Every region of the world has a different culture. For instance, Western culture is different from Arab culture. People identify each other and they celebrate the cultural festivities while keeping cultural and regional intricacies in view. You must be wondering how? They can respect and celebrate the festivities if they understand their culture. For example, if they want to understand the culture of Iran, then they must go for Farsi translation services. Thus language plays an important part in understanding the different cultures of the world.
Understanding the Culture of the United Arab Emirates
Different cultures around the world with their distinct behaviors add beauty to the lives of people. Here we are going to explore the business culture of the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates has a very diverse culture because 80% of its population includes expatriates. These expatriates have an understanding of the region’s culture and live in harmony.
Many people from developing countries came to the UAE for jobs because the UAE is rich in oil resources and provides ample business and job opportunities to the people. If you want to get a job or start a business in UAE then you must understand its culture.
Language
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Therefore, Arabic translation services can help you in getting an insight into UAE business culture.
Arabic is also the most spoken language in the country. Also, people of many nationalities are residing there. Therefore, they also speak English, Hindi, Russian, and French. Most of the official documents are in Arabic. Therefore, you must have an understanding of this language.
Hierarchy and Decision-Making
In the business culture, the hierarchy is strictly followed in the UAE. Many companies have a vertical hierarchy. Therefore, the senior employees are given top designations. The people at the top designation are responsible for making rational decisions about the business. On the other hand, lower management is not included in the decision-making process. They need to follow what is dictated to them from the top level. Therefore, if you want to do any partnership then you have to contact the higher management. The important thing to note is that they prefer more males than females at higher levels.
Relationships
People living in the UAE prefer to do business with the people they know. This is because they know them for a long period and develop a feeling of trust for them. Moreover, they prefer meeting face-to-face rather than online. If you want to start a business in UAE, then first, you need to arrange meetings with the stakeholders so that you can know them better and build a trustworthy relationship.
Additionally, you must have connections with higher authorities so that they can facilitate you in starting a business in a new country. As people of Emiratis prefer to do business with the people they know, therefore, for developing a business relationship, you must introduce yourself professionally.
The Work Environment
UAE is a Muslim country. In Islam, Friday holds great importance. Therefore, the workweek in the UAE is different from the Western world. Their week starts from Sunday till Thursday and Friday and Saturday are holidays.
Networking
Want to take your share and tap into lucrative business opportunities in the UAE? Well, in order to do that successfully and relatively easily, you need to work on your networking skills. Yes, that’s right. Are you wondering how social networks can help with business? Actually, the business is all about luck and risk. Who knows, maybe you get connected to a renowned company and that can actually help with finding a new opportunity for yourself.
And you know what, this networking thing is rather easy in the United Arab. Actually, there are many different networking events that take place in the UAE. And attending these can turn out to be beneficial for you.
Adding on, it would be great if you formally join groups like the British Business Group, and Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a core factor in the business culture in the UAE. Their government has passed the CSR law. They do encourage companies to engage themselves in a variety of CSR initiatives. Not only that, they also give financial incentives and exemptions if the companies perform well.
In fact, you might find one thing very surprising. Yes, CSR is compulsory for many UAE companies. That’s why you may see different UAE companies with different strategies to follow CSR requirements. For instance, many organizations have environmentally -friendly policies. Likewise, many companies invest in different development projects. Another best part is that some local companies encourage employees to indulge in volunteer activities and for this purpose, they give them paid time off.
Social Support
Another interesting and appreciable thing about the UAE’s business culture is, it is indeed very much supportive. Many big and small companies do value their employees. Also, they provide them with many different benefits in terms of social provisions. For instance, many organizations offer social security, pension and health insurance facilities.
Wrapping Up
Ready to start or expand your business in the UAE? It would be great if you get a clear understanding of their business culture and target audience first. The more you know about Audience, the better it will be for your business.
