Joanna James
Contemporary Dubai is a solid economic hub home to countless business startups and global investors. Here are some practical tips to ensure your business trip to Dubai is an unforgettable experience.
In Dubai, business etiquette is rather formal, so do make sure to greet your hosts with a smart handshake. When greeting ladies place your right hand over your heart. While handshakes are the standard between men, do wait until a hand is offered. Exchanging business cards after the preliminary greeting is part of the usual part of the business protocol in Dubai, So do make sure to have a plentiful supply of cards to hand out.
In Dubai, Ramadan is a major part of life and is a fasting month. Its influence can be felt right out everyday life in the city and the business community. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. While business does come to a complete halt during Ramadan, daily life adapts to the spiritual nature of the month. Do be prepared to be flexible in shifting business meetings to suitable timings for your local hosts, and expect any business dinners to take place after Muslims break their fast. Which is known as iftar. The majority of businesses will close at 1 or 2 pm during Ramadan, so make sure to check on business timings and opening hours well in advance. Most Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai hotels including the likes of Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel Dubai will be more than happy to help guests arrange for business dinners that meet the requirements of your local hosts.
Dubai is part of the Muslim Emirate, which means Fridays are reserved for rest and prayer. However, on a Sunday, you will find that business resumes as usual. So do make sure to avoid trying to do business or booking meetings on a Friday. The usual office hours are between 8 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Do note that banks are open from 8 am to 1 pm Saturday to Wednesday, although some also tend to be open from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
To make a good first impression, take the time to learn a few Arabic phrases including basic greetings such as., '' as-salaamu aleikum'', which means, 'peace be upon you'. Other than that, English is the standard business language in Dubai, yet it's always polite to make the effort to learn a little of your hosts' language.
When it comes to business attire in Dubai for a formal and professional setting is conservative. For men, avoid wearing whacky or brightly patterned ties. Ladies should avoid dressing in short skirts and low necklines. Both men and women should avoid dressing in overly tight clothing as it is not only impractical and uncomfortable during the summer months, it is frowned upon in the Arabic culture.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
