8 Networking rules in the UAE

Although the UAE in general and Dubai in particular are known for their multiculturalism (the share of the local population in Dubai is only 10-13%), if you want to build really sustainable business ties here, it is critical to know local cultural norms and traditions. Some of them may surprise.

The first cultural feature to learn is that networking should begin as soon as you decide to bring your company to the UAE market. Informal relations play a huge role in the Arab world, even more than in Europe or in the West as a whole, so you should know the rules for building ties and behavior in society. There are eight main requirements of business etiquette in the Emirates, ignorance of which can lead to fatal consequences.

1. Extreme accuracy

Tact and diplomacy are extremely important in communicating with Arab clients and partners. Rumors in the Emirates spread with lightning speed: you sneezed in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi you will be told "be healthy." Therefore, it is necessary to immediately leave the impression of a polite and pleasant person, as well as carefully filter everything you say.

Politeness and accuracy are important both in personal communication and in correspondence. Do not shorten words and abuse the use of emoji, as many young entrepreneurs and managers do in messengers now. Separately, I would like to pay attention to respect for Muslim holidays and traditions. A good tone will track holidays and send greeting cards to partners and customers, as well as not to disturb them on holidays on work issues.

2. About the missing - only good

This paragraph follows smoothly from the previous one. Everything secret becomes clear if you spoke disparagingly about someone, with a high probability he will quickly find out about it. There are no "between us" in the East. Moreover, it may happen that interlocutors will provoke you to negative feedback about a person, pointing to his shortcomings or unseemly actions. Attention! In no case should you succumb to such manipulations, it is better to get away from the answer with a smile and gently change the topic of the conversation.

3. No jokes

Let's admit: humor can be very specific, and for many foreigners, especially deeply religious ones, it may seem too tough. In some cultures it is normal to laugh not only at ourselves (of course, self-irony is a strong feature), but also at other peoples, traditions, as well as at topics that are considered deeply intimate (personal life of spouses, health, financial well-being, etc.) or completely taboo (historical tragedies, death, religion).

What comes with a bang in your business circles risks insulting your Arab interlocutors, especially believers. Therefore, it is better to avoid jokes and sarcasm at all. Arabs are a rather conservative and sensitive nation. If you don't want to be known as a gloomy type, a friendly smile will be more than enough.

4. Don't touch politics

Political views and preferences are always a very controversial topic, and it is not worth raising it in conversations with Arabs. First, in their own relations with the rest of the world and within the state (Muslims and Jews, the Middle East and the United States, religious differences), there have historically been a huge number of nuances and controversial moments that can be perceived painfully. Especially if you are not familiar with the historical context.

Secondly, we cannot ignore the fact that the UAE and especially Dubai are a multinational community, and the main contribution to the economy is made by representatives of various nations. Mutual respect and business ethics come to the fore in such conditions, any talk about the advantages or disadvantages of a country or system (and talking about politics often boils down to this) can be perceived as disrespect and a signal that it is not worth doing business with such a person.

5. Don't scold the Motherland

Arabs are mostly very patriotic and distrust people who speak badly about their country. Even if you have complaints about the authorities or the state of the country/city/district in which you lived, I would not recommend making long speeches on this topic. Focus on the positive aspects, talk about your country only in this way.

6. Don't complain

In Eastern culture, it is not customary to share their problems with strangers. No matter how difficult your situation is in business, personal life, health - share only good news: everything is fine with you, everything is growing and flourishing. The logic is as follows: if you are sick, then, according to the Emirates, you should be treated, not do business. If you can't cope with your problems yourself, how can you trust and do business with you?

7. Don't believe everything they say

In an environment where there are many beginners and foreigners who are not familiar with local realities and each other, there will always be those who want to embellish their achievements and their own significance. Therefore, it is worth taking with some skepticism any promises of help in your business and talking about the presence of connections in the right circles of your interlocutor who met so successfully.

Unfortunately, one of the main problems of networking in the UAE is that at first it is very difficult to understand who is actually a useful contact and who greatly exaggerates their capabilities. At parties and business events, there are often a certain number of so-called "helpers" who like to brag about their connections, promise golden mountains and even trump to meet the ruling family.

First, from my experience, I will say: people who actually have such connections will never talk about them at the first, second, or even at the third meeting with you.

Secondly, those who are really interested in your business or startup will first try to learn as much as possible about you and your offer before offering a variety of help and useful acquaintances. The same applies to consultants - a serious business development specialist will never promise you a solution to all your issues at the first meeting. Doing?business in the Emirates?is difficult due to competition and unusual decision-making mechanisms, so even a very strong consultant will first get acquainted with your project or product, analyze it and only then offer a development action plan.

Thirdly, it is difficult to check counterparties in the Emirates, but nothing prevents you from studying the social networks of a potential partner, as well as asking him to tell about the implemented projects or holding several meetings for you. Believe me, a lot will become clearer.

And of course, one of the main signs of "helpers" will be the desire to conclude an exclusive contract with you to represent your interests with monthly payment on your part and without any KPIs, deadlines or plans. This is the most obvious bell that is trying to deceive you. To understand: unlike many other markets, in the UAE business development specialists rarely work for a commission from a contract, since this type of remuneration is accepted for official distributors or resellers, most often it is a monthly fixed rate. However, serious consultants clearly prescribe the work plan, KPIs and deadlines, as well as termination conditions and never require exclusive conditions, unlike "helpers".

8. Avoid obscene language

A strong word can break out in a certain situation for almost everyone - from top managers of huge corporations to line employees of small firms. However, in the UAE, the attitude towards abuse, especially from the lips of foreigners, is completely different, and in any language. It provides severe punishment for the use of obscene language (both orally and in writing) - from a fine of 5,000 dirhams ($1361) to one year in prison. Therefore, do not use the curse words neither in speech, nor in correspondence, nor in reviews on forums and sites.