Doing Business In Dubai
Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the largest city of the UAE and is seen as the global business, trade and transport hub of the Middle East.
Status and prestige play a significant role in Dubai. For that reason, all your presentation materials should be of high quality and well designed. It is to your advantage if you can show at least some materials in Arabic when dealing with local firms.
Use many visual elements such as films, pictures and graphics. Product samples that can be touched or handled are highly appreciated. The basic rule about the contents is: don’t skimp, but don’t overdo it either. Whoever has achieved something must not boast about it, nor must he constantly talk about his successes.
The Emiratis appreciate an elegant understatement. That means: You are welcome to show the image that you have gained as a successful company, for instance show a trailer about your firm.
Emphasize The Strengths
As well, constantly emphasize the strengths of your product and its specific uses to your clients in Dubai. The reason for that is the merchant culture that dominates in Arab countries. Your conversation partners want to know first of all where the benefits are for them. So during your preparation remind yourself constantly to keep it as simple as possible and leave out any complex examples of calculations or instructions for use. Should some people are more interested in certain details it is best to talk about that in private. Do not bore the whole delegation with overly specific knowledge!
Politeness
If your host issues an invitation after the presentation that is in no way to be regarded as an agreement to the proposed deal. Very often it is nothing more than a pure gesture of politeness.
At first you should encounter such an invitation with caution. Say, for example, “Thank you so much, but I don’t want you to make a fuss over me.” Not until your Emirati business partner has emphasized several times that he is happy to invite you, is the offer meant seriously and should definitely be accepted. As a rule of thumb: accept only the third invitation.
Dubai is a hub for foreign business. Nevertheless, for successful business with local firms, you should know the Arab business culture well!
Videos Business Culture Dubai
Our FREE intercultural business videos focus on what really matters when entering a specific business situation or living as an Expat in Dubai.
First Business Meeting In The Arab Gulf States
How to win over your new Gulf Arab business partners
Communication In The Arab Gulf States
How to prevent costly misunderstandings when doing business
Body Language In The Arab Gulf States
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Meetings In The Arab Gulf States
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Presentations In The Arab Gulf States
All essential dos and don’ts when giving a presentation
Negotiations In The Arab Gulf States
Get the best deal when negotiating with business partners in the Arab Gulf States
Business Meals And After Work In The Arab Gulf States
How to make a good impression and strengthen personal relationships
Visitors From The Arab Gulf States
How to fulfill your guests’ high expectations in order to facilitate business
Business Women In The Arab Gulf States
Local understanding of equality and how to align your behaviour in business accordingly
The Gulf Arab Operating System I.B.M.
How frequently used Arabic proverbs influence business life in the Arab Gulf States
Videos Expat Life In Dubai
Expat Life In Dubai – part 1
Why Dubai is ranked top year after year in so many expat surveys
Expat Life In Dubai – part 2
How religious and gender rules affect your life as a foreigner in Dubai
Expat life in Dubai – part 3
What are the best ways to join activities and make friends when living in Dubai?
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