The number 1 Principle to be successful in the Gulf

There is one theory that has served me time and time again when doing business with locals and it didn’t matter whether they were from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE or Oman. The principle was always the same: Leave Your Judgement at the Door.

In our increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to approach different cultures with an open mind and a willingness to understand their customs and traditions. Too often, we are very quick to judge practices that seem unfamiliar or contrary to our own beliefs and values. However, this judgemental attitude not only undermines our ability to connect with others genuinely, but it also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings.

As someone who has worked with clients from the Gulf, one of the fundamental principles I teach is the importance of leaving judgement at home. It is a simple concept, but one that can profoundly impact how we navigate cross-cultural interactions and relationships. An easy trick to stay on top of current news and developments is to subscribe to our Middle East Insights Newsletter.

Let me show you some examples:

1. The Abaya: More Than Just a Piece of Clothing

   For many Western women, the sight of women wearing abayas (traditional full-body robes) might initially seem oppressive or restrictive. However, it’s crucial to understand that for many Muslim women, the abaya is a personal choice that represents their cultural identity, modesty, and religious beliefs. Rather than making assumptions, we should respect their decision and recognise that the abaya holds deep significance for them. Not only this but in recent years this has also become a fashion statement whereby it can be worn in many different colours and styles.

2. Ramadan:

   Ramadan is seen very much as a Spiritual Journey Beyond just Fasting, Muslims observe daily fasting from dawn until dusk. To an outsider, this practice might seem like an unnecessary hardship. However, fasting during Ramadan is not just a religious obligation; it is also an opportunity for self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual growth. By refraining from judgement, we can appreciate the deeper meaning behind this sacred tradition and the personal transformations it can facilitate. Many Muslims actually look forward to this month every year as it helps them to recenter and go back to their roots. You can read more about RAMADAN here.

3. The Importance of Prayer:

   Respecting religious practices in some cultures, it is customary for individuals to pause meetings or gatherings to observe their daily prayers. While this might seem disruptive or rude from a Western perspective, it is essential to remember that prayer holds profound significance in many faiths. Rather than perceiving it as an inconvenience, we should respect our clients’ or colleagues’ religious practices and accommodate them whenever possible. This is only one aspect of business etiquette, one of our key teachings in the Star-CaT Consulting and Training sessions.

4. Dietary Restrictions:

   More than just food preferences…. In many cultures, dietary restrictions play a significant role in religious practices, personal beliefs, or health considerations. For instance, some individuals may choose to follow a vegetarian lifestyle, while others may avoid certain foods such as pork due to religious reasons. It’s important to respect these choices and not dismiss them as mere food preferences. By understanding the deeper significance behind dietary restrictions, we can better accommodate and support our colleagues, clients, or guests. Knowing what to expect is often a key component in preparation and when you know what food is expected you can better cater for these needs. We have a Gulf Food MasterClass in the Middle East Shop because each of the countries have different nuances.

5. Cultural Celebrations:

   Embracing diverse traditions, different cultures have their own unique celebrations and festivals, each with its own rich history and symbolic significance. From celebrating Eid to National and Flag Days, these celebrations may seem peculiar or even strange to an outsider. However, by approaching these cultural events with an open mind and curiosity it will give a lot of insight into the country and what is important to them. You can read more about Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and National Days on our other blogs.

6. Language and Communication Styles

   The way we communicate can vary greatly across cultures. While some cultures value direct and explicit communication, others may rely more on contextual cues and nonverbal expressions. Misunderstandings can easily arise when we impose our own cultural norms on others. By recognising and respecting these differences, we can improve our ability to communicate effectively and build stronger connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

7. Family Dynamics and Social Structures

   Family roles, hierarchies, and social structures can differ significantly between cultures. In some societies, elders are highly revered and hold decision-making authority, while in others, individual autonomy is prioritised. Understanding these nuances can help us navigate business relationships and interactions more respectfully, avoiding unintentional offence or misunderstandings.

By not judging some of these habits that we are not familiar with, we open ourselves to a world of understanding and appreciation for different cultural practices. Instead of condemning what we don’t understand, we can approach these traditions with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Embracing cultural diversity not only fosters better personal and professional relationships but also enriches our own lives. When we accept that other cultures have different rituals and customs, we gain valuable insights into the richness of human experience. We become more empathetic, tolerant, and respectful of the beautiful tapestry of beliefs and traditions that make up our global community.