Module 1 : Successful personnal integration in the United Arab Emirates

1. Cross-cultural awareness : the key to a successful expatriation

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• Culture shock and the integration process
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Emirati culture

• Seven monarchical emirates and a federation
• Geography, languages, a mostly foreign population
• Bedouin heritage.  The influence of the British protectorate
• The third largest oil producer in the Persian Gulf
• A region of great geopolitical interest, the challenge of economic diversification
• A high-performance educational system

3. Emirati values and behaviour patterns

• A Muslim culture characterised by its openness to the rest of the world
• The importance of tribal origins
• The family unit as the bedrock of identity.  A duty to provide hospitality 
• The Emirati woman - between tradition and modernity
• Social distinction based on nationality: Al-Muwateneen and Al-Wafedeen
• A rigid hierarchy: respect for age and status
• Flexibility where time is concerned
• The importance attached to appearances

4. Practical day to day information

• Focus on the host town or city
• Transport, administration, housing, security, hygiene and healthcare
• Social life, leisure activities, schools, extracurricular activities, sport

Module 2 : Successful professionnal integration in the United Arab Emirates

1. The Emirati corporate world

• The influence of religion on business and the pace of work.
• A virtually 100% state-controlled economy
• A horizontal hierarchy subject the authority of a leader
• Distinctions between the Emirates

2. Effective communication with the Emiratis

• Building personal relationships
• The importance of verbal communication. 
• A culture making extensive use of gestures.
• Respect and courtesy: a winning combination
• Arabic for day-to-day life and English for business

3. Working with Emirati teams

• Establishing your authority: posture and bearing
• Local management and corporate culture
• The concentration of decision-making powers
• Building and maintaining trust and confidence

4. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Emiratis

• The art of negotiation. Identifying decision-makers
• Giving and keeping your word, providing ample documentation
• Taking care when drafting contracts
• Successful follow-up

5. Final handy tips

• Prudence, patience and humility
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
• Delicate subjects: politics, history, religion