The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to top the Arab nations in global competitiveness. Home to one of the most advanced infrastructures in the region and highest quality road networks in the world, the UAE’s world-class facilities support its economic growth and position it as a prime base for multinational businesses.
UAE government investment and projects drive many new opportunities and tenders in key industry sectors. The current economic stance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one an open market policies and economic openness. The UAE is actively seeking to diversify its economy away from crude oil and traditional commodities to more diversified market sectors. Council have additional information on opportunities and projects in key sectors, including: Aerospace and aviation, Cleantech and environmental technologies, Defense, Design and construction, Digital and ICT, Healthcare, Oil and gas, Space, Education, Sustainable energy sector, Food and beverage services, Infrastructure and Accommodation.
Business culture
Business cards in English are acceptable. However, it is a good idea for frequent visitors to the market or those wishing to do business with the government to have business cards in English and Arabic.
It is not unusual in the Arab custom of having a number of people in an office all discussing various matters at once. ‘Small talk’ is vital for the establishment of trust and must not be hurried or dispensed with. In introductory business conversations, talk often centres on the health and wellbeing of the other person, but never about his wife and female relatives. When invited into an office, you will be given a seat, refreshments and be engaged in introductory conversation, after which your host may break off conversation with you and deal with one of his other visitors before returning to you.
Refreshments (e.g. coffee, tea) should always be accepted. Coffee is offered to guests in order of their rank, if known to the host. It is customary to drink more than one cup of coffee or tea, but not more than your host or others present. To decline a further serving, you shake the cup when handing it back to the server.
Refrain from expressing extreme views, as this may be seen as a sign of inflexibility. Rarely will your host initiate the business discussions, you will normally be expected to commence with a proposal and keep descriptions short and to-the-point. Remember, a ‘yes’ does not necessarily confirm agreement, but can merely mean, ‘yes, I hear you’.
In business circles, standard dress for men is a business suit and tie, evening functions, can vary from a sports coat to a business suit with tie and casual occasions, trousers and a shirt are acceptable. Women should wear loose fitting garments, such as a long dress or loose fitting trousers and a baggy shirt. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing short skirts or revealing blouses, the head does not need to be covered.
The exchange of gifts is common practice in business circles, but items are usually limited to small corporate items such as pens and brochures.
