How to Adapt to Work Culture in Gulf Countries

Are you readying to work in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, or any other rising centres in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region? There is always a plethora of career opportunities, and your success is not completely related to your professional competence: it all depends on how well you can adjust to the working culture in the Gulf Countries.

Adopt Relationship-First Approach

Contrary to other transactional cultures, the Gulf as a business exists on a Relationship-Based Business. Professional interaction requires currency which is trust and is a time-consuming process.

Insist on Face-to-Face Interaction

• Small Talk Before Business: Forget business meetings to start with a socializing time, inquires about how you are doing, family, or life in general. Do not rush this. It is essential in the development of Trust and Rapport.
• Be Patient with Decisions: The process of decision-making is more likely to be slower. It is a process that includes consultation and consensus, which is a long-term perspective of Relationship-Based Business. This needs Patience and Time Perception.
• Learn Wasta: Wasta, or influence, is a reality. Although you cannot just count on it, it is important to realize that having strong internal champions or referrals is part of Navigating Bureaucracy.

High-Context and Face-Saving

Communication styles can be of high context; in other words, the actual message can be communicated not only by spoken words but also by the use of delicate signals, tones, and body language.

• Indirectness is Politeness: Do not be overly direct, and it might be seen as being rude or demanding. You need to know how to listen between the lines; it is High-Context Communication.
• Art of Saying No: To avoid embarrassment or loss of face colleagues may not say no. When one of your counterparts states, I will think it over, or, It is hard, be ready to treat it as a pleasant refusal.

Body Language Awareness: Use your Right hand during handshakes and receiving and giving objects (including your Business Card Protocol) and eating. Always avoid demonstrating the sole of your shoe, because this is the symbol of great disrespect.

Stick to Workplace Manner and Business Attire

Being respectful in dressing and interacting is a way of appreciating the local culture and this is very important to Expatriate Adjustment.

Etiquette Checklist Professional Etiquette Checklist

• Dress Code: Men are expected to wear suits/ smart trousers and collared shirts mostly. Women have to wear Modest Attire that will cover shoulders, arms to the elbow and knees. Wear loose or tight clothes.
• Shaking Hands: Men can shake hands with everyone, men. In a greeting situation, wait to see them take the initiative and give them a handshake. It is also safe to give a polite nod and observe Gender Dynamics in the Workplace.
• Business Cards: Translate the one side in Arabic. Hand the recipient your card in your Right Hand and this time with the Arabic side facing you. Always take time to look at the card you receive prior to putting them away.
• Hospitality in Business: When something is offered be it coffee, tea or water, one must never reject one offering without an obligatory reason of appreciating and showing goodwill.

Admire Religious and Legal Festivals

It is a must to respect the Islamic Traditions in Business. It exhibits Cultural Sensitivity Training and is a requirement to a hassle free work life.

• Ramadan Working Hours: You need to know about reduced working hours and fasting among Muslim co-workers. Food and drink (even smoking) during the day, during the day during Ramadan Working Hours, should not be eaten, drunk or smoked in public (including at your desk). Show Fasting Sensitivity.
• Prayer Times: Daily Prayer Times are practiced. These five breaks are the ones that should be noted and no critical meeting should be scheduled to interfere with these breaks. Anticipate short absences when one of your colleagues has to go and pray.
• Local Laws: Keep abreast with Local Labor Law Compliance as well as Visa Laws. Moreover, also take note of severe Security and Local Laws (e.g., regarding photography, public conduct, and postings about social media). Influence of Sharia Law implies that apparently minor offenses may affect the consequences considerably.

Resolves to Adapt Practically and Learn

The most successful expatriates demonstrate a real interest in going outside of the office.

• Networking Events: Be an active Networking Events and cultural participant. Relationship building actually occurs here.
• Learning a few Basic Arabic phrases: Knowing some Basic Arabic phrases (such as marhaba hello or shukran thank you) can go far in demonstrating that the local culture is respected.
• Adjustment of Expatriates: Expect to be shocked the first thing you see is culture. Find support with Expat Community Dynamics. Patience with the process of Respecting Local Customs.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The experience of working in the Gulf is a very rewarding experience with a great deal of professional development. With a knowledge of and a commitment to the core values the Relationship-Based Business approach, the Respect of Seniors and a profound Cultural Sensitivity Training, you can easily sail through the Expatriate Adjustment and make a new employment a long, prosperous career.

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Dynamic Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources before making decisions.