Doing business in Abu Dhabi

Any expat doing business in Abu Dhabi will find themselves one foreigner in a sea of many. Nearly 90 percent of the UAE's total population is made up of those from abroad, and as a result, the working world is a mosaic of multinational influences.

Business culture is highly variable, and contingent upon the in-house customs and etiquette of each particular firm. Expats can best prepare by acknowledging this potential for difference, and by bracing themselves for variation.

That said, it's important to realise that despite its diversity, Abu Dhabi is still governed by Islamic tenets; Emirati businessmen will always conduct themselves according to Arab culture and a greater Muslim mandate. The guide below will address interactions within this sector of the Abu Dhabi business world.

The UAE was ranked 40th (out of 183 countries) by the World Bank for "Ease of Doing Business", a position that substantially lags behind the nearby Middle Eastern nations of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as several European and North American countries.

Business culture in Abu Dhabi

Though Abu Dhabi is considered one of the most modern Middle Eastern environments, it nonetheless subscribes to the values and traditions of the Islamic religion. Expats should endear themselves to the idea that every aspect of a local Emirati's life is governed by their faith, including business culture.

Additionally, foreigners looking to successfully do business in Abu Dhabi must acquaint themselves with the importance of relationship-building. Emiratis do business with people they trust, and initial business dealings will always be devoted to 'getting to know each other'. Some smaller, family-owned businesses may only grant access to decision-makers once a connection with junior members has been forged. Expats should budget time for this endeavour and should take care not to rush into negotiations.

Expats may be surprised to find that punctuality is not always observed and it is not uncommon to be kept waiting on occasion. As family takes precedence in the Middle East, meetings may feature frequent interruptions and disturbances, though patience is expected. The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is used instead of 'Hello' and relationships built on politeness are pivotal to success in the professional world. 

Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Gifts, though appreciated, are not always necessary; however, as the UAE is a Muslim country be sure to avoid anything involving alcohol or pig-related products.