31-country business-culture briefs — customs stated as common practice, backed by our data.
Between men, a handshake is the standard greeting; some observant Muslim men do not shake hands with women, so it is advisable to wait for the other party to initiate. The common greeting is 'As-salamu alaykum' (Peace be upon you), with the expected response 'Wa alaykum as-salam.' Business cards should be exchanged with both hands, and a moment taken to review the card attentively as a sign of respect.
In formal settings, use titles such as 'Sheikh,' 'His Excellency,' or 'Mr./Ms.' followed by the surname. Emirati business professionals often move to first-name terms, but it is advisable to begin with formal titles and follow the other party's lead. Titles for government officials carry particular weight and should be confirmed and used accurately.
During Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public and be prepared for shorter working hours. Passing objects or business cards with the left hand should be avoided, as it is considered unclean in local custom. Refrain from making critical comments about the UAE royal family, politically sensitive subjects, or religion.
Meetings often take place in formal offices, reception rooms, or dedicated majlis-style spaces, where Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and dates are commonly served. Small talk and relationship building before the business agenda are considered important and should not be rushed. During Ramadan, meetings are typically scheduled in the afternoon or evening and proceed at a more relaxed pace.
Personal relationships and networks (Wasta) are central to UAE business culture, and trust is typically established before contracts are finalized. Decision-making often involves senior leadership and can take time; pressing for rapid conclusions is generally counterproductive. The negotiation style tends to be relatively direct yet courteous, and causing a counterpart to lose face in public should be carefully avoided.
Business meals are commonly held in hotel restaurants or upscale dining venues, where the host typically insists on paying and refusing this gesture can be awkward. Pork and alcohol are absent from halal establishments; some non-halal venues serve alcohol, and it is important to be mindful of dining companions' preferences. Saying 'Bismillah' before a meal and 'Alhamdulillah' afterward are common courtesies observed at the table.
The UAE working week runs Monday through Friday, with Friday being the Islamic Jumu'ah prayer day; some organizations retain a Friday half-day. Working hours are shortened by two to three hours during Ramadan, and the pace of business activity slows considerably. Punctuality is a mark of professionalism, though schedule flexibility is advisable as local counterparts may occasionally run late.
Key Islamic holidays include Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha, with dates determined by moon sighting and shifting approximately eleven days earlier each year. National Day falls on December 2nd; other public holidays include the Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday. Build buffer time around these periods and avoid scheduling critical decisions during the final week of Ramadan or around either Eid.