In this presentation, it defines the cultural and business practices adopted by the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and UAE.

1. Environmental and Business practices
in Arab Countries.
Presented by:
Ajit Kumar Gautam
Abhay Agarwal
Salman Quraishi
Uyanga Erdenebileg
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES,
BHU

2. Arab World:
 The Arab World is also
known as Middle East.
The Arab world refers
to Arabic speaking states,
territories and populations in
North Africa & West Asia.
The Arab world comprises 22
states and territories of the
Arab League.
It has a combined population
of around 422 million people.
Middle East Map

3. History Of Arab World:
Divided into 3 period:
1. Pre Islamic period 2. Islamic period & 3. Modern Arab period
Pre Islamic period :
The pre-Islamic history of the great Arabian subcontinent is primarily that of
a nomadic people.
 Nomads means desert dwellers.
 They were very poor.
Main occupation was farming, hunting and fishing.
Settlement were temporary structures such as tents.

4. History Of Arab World:
Islamic period :
Known as period of Islamic architecture
Were developed and had permanent settlements
Main occupation was trade , agriculture , cattle farming , pottery etc
 Islamic period is divided into three era:
1. Rashidun Era (632-661) :
• Rashidun armies established the Islamic Empire in 632.
• First state to use Islamic Architecture.
• Built many Islamic Forts & Administration systems
2. Ummayad Era (661-750):
 Many new elements were included.
Arabesque Mosaic Luxurious Palace Minarets

5. History Of Arab World:
2. Ummayad Era (661-750):.
Also led to the development of Moorish architecture.
Moorish or Horse shoe arches Courtyard Tile Work
Domes
Ogee Arches

6. History Of Arab World:
3. Abbasid Caliphate (750-1513) :
Islamic Architecture peaked in the Abbasid era.
 Made use of circular shape.
Built large cities such as :
City of Baghdad, Damascus & Aleppo
Minaret at
Samrah
Plan of city of Baghdad Allepo

7. History Of Arab World:
Modern Arab period
Are Arabs living in modern times .
They are highly developed.
Main occupation : Business, agriculture, pearl diving, fishing, trade etc.
 Buildings are categorized under contemporary architecture.

8. Economy Of Arab World:
 Middle East economies range from very poor to extremely wealthy nations
 Unemployment is notably high in the Middle East and North Africa region
 Industries of the Middle East region depends upon oil and oil-related
products, agriculture, cattle, dairy, textiles, leather products, defense equipment.

9. Arab Society:
Arab Family is one of the most important aspects of the Arab society.
Arab society emphasizes the importance of the group.
Some of the Arabs believe in polygamy hence forming big sized
families with many children.
They are warm and hospitable people .
Receives many guests.
Arab practice Pardah system.
More Space Gathering Hall
Jaalis

10. Language & Literature :
 Afro-asiatic languages are spoken
predominantly in the Middle east.
 Arabic is the most widely spoken Afro-asiatic
language in Middle east.
Closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic.
Used as both literary and vehicular
language.
The Arabic word used for literature
is adab.
Adab means etiquette.
Arabic Literature is the writing
produced, by speakers of the Arabic
Language.
Holy Quran widely regarded as the finest
piece of literature work.
Calligraphy is an art used for decorating
the wall of Islamic structures.
Calligraphy is written in Arabic which

11. Religion:
Before Islam , Arabs worshipped of a number of deities.
Hubal
1. Uzza
2. Allat
3. Mallat
Later on , Some of the tribes gets converted to Christianity and Judaism.
With the expansion of Islam, the majority of Arabs rapidly entered into Islam
The pre-Islamic polytheistic traditions disappeared.

12. Saudi Arabia-Cultural and
Business practices

13. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 Capital and largest city Riyadh
 Official languages Arabic
 Religion Islam (official)
 Government Absolute monarchy until 1992
- King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
- Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz
 Area
- Total 870,000 sq mi
-Water (%) 0.7
 Population
- 2013 estimate 29,994,272 (43rd)
- Density 12.3/km
2
(216th)
 Currency Saudi riyal (SR) (SAR)

14. Introduction
 Saudi Arabia officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the
largest Arab state inWestern Asia.
 It is the only nation with both a Red Sea coast and a Persian Gulf coast.
 Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdulaziz bin Saud in 1932.
 Saudi Arabia is sometimes called "the Land of the Two Holy Mosques”
 With the world's second largest oil reserves and the world's sixth largest natural
gas reserves, the Kingdom is categorized as a high income economy with 19th
highest GDP in the world

15. Culture of Saudi Arabia
 Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
 The weekend was Thursday and Friday.
 Only two religious holidays are publicly recognized.
 The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for hygiene.
 Do not point at another person and do not eat with the left hand.
 Men walking hand in hand is a sign a friendship.
 Try not to cross your legs when sitting. Never show the bottom of your feet.
 The "thumbs up" gesture is offensive.
 Avoid admiring an item too much, you host may feel obligated to give it to you.
When offered a gift, it is impolite to refuse.
 Public expression of opinion about domestic , political or social matters is
discouraged.
 The limitations on behavior and dress are strictly enforced both legally and socially.
 Almost all restaurants have a separate entrance and eating area for families, and
another entrance and eating area for men who are unaccompanied by women.

16. Dress Code
1.Saudi Arabian dress strictly follows the principles of hijab .
2.The predominantly loose and flowing, but covering,
garments are suited to Saudi Arabia's desert climate.
3.Traditionally, men usually wear an ankle length garment
woven from wool or cotton, with a keffiyeh or a ghutra worn
on the head.
4.Women's clothes are decorated with tribal motifs, coins,
sequins, metallic thread, and appliques.
5.Women are required to wear an abaya when in public.
6.Business women should make certain that their collarbones
and knees are covered and that their clothes are not form-fitting.

17. Education in Saudi Arabia
 Education is free at all levels. A large part of the curriculum at all levels is
devoted to Islam.
 As few girls attend school, this disproportion is reflected in the rate of literacy.
 Women typically receive college instruction in segregated institutions.
 The study of Islam dominates the Saudi educational system.

18. Legal system of Saudi Arabia
 The primary source of law is the Islamic Sharia.
 Capital and physical punishments are imposed by Saudi courts.
 Lashings are a common form of punishment.
 Homosexual rights are not recognized.
 Retaliatory punishments are practised.
 Families of someone unlawfully killed can choose between demanding the death
penalty or granting clemency in return for a payment of diyya, or blood money, by
the perpetrator

19. Entertainment, arts, sports and cuisine
 Music and dance have always been part of Saudi life.
 Bedouin poetry, known as nabaṭī, is still very popular. Censorship has limited the
development of Saudi literature.
 Football is the national sport in Saudi Arabia.
 Pork is not consumed and other animals are slaughtered in accordance
with halal.
 Coffee, served in the Turkish style, is the traditional beverage.
 Cinemas are numerous in 1970s.

20. Family Values
 Saudis are cognizant (aware) of their heritage, their clan, and their extended
family, as well as their nuclear family.
 Saudis take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
 Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.
 The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from
the family

21. Meeting Etiquette
 Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and
a kiss on each cheek.
 Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
 Men and women would not greet each other in public If from outside the
family.
 When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about
general things

22. Gift Giving Etiquette
 Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.
If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.
 Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give
them to her hostess.
 Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
 Gifts are not opened when received

23. Dining Etiquette
 Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels whom they do not
know well. After some time you will be invited to the home.
 Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will
be in separate rooms.
If you are invited to a Saudi's house:
 You would usually remove your shoes.
 Dress conservatively.
 Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial.
 Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
 Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally drink
coffee.
 If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee..
 Eat only with the right hand.
 Try a bit of everything that is served.

24. Business Etiquette and Protocol
Relationships & Communication
 You will need a Saudi sponsor (wakeel) to enter the country.
 Saudis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures.
 Saudis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time.
 You must be patient.
 Saudis will most likely judge you on appearances, dress and present yourself well.
 Do not discuss the subject of women.
 The topic of Israel should also be avoided. Sports is an appropriate topic.
 Names are often confusing. It’s best to get the names. Find out both their full names and how
they are to be addressed in person.
 Communications occur at a slow pace. Do not feel obligated to speak during periods of silence.
"Yes" usually means "possibly".
 At a meeting, the person who asks the most questions is likely to be the least important. The
decision maker is likely a silent observer.

25. Business Meeting Etiquette
 Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in
advance.
 When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled upon until
you are physically in the country.
 Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
 You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom to keep
foreigners waiting.
 It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
 Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust has been
developed. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander
into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to
bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
 Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.

26. Business Negotiating
 Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.
 The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of
approval. It takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
 Saudis are tough negotiators.
 Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
 Repeat your main points since it will be interpreted as meaning you are telling
the truth.
 Do not use high-pressure tactics.
 Decisions are easily overturned.
 There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive acceptances,
which may only mean 'perhaps'.

27. Hofstede’s Model

28. Power distance:
 Saudi Arabia has a large power distance.
 This is partly due to the monarchy in power.
 The citizens do not have a strong political voice, and the rules of the land are
decided by the king and the Quran.
 Within the family, the elders are at the top of the hierarchy, while the
children and youth are at the bottom.
Individualism vs. Collectivism:
 Saudi Arabia is a collectivist society.
 They place great value in not only their physical family, but
also their spiritual family.
Members act for the good of the group, not for any
individual goals.

29. Masculinity vs. Femininity:
 Saudi Arabia has one of the largest male/female gaps.
 The life of a woman is very restricted, with laws concerning leaving the house,
dress code, and servitude to the male.
 Consequences for breaking out of these sex-based roles are strongly punished.
Uncertainty Avoidance:
 Saudi Arabia has a high level of uncertainty avoidance.
 They are very conservative, and have many rules, laws, and policies that restrict
freedoms, which prohibits change.
 Many outside influences counter to their own are not only persecuted, but often
outlawed.

30. UAE
United Arab of Emirates

31. Dubai
UAE
Sharjah
Fujairah
Ra’s al-
Khaimah
Abu
Dhabi
Umm al-
Qaiwain
Ajman

33. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological
~ Legal ~ Environment
 Political
• UAE Federal Government
• Each Emirate has its own governmental institution.
• The ruling family of each Emirate is a member of the Supreme
Council, which is responsible for policy-making and electing the
president and vice president for five-year terms.
• President: HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu
Dhabi

34. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological
~ Legal ~ Environment
 Economic
• Currency: Emirate dirham (Dh or AED)
• Exchange Rate: Dh3.67 per US dollar
• Oil exports: 2.2 million barrels of crude oil/day,3rd largest exporter
• GDP per capita: Dh162,000 (2007)
• Increase in spending for infrastructure and job creation.
• Fiscal year: 1 January to 31 December.
• Free zone : strongest pillars of the country’s diversification strategy

35. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological
~ Legal ~ Environment
 Social
• Emiratis are a tolerant, forward-looking people with a strong sense of
tradition.
• Language: Arabic
• Religion: Islam; practice of all religious beliefs is allowed.
• Male : Female = 2.2 : 1.
• Illiteracy rate: 7%
• Women are seen as equals and are protected by rights and privileges
laid down by Islam.

36. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological ~ Legal ~
Environment
 Technological
• Zero Carbon City : Renewable energy, sustainable environment
• Assistance & Advice of MIT(Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
• Gulf Information Technology Exhibition – one of the 3rd Biggest
exhibition of its kind
• Telephones (land line and cell), radio broadcast stations, television,
internet
• Internet country code: ae

37. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological ~ Legal ~
Environment
 Legal
• Court proceedings in the UAE are time-consuming.
• Secular courts to adjudicate criminal, civil & commercial
matters
• Islamic courts to review family and religious disputes.
• Each of the seven emirates has its own government with
respective municipalities and departments.

38. PESTLE Analysis
~ Political ~ Economic ~ Social ~ Technological ~ Legal ~
Environment
Tropical
Environment
Sandy /
Desert
Coastal
Areas
Arid

39. Dress code

40. Food Culture

41. Doing Business in the UAE
Working
Practice
Companies
Structure
Working
Relation
Business
Practices
Social
Customs

42. Working Practice
 Saturday – Wednesday (Traditional Working Week)
 Meetings should be scheduled advanced with extra time
allocation
 Attitude to time is comparatively relaxed

43. Business Practice
 Customary greeting is “As-salam alikum” with reply
“Wa alaikum as-salam”
 Initial business meeting – Way to become acquainted
with your counterparts
 Business Cards are common but not essential. If
intended ensure English and Arabic printed
information.

44. Social Custom
Gifts
• Sign of Generosity
Dining
• Sign of respect – starts eating last
• Host pays for it
Left Hand
• Do not use or offer item with your left
hand
Shoes
• Follow the lead of your host

45. Business Etiquette
Do’s
 Address Emirati
counterpart with
appropriate titles
 Dress Conservatively
 Accept Invitation to
a meal or social
events
 Politeness and
courtesy
Don’t
• Expect a one-on-one meeting
to only include yourself and
the other person.
• Assume that the person who
asks the most questions in
meetings holds the most
Responsibility.
• DON’T ask about a person’s
wife or daughters.

46. Hofstede Model
Power Distance: 80
 Stratification by wealth and social standing
 Relative lack of upward mobility
Uncertainty Avoidance: 68
 Strict rules and regulations
 Resistance to change and risk
Masculinity: 52
 Acknowledgement of gender differences
 Religious vs. cultural distinctions
Individualism: 38
 Group and team-oriented culture
 Importance of loyalty to one’s member groups, i.e.
family, company, social group