Arabic countries have an abundance of oil and petroleum products, which provides their area of the world with plenty of international business relationships. If you will be doing business in an Arabic country soon, it's important to be familiar with Arabic business etiquette, which is formal, conservative, and in keeping with the Muslim religion.
Professional Attire
International colleagues should adhere to the regulations regarding modest clothing in an Arabic country. Even though the weather will likely be very warm, most of the body should be covered at all times. Men can wear business suits to a professional appointment, in colors such as navy blue or black. The shirt underneath the suit jacket should be long-sleeved and buttoned all the way to the top. Men should not wear visible jewelry, especially necklaces. Women should dress modestly and wear sleeves that are at least to the elbow. Skirts should be well below the knee, but should ideally be to the ankle. Women must keep their heads covered any time they are in public--including business meetings--with head scarves.
Professional Behavior and Body Language
In some cases, it is appropriate to remove one's shoes when entering a building. The international professional should follow the lead of the Arabian host when it comes to this. It is not proper etiquette to excessively admire items in a boardroom, or in the home of an Arabian professional. The admiration will prompt the Arabian businessperson to offer the international colleague the item, and it is impolite to refuse. During a business meeting, it is not proper etiquette to cross one's legs, as showing the soles of the feet or shoes is inappropriate. The "thumbs up" gesture, while a positive sign in the United States, may be offensive to some professionals in Arabic countries.
Communications
Some of the names of Arabic professionals may be difficult to pronounce, so get the names of each businessperson, in English, before the meeting, to avoid pronouncing the name incorrectly. It is customary for Arabic businesspeople to engage in a significant amount of small talk before the business meeting begins. During small talk, it is not proper etiquette to inquire about the health or well-being of a colleague's female family members. In fact, the subject of women is not to be discussed at all. International colleagues should also avoid talking about Israel. Periods of silence are common in meetings; it is not necessary to fill the quiet time with conversation. Individuals who ask the most questions in Arabian business meetings often do not have a high professional ranking--the executives and decision makers usually observe the meeting without speaking much.
Professional Greetings
A handshake is the common form of professional greeting; businessmen will often shake hands with each other--handshakes are to be firm. In some cases, men who are more familiar with one another will kiss on the cheek three times, alternating cheeks; international colleagues should follow the lead of the Arabian host when it comes to this. Women can shake hands as well; some will engage in both a handshake and three kisses on the cheek. Arabian countries observe the Muslim religion, so it is not appropriate for men and women who are not related to have physical contact with each other. In professional situations, a nod of acknowledgment is sufficient between genders.
Giving Gifts
Gifts are generally not presented at initial business meetings--it is best to wait and give gifts after the business relationship is established. It is not proper etiquette to present professionals in Arabian countries with gifts of alcohol or pork products, as these are not acceptable in the Muslim religion. Perfumes or fragrances that contain alcohol should not be given. A souvenir from the international professional's home country is appropriate, and sweets or chocolates are appropriate to give to the host when invited to an Arabian household.
