Working with the Arabian Gulf countries
Module 1 : Understanding cultural differences
1. Intercultural awareness : the key to success in international business
- Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
- The basics of effective intercultural management
- Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes
2. Key aspects of culture in the Arabian Gulf
- Understanding the sub-region: identifying the various Gulf countries
- Persians, Arabs, Bedouins and Tribes: a multi-ethnic environment
- A contrasting region situated between the desert and the sea
- A strategic region internationally
- Oil and tourism-based economies currently undergoing diversification
- Political issues
3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships
- Friendliness, hospitality and a sense of service
- Family and friends: the importance attached to private life
- Pride and a sense of honour
- The role and importance of Islam in day-to-day life
- The status of women: a complex situation despite popular misconceptions
- A respect for authority, age and rank
- A flexible view of time
4. The corporate world in the Arabian Gulf
- Islam in the world of business
- A strong sense of hierarchy
- The influence and adaptation of western and American business methods and models
Module 2 : Succeeding in work in the Arabian Gulf
1. Effective communication with colleagues and clients from the Arabian Gulf
- Navigating between words and gestures: understanding unspoken communication
- The vital importance of networks and networking
- Politeness and protocol
- English used for business. The advantages to be gained from making an effort to speak the language.
2. Adapting your working methods
- The key characteristics of a good leader: discipline, self-control and experience
- Effective management: maintaining a respectful distance, an open mind and a willingness to listen
- Building a climate of mutual trust and consensus to maximise efficiency
- Deciding, supervising and managing
- Pitfalls to be avoided
3. Successful meetings and negotiations in the Arabian Gulf
- Giving relationships that personal touch
- Building long-term friendships and relationships
- Proposing, reacting and follow-up
- Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications
- Organising the post-negotiation phase
4. Final handy tips
- Caution, patience and humility
- Protocol and etiquette
- Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code
- Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
- Humour: a double-edged sword
Public Courses
- 2 on-site days (Paris)
or - 3 remote half-days
Corporate Training Solutions
You wish to organise a specific training course, contact us.