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Introduction

Dubai has become a global hub for business, attracting professionals from across the world. Yet, successfully doing business there calls for awareness of the region’s traditions and business etiquette. From appropriate greetings to dress codes and business meetings, respecting cultural norms is crucial for success.

This guide provides expats with essential insights into business etiquette in Dubai, ensuring they build strong professional relationships while respecting the UAE's rich traditions.

Table of Contents

1.     Understanding Dubai’s Business Culture

2.     Dress Code: What to Wear in Business Settings

3.     Business Meetings and Communication

4.     Greeting and Addressing Colleagues

5.     Business Cards: The Right Way to Exchange Them

6.     Negotiation and Decision-Making Etiquette

7.     Workplace Behavior and Ethics

8.     Dining and Business Socializing

9.     Important Dos and Don’ts for Expats

10.  Final Thoughts

1. Understanding Dubai’s Business Culture

Dubai is an international business center, but its corporate culture is deeply influenced by Islamic values and Emirati traditions. Business interactions are formal, and relationships play a significant role in decision-making.

Key aspects of Dubai’s business culture include:

·        Respect for hierarchy and authority

·        The importance of trust and personal relationships

·        A preference for face-to-face meetings over emails

·        Punctuality in formal settings, though flexibility is sometimes observed

2. Dress Code: What to Wear in Business Settings

Dubai has a professional and conservative dress code, influenced by Islamic culture.

For Men:

·        Business suits in dark or neutral colors

·        Long-sleeved shirts and ties for formal meetings

·        Refrain from wearing shorts or overly casual attire during professional meetings.

For Women:

·        Modest and professional attire (e.g., knee-length skirts, blouses with sleeves)

·        Refrain from wearing outfits that are too revealing, including sleeveless tops or short skirts.

·        Trousers and business suits are widely accepted

Pro Tip: Dressing modestly shows respect for local customs and enhances your professional image.

3. Business Meetings and Communication

Meetings in Dubai follow a structured yet relationship-driven approach.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

·        Schedule meetings in advance, preferably via email or a phone call

·        Meetings may start with small talk; avoid jumping straight to business

·        Handshakes are common but wait for Emirati women to extend their hand first

·        Be patient—decisions often take time as they involve multiple levels of approval

Communication Style:

·        Keep your tone polite and professional

·        Avoid overly aggressive negotiation tactics

·        Respect titles (e.g., Sheikh, Doctor, or Engineer) when addressing professionals

4. Greeting and Addressing Colleagues

First impressions matter in Dubai. Extending a polite greeting sets the tone for building a strong and positive business relationship.

Common Greetings:

·        A firm handshake for men is standard

·        Some Emirati women might choose a spoken greeting rather than a handshake.

·        Use Arabic greetings like "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) for a positive impression

Pro Tip: Always address senior professionals with their title and last name unless invited to use their first name.

5. Business Cards: The Right Way to Exchange Them

Business cards are important in Dubai’s corporate world.

How to Exchange Business Cards Properly:

·        When exchanging business cards, present or receive them with your right hand or with both hands.

·        Ensure your card is in good condition—bent or damaged cards are seen as unprofessional

·        Pause briefly to review the business card before putting it away, as a sign of respect.

6. Negotiation and Decision-Making Etiquette

Negotiations in Dubai emphasize relationships and mutual trust.

Key Points to Remember:

·        Be patient; hasty negotiations can be seen as disrespectful

·        Always remain polite and professional—aggressiveness is frowned upon

·        Follow up politely after meetings, as decisions may take time

Pro Tip: Building trust before discussing contracts can lead to better business outcomes.

7. Workplace Behavior and Ethics

Professionalism and respect are highly valued in Dubai’s workplace culture.

Workplace Etiquette:

·        Refrain from bringing up delicate subjects such as politics or religion in conversations.

·        Showing affection in public is considered inappropriate within a professional setting.

·        Ensure that emails and messages are written in a professional and respectful tone.

Pro Tip: Always show gratitude and appreciation to your colleagues—it strengthens workplace relationships.

8. Dining and Business Socializing

Business meals are a common way to build relationships in Dubai.

Dining Etiquette:

·        Accept invitations for coffee or lunch—it’s a sign of goodwill

·        Wait to start your meal until the host has taken the first bite.

·        Avoid alcohol unless it is explicitly offered in private business settings

Pro Tip: If invited to a meal at an Emirati home, dress modestly and bring a small gift.

9. Important Dos and Don’ts for Expats

Dos:

Show respect for Emirati culture and traditions

Learn basic Arabic greetings for a great first impression

Be punctual for business meetings

Don’ts:

Avoid making direct criticisms in public—feedback should be given privately

Avoid interrupting a Muslim colleague while they are engaged in prayer.

10. Final Thoughts

Adhering to proper business etiquette in Dubai plays an essential role in achieving professional success. By respecting local customs, dressing appropriately, and conducting meetings with cultural awareness, expats can build strong relationships and thrive in Dubai’s dynamic business environment.

Ready to work in Dubai? Keep these etiquette tips in mind to make a great impression!