Communicating in the Middle East

There are many traditions, cultures, resources, and strong beliefs in the Middle East. A person should be aware of the many diverse cultures and customs of the countries of the Middle East when visiting them, or conducting business with people within them. In Middle East, it is important to be familiar with they way they communicate, as to not end up in uncomfortable situations. Because of these vast cultural differences, especially involving communication, it is very easy to offend someone without even knowing it.

The Middle East includes countries in Southwest Asia and part of North Africa. Some of those countries are Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Turkey. Some of the ethnic groups in the Middle East include Arabs, Turks, and Kurds. The major ethnic group in the Middle East is Arab. Although there are vast social differences that exist between the various cultures from the Arab world, Arabs are very homogeneous in their outlook on life. Islam is by far the largest religion in the Middle East. Religion plays a very important role in all countries of the Middle East. Many matters of etiquette in the Middle East are connected to Islam. Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world promote love and make examples of them. Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.

In Afghanistan business cards are not widely used, therefore they carry a sense of importance and prestige. If given a business card, study it an comment on it to show respect. In Pakistan business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. In Kuwait business cards are given to anyone. When exchanging business card you should...