Tips For Doing Business with an Arab Company

Doing business with an Arab Company can be a very easy transaction.

Their culture is rich in customs and etiquette. Your first step is

to find out who you are dealing with through the Local Ministry of

Business in their country or ask for letters of reference. Contact

your local Secretary of State Office if they are here in the U.S .

They will also want to know who they are dealing with. Start with

a personal introduction via telephone, face to face is

best.

Most Arab people still observe old world traditions based on their

religion be it Islam, Christianity or Hinduism. Normally you would

meet at their place of business and you would be offered tea or soda

and or a meal depending on what time of the day it is. They pride

themselves on their hospitality and it is expected of them. They greet

each other by kissing each other on the cheek, just like

many European countries. It is customary when you visit to take a

gift of some type usually if you are invited to their home. Flowers,

candy, fruits, something from the bakery . It’s a good idea when you

visit their business as well. It is best that you get to know each

other before proceeding to business matters.

If you are inviting them to your place of business then you should

be as hospitable. Don’t ask them if they want anything have it

served or have it waiting when they arrive. Treat them as honored

guest. As that is how they will always treat you. You don’t have to

kiss them on the cheek, but at least shake their hand and make good

eye contact when you are speaking.

Dress in business attire and be prepared to haggle. It is

customary for them to haggle to get the best price, it is not

an insult, it is just business. They will want speak their native

language during your conversation. Don’t let this offend you,

just remember if you were talking to your friends or family

you would speak English.

It would be a good idea to take someone with you that can translate.

Any documents or agreements should be in both languages so there

will be no questions later. You may even want to record the

conversation for later reference. Get everything in

writing, Its just good business practice. You would do it here

in the U.S. After your first meeting, send a follow up thank you.

It will show good manners.

The issue of male and female in business requires a little bit of

tact and a lot of respect. If you are a male dealing with a female

there are some definite no no’s. Remember you are dealing with old

fashioned traditions that they take very seriously. No flirting,

it’s better if you do not look or speak to any female family members

unless they direct you to or an introduction is made.

For females doing business with an Arab company, it is going to be

even more difficult. You must wear long sleeve shirts with a high

collar and long skirts. If you are a Christian it is acceptable in

some areas to wear your hair with no covering. You should check on this.

You should have a male escort you everywhere. It is dangerous in some

Arab countries for a woman. Always have someone with you.

Every afternoon at about 1:00 pm, they close down for about four hours

so that they may rest and pray. During those hours it is hard to reach

anyone. Usually you will get an answering service. The evening is

more relaxed. They do business in the early hours of the morning.

If you can learn a few phrases of Arabic, that will impress them.

Doing business with an Arab company is basically the same as in America,

just be diligent and take the same precautions as you would here.

If you will be dealing with customs, bank wire, or letters of credit,

hire professionals to help you. Our U.S government has agencies that

will help you promote and transact business in foreign countries and

protect your interest. You may want to contact your local American

consulate in the country you wish to do business with and they can

direct you to the proper agencies, or contact the U.S Dept of Commerce.