Intercultural Business Etiquette

United Arab Emirates
Communication style
• Emiratis tend to favor an indirect style of
communication. Avoiding confrontation is paramount.
• People stand a little more than arm’s length apart while
conversing.
• Touching members of the opposite sex is not allowed
and is offensive.
• Emiratis favor direct eye contact in conversations.
However, foreign men should avoid staring into the
eyes of an Emirati woman.
• While talking to an elder, there usually is not much
direct eye contact as a sign of respect.
• Do not discuss the subject of women, not even to
inquire about the health of a wife or daughter.