Dubai Business Culture

To be successful in business in Dubai, their culture and religion must be respected and rules must be followed. For example, a colleague should never be embarrassed or criticized in public. Women in Dubai should dress conservatively. Alcohol should never be consumed on the street, and it should be taken home only if one has a license to purchase it. Singles of the opposite sex may not live together in Dubai; gay marriages and relationships are not accepted in Dubai. If an unmarried woman becomes pregnant, then she must leave the country immediately. Other important rules to follow in Dubai include: do not cross your legs in front of someone of higher authority because it is seen as disrespectful; do not hold onto a handshake for a long time because it signifies a brotherly bond instead of a friendly gesture; do not use your left hand because it is considered dirty so use only the right hand to offer drinks, food, and so on; do not turn down a drink offer because it might insult the host; do not engage in friendly talk in pubic with any females; do not shake hands with women unless they come forward to do so; do not flirt, hug, and have other physical contact with a member of the opposite sex; do not make eye contact with women; do not ask a male Arab about any female because that is bad manners; do not point the soles of shoes at an Arab because the soles are dirty; do not refuse any gifts (if offered) but open them in private not in public; do not express a desire to communicate with any member of the opposite sex.

In Dubai, the workday starts at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., but employees return at 7 p.m. to work more. During the Muslim Festival Ramadan, working hours in offices become shorter by two hours. In Arab cultures, clothes should be worn on all body parts including limbs. On Friday, Muslims pray and rest, so business should not be conducted on that day. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims avoid eating, smoking. and drinking during daylight.

The Future

Ironically for Emirates, the flydubai discount airline may pose the largest threat to the firm because demand for low price flights is growing rapidly globally. Flying with Emirates is high dollar, and competitors see great potential to take market share from Emirates with lower prices. It is important, therefore, for Emirates’ Chairman and CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to have a clear strategic plan for the next three years.