Corporate etiquette and lifestyle in the Gulf

SUN, sand and the roar of MUVs - the picture is not just a mirage for those who wish to be transported to the Land of the Arabian Nights. The search for `greener pastures' hasn't stopped luring multitudes of Indians journeying to the land of black gold, in search of fortune.

Getting a work permit in the gulf countries, and getting settled can be quite a challenging experience. Learning about the corporate culture, business norms and social etiquette, before you fly into the blue yonder can make the process less unsettling and more enjoyable. Be it a business trip or a new job, here are some handy tips to get you started.

Work matters

Offices normally function from the crack of dawn (between 7-00 and 8-00 a.m.) until midday. After a siesta, work resumes at 4 p.m. in the afternoons, and continues till closing time at 6pm. An eight-hour regime is the normal working day. Arab countries as a rule have their weekend from Thursday afternoon through Friday. You can expect to find Americans, British, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Singhalese and Egyptians as workplace companions. Both Arabic and English are widely used in conversations.

Biz protocol

Strong business contacts can be established through frequent interaction and steady socialising. The traditional greeting `Salaam alaikum' should be reciprocated with `Wa alaikum salaam'. Handshakes are used to greet people in business circles. Be prepared to spend long hours with your clients, interjected by interruptions from the odd caller who may have to be entertained by your host. Negotiations and bargaining form an integral part of any business deal so be ready for some gruelling sessions of transaction.

Befitting outfits

Conservative dressing is the enforced norm. Tight fitting, or revealing attire of any kind for women is looked upon with disapproval. Men are advised to wear smart business suits. Dubai however has a fairly relaxed dress code. The native attire includes the traditional headdress and flowing white robes. Light materials are preferred in summer. Evenings can be chilly, so carrying a jacket can be a good idea. Use dark glasses and hats to protect yourself from the direct sun.

Social etiquette

Arabs are very hospitable and generous. It is an established custom to offer the visitor a refreshing drink of freshly ground coffee or `gahwa'. Guests are welcomed with `Attar' (a perfume). One is supposed to overeat when invited for a meal, or else it is considered to be an insult to the host. While visiting homes, gift giving must be restricted to children only. Handholding and kissing on the cheek among members of the same sex is not uncommon - it is a greeting and a sign of friendship. Pork is taboo, and no mention should be made of it. A 10% tip is generally given at restaurants. Make sure you maintain a healthy respect for the locals. In conversation, remember to refer to it as the `Arabian gulf' and not the `Persian gulf'.

Religion and Ramadan

Ushered in by the crescent moon, the month of Ramadan is a time of abstinence, observed every year. Working hours are cut-short by two hours a day. During this time, in addition to the prayers five times a day, Muslims offer voluntary prayers and undertake readings of the Koran. Although non-Muslims are not expected to participate, one should not display impatience or try to disrupt/interrupt prayers. Respecting the Ramadan season, and refraining from eating in public is expected.

Bizarre shopping

An important pastime for the people of this region is shopping. Haggling and bargaining is a common feature. Dubai is considered a haven for shopping. The traditional `souks' or markets provide the right ambience. Customs duty is low, and the duty-free area at the airport has an enormous range of goods to choose from. The shopping festivals at Dubai are also a huge attraction for tourists. Gold, electronic items, carpets, perfumes are some of the items that make good buys available at fantastic and unbeatable prices.

Travelling to this enchanting part of the world can be exciting. Making sure you do things right can get you into the good graces of the `Sheiks' and `Emirs' and will save you a lot of embarrassment and discomfiture, and also put you on the right footing with your business associates and co-workers.

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in