Thinking of going to the Middle East for the first time but worried about getting things wrong? Been before, but still not sure how to manage every situation? CMEC's Summer Podcast is for you. Expert Corina Goetz answers the questions you were too afraid to ask about what to do (and wear), and crucially, what not to do, in The Middle East, so you can visit this hospitable, turbulent, and beautiful region confident of building bridges, not making blunders...
Corina's Top Ten Tips for Mastering Middle East Manners:
- The Expanding Wardrobe Dilemma: Pack elastic waistbands or risk returning home two sizes larger. Gulf hospitality means you will be force-fed delicious cuisine at every turn. If you clear your plate, you will just get more – so pacing is helpful!
- Caffeine Overload Survival Guide: Develop a caffeine tolerance or master the art of the fake sip. Coffee meetings are a cornerstone of Gulf business culture. You will be offered tiny cups of potent Arabic coffee repeatedly. Refusing is impolite, so either build up your resistance or perfect the "air kiss" technique for your cup.
- Ladies' Dress Code: The Fashion Tightrope: Think "modest chic" not "beach ready." Leave the mini skirts, cleavage showing dresses and crop tops at home. Opt for loose-fitting, long-sleeved outfits that cover knees and elbows. Remember, looking like a stylish ninja is better than offending local sensibilities.
- Gentlemen's Attire: Beyond Shorts and Flip-Flops: Channel your inner James Bond, not your inner surfer dude. Long trousers and collared shirts are your new best friends.
- The Great Temperature Tango: Master the art of layering or risk turning into a human popsicle indoors and melting outdoors. Gulf buildings are air-conditioned to arctic levels while outside feels like a sauna. Dress in removable layers to avoid temperature whiplash.
- The Incense Incident: When presented with incense at an important meeting, resist the urge to wave it away like a pesky mosquito. Instead, gracefully waft the fragrant smoke towards you. It is a sign of hospitality, not an attempt to mask your deodorant failure.
- Headscarf Politics for Ladies: If you choose to wear a headscarf, remember it's not a fashion accessory to be casually tossed on and off. Treat it with respect and be consistent. When in doubt, observe local women or ask for guidance.
- The Hand-Holding heads-up: Don't be surprised if you see men holding hands or walking arm-in-arm. It's a sign of friendship, not a public display of romance.
- Dinner Invitations from Business Partners: If a local invites you to their home for dinner, it's not the start of a horror movie plot. Gulf hospitality is legendary. Accept graciously, bring a gift, and prepare for a feast that will challenge the limits of your stomach capacity.
Time is a Suggestion, Not a Rule: Adjust your watch to "Inshallah Time." In the Gulf, punctuality is more of a gentle guideline than a strict rule. "Inshallah" (God willing) is often used when discussing future plans, which could mean "definitely," "maybe," or "not a chance, but I'm too polite to say no." Learn to go with the flow, or risk spending half your trip tapping your watch and muttering about efficiency. Pro tip: Always bring a book or fully-charged phone to potential waiting situations.
Bonus Tips:
- Keep an open mind: The Gulf may do things differently, but different doesn't mean wrong. Embrace the cultural learning curve!
Be a cultural sponge: Approach your time in the Gulf as an opportunity to learn. Ask questions, observe, and soak up the rich traditions around you.
For more top tips and guidance from Corina, go to her website: www.star-cat.co.uk
