Inshallah<\/em>\u00a0means\u00a0God willing<\/em>\u00a0and is often used as a response upon agreement on future cooperation.<\/p>\n While engaging in building business relationships in the UAE, remember how important social status is. Always use the correct title when addressing someone. It is acceptable to address someone with\u00a0Sheikh<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 or\u00a0Sheikha<\/em>\u00a0for a woman,\u00a0Sayed<\/em>\u00a0for Mr.,\u00a0Sayeda<\/em>\u00a0for Mrs. It is customary to address strangers by their first names only, e.g. Mrs. Julia<\/p>\n It is crucial to always greet and pay your respects to the senior in the room before greeting everyone else. Handshakes are very common and can last a couple of seconds longer than you are used to. There is an unwritten rule saying that you should wait for your counterpart to withdraw their hand first.<\/p>\n When a man is being introduced to a woman, he should wait to see if she extends her hand towards him first. It is not customary for Muslim women to shake a man\u2019s hand in public settings. When a Western woman is introduced to a Muslim man, she also should respectfully wait for him to make the first move instead of extending her hand first in a greeting.<\/p>\n It is considered improper to inquire about a man\u2019s wife or daughter. It is polite to ask about family or health in general, but not specifically about any females who have a unique status within the family.<\/p>\n People in the Middle East talk to each other in a loud and energetic manner, which might be interpreted as anger to a Westerner, but is a common way of communicating in this part of the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The so-called \u2018personal space\u2019 might be slightly smaller in the Middle East than it is in some Western countries. Try not to move away when a person steps closer as you might unwillingly offend them.<\/p>\n Men should avoid touching and prolonged eye contact with Muslim women at all times. It shows respect for the culture and traditions and your female counterpart \u2013 as well as her men companions \u2013 will surely acknowledge and appreciate it.<\/p>\n Do not be surprised if your business partner holds your arm while heading somewhere together. This does not have any malicious connotations.<\/span><\/p>\n People in the Middle East are famous for their great hospitality. Never refuse a beverage or pastries during a meeting or other times, as they are an important part of every social gathering. You should kindly thank your hosts for their hospitality and compliment the food and drinks you have been served.<\/p>\n Older people enjoy a very special status within society. Always remember to show due respect. It includes standing up when older people enter a room, always greeting older people first, serving older people first at a meal.<\/p>\n Use your right hand for eating, shaking someone\u2019s hand, or handing an object. Like in many different cultures, the left hand is used for bodily hygiene and hence considered unclean.<\/span><\/p>\n When invited to visit, a small personal gift is a nice touch and \u2013 as long as it is meaningful \u2013 absolutely acceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n Doing business in the Middle East has a lot to do with personal relationships and traditional values, like family, trust, and honor. Therefore it is essential for business relationships to be based on meaningful friendships.<\/p>\n The working week in the Middle East is usually Sunday through Thursday.<\/p>\n Westerners are expected to be punctual and to arrive at scheduled meetings in time. It is probable that your business counterpart will not obey this rule himself though, and be prepared to be patient.<\/p>\n One of the most common mistakes Western businessmen do is sitting in a way that the bottoms of their shoes show, e.g. by placing the ankle of one leg over their other knee in a nonchalant manner. In the Middle East, this is a sign of great disrespect. Also, never touch anyone with your shoe. In case this should unwillingly happen, apologize sincerely.<\/p>\n Delays in meetings are a common occurrence. Always be patient and accept that decisions might take time.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"UAE2-1.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/UAE2-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBody Language<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"shutterstock_390176071.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/shutterstock_390176071.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\nEating Etiquette<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"UAE4-1.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/UAE4-1.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\nBusiness Etiquette\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Sheikh](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Sheikh%20Zayed%20mosque%20AD-1.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n