenues to fund important infrastructure projects. In particular, the emirate began developing its tourism sector and constructing a number of shopping malls and luxury hotels. Today, Dubai stands as an internationally recognized tourist destination and welcomes millions of leisure and business travelers to its shores annually. Dubai also plays host to international sporting events such as the Dubai Sevens, the Dubai Desert Tennis Championships, and the Emirates Grand Prix. |
AuthorDr. Shahram Shirkhani works on behalf of prominent multinational corporations and financial institutions in addition to private entities based in Iran and surrounding countries. Archives
February 2016
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