INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE International executives need to know some of the rules of international business etiquette when doing business in a foreign country. Dynamic, established and creative organisation. It refers to a specific set of rules and regulations which have been put in place to govern the behavior of people in a society. Business. For business, visitors should be on time but expect locals to be often late, and do not take offence. Answer 1 of 4: Hello, I am in Egypt for work, and my client has just gifted me with an expensive technological item. You may not be introduced to the wife of a traditional Egyptian man due to Moslem rules. – Egyptian business people appreciate a thorough presentation of your information, so make sure to have research and documentation to support your claims. An Egyptian greeting involves repeated expressions of welcome. Every guest there is entitled to also invite whomever they want to bring along for the party. When you receive a business card, be sure to respectfully study it/view it carefully to demonstrate genuine interest and respect. 1. If an Egyptian holds your hand, accept this as a gesture of friendship. Business etiquette etiquette jobs openings and salary information in Egypt Business customs in Egypt are unique to Egyptian culture and all organizations and individuals who operate here must abide by the general guidelines laid forward by the government to ensure a smooth experience. Most people do not work on Thursdays either. Looking in someone’s eyes is a sign of honesty and trust. President VerbaCom® Executive Development. Nobody expects a foreigner to have one in Arabic. Egyptians are very personal when it comes to business, with much of the formalities completed before business even takes place. She was knowledgeable on every subject and I learned quite a but about the business from her. Most foreign business people know little of either which concerns Egypt, or even if they do, they can quickly get in trouble by broaching these topics. Avoid politics and religion. Men should wear a suit and tie (for some Egyptians, military or traditional outfits are also acceptable) while women should wear skirts or dresses that cover the knee and long sleeves. If you are invited into a Libyan’s home, good gifts include nice chocolates, sweets, or pastries. If the other diner notices your look, you will be offered some of what is on their plate. 48888 posts Julien. – Since there are plenty greeting styles in Egypt, it is safest to wait for your counterpart to initiate the greeting, especially at a first meeting. I hired Cynthia to become an etiquette consultant. For Arab men, the greeting is taking each others right hand, putting the left hand on the others shoulder and kissing each cheek. Association Director Association Management Group, McLean, VA. Cynthia is one of the top business etiquette professionals in the DC area. Business etiquette instructs this behavior. Egypt Introduction. Egypt is ranked 114th out of 190 countries surveyed in the 2020 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Survey. Top Business Group for Human Resources +2 02 226 871 44 Nobody expects a foreigner to have one in Arabic. – The pace of business is slower in Egypt than in the European working culture, so expecting immediate results is not wise. Your documents should include two dates: the Gregorian (Western) and the Hijrah (Arabic) date. About 95% of the population lives in the Nile Valley, resulting in one of the highest population densities in the world. Business Cards Exchanging business cards is generally done at the beginning of the meeting during introductions. This sends the signal to the host that there wasn’t enough offered and that you may still be hungry. 2. Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contracts. Courtesy and hospitality are important when doing business in Egypt. Egyptians have a self-critical sense of humor and use it often. I recommend Cynthia Lett for your business etiquette needs. You can hold bread in your left hand in order to tear a piece off, but you should never put food into your mouth with your left hand, nor put it into the bowl … The basic meaning and principle of etiquette dates back to around 2500 B. I would highly recommend her for educational events for any group. You should respect and be aware of local traditions and sensitivities and always behave and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. The Egyptian sense of personal space is generally closer than what is commonplace in Western cultures. Arabic Business Etiquette 1. Knowledge of international business etiquette is relevant for conducting meetings, building relationships with others and demonstrating respect for local culture. Use of the Arabic phrase for “No, thank you.” (“Laa Shokran”), is helpful when approached by street vendors or children asking for money or inviting you to take their photograph for money. Never leave a totally clean plate, no matter where you are dining in Egypt. Touching of your arm or shoulder or back during conversation is not uncommon. – Welcome topics of conversation include Egyptian achievements – both ancient and modern, the positive reputation of Egyptian leaders, Egyptian cotton, sports. Businesses that establish a presence in Egypt and forge good partnerships with Egyptian businesses are likely to be rewarded once the country becomes more stable. Italy - Business. The Egyptian Pound (or Genēh Maṣri) is the currency of Egypt, locally abbreviated as LE or L.E., which stands for livre égyptienne. Practicing proper Arabic business etiquette will benefit you greatly when looking to expand into new Arabic markets. – A typical business day is usually from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm in the summer and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with an extra 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the winter. Business etiquette in Egypt. You can hold it in your left hand but don’t put it away while you are in the presence of the giver. Founder. Learn or review dining etiquette for Egypt. Job opportunities for Business etiquette etiquette in Egypt. Business etiquette etiquette jobs openings and salary information in Egypt – Do make eye-contact when meeting with your Egyptian business associates, especially with male colleagues. – No business is conducted on Friday – the Muslim holy day. What Does Etiquette Have To Do With Ratings? From a quick handshake to a long business lunch, being aware of French business customs can be the difference between landing an important job or crucial client, or offending your host. Business Etiquette: Manners in Today’s Society. The population in Egypt was about 76 million people in 2004 (Kwintessential, 2014). If you feel your personal space being invaded, avoid backing away, as this will be interpreted as being cold or distant or a blatant rejection. Make sure to have a selection of non-alcoholic drinks available if you invite them for an event. This allows them to know their business associates in a more personal fashion. Unlike most western countries, business in Egypt tends to move at a slow (sometimes even ponderous pace) – expect things to take even longer if you do business directly with the Egyptian government. I have been to meetings where the person I was meeting didn’t show up at all or was quite a bit late. 48888 posts New York, New York . Good topics of conversation include: travel, what you have seen in their country, food, music and entertainment, art, positive or complimentary aspects of history, books, education. I can truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette and protocol. If a business card is offered, make sure you have yours to give. You can also expect to be offered tea while you are waiting and during the meeting. You may be asked many very personal questions about your faith, family life, and politics (especially by taxi drivers). Many educated Egyptians speak multiple languages, but they appreciate brevity and, therefore, would prefer Arabic. Also, knowing the cultural customs of the country you wish to do business with … The use of the finest linguists and exceptional management make them the leaders in their field. Topics for include, among others, mealtimes and typical food, national drinks, toasts, table manners, tipping etiquette, business lunch etiquette, host etiquette, guest etiquette, regional differences, dining etiquette in the home, and dining etiquette at a restaurant. Cynthia Lett was the top-rated speaker at several international Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) events. – Business will not proceed until your counterpart decides that they like you. Unlike most western countries, business in Egypt tends to move at a slow (sometimes even ponderous pace) – expect things to take even longer if you do business … Download product. For Further Information Cyborlink, Website giving information on business etiquette. It is considered an offence. You can also expect to be offered tea while you are waiting and during the meeting. Please visit our new website. Egypt, officially Arab Republic of Egypt is a country in northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia. Price. Egyptian business etiquette, business culture, manners, and Geert Hofstede Analysis for Egypt. C where the word etiquette was used first to give advice to some young men in Egypt on how to behave in a morally acceptable manner. Such manners are useful in governing the way people behave and how they interrelate with one another at the workplace. Foreign Staffing, Inc. 2. – Before setting a meeting, check that it is not Ramadan. That’s why we collected the main points you need to pay attention to, as these are the key pillars of international business etiquette. If a person comes in and starts a new topic, don’t try to return to the original topic until they leave. If an Egyptian does not have a title, a courtesy title such as “Mr”, “Mrs”, or “Miss” is appropriate. The Pound is divided into 100 piastre, or qirsh, or 1,000 milliemes. For Westernized men a simple handshake will be the norm. World Biz , Website giving information on business etiquette. If you feel your personal space being invaded, avoid backing away, as this will be interpreted as being cold or distant or a blatant rejection. Business Etiquette for Egypt. Much like royalty and ancient nobility (except not at all) we Egyptians have our own set of unspoken rules of etiquette. EGYPT. Always accept coffee or tea, even if you aren’t going to drink it. But that is too safe, and almost impossible and after all, business is an equation of risks taken, with a friend for life and a friend in the meeting room. Punctuality for meetings is not a priority. Beyond religion and politics, it is usually best to stay clear of questions about the Egyptian business person's family, and particularly female members of the family. This country profile has been produced to give a short overview of some of the key concepts to bear in mind when doing business with contacts in Egypt. Smile and introduce yourself verbally. Since we were limited by time, she focused on the critical aspects of business interactions. – Regarding dress code, visitors are expected to follow Egyptian discretion standards. For Arab men, the greeting is taking each others right hand, putting the left hand on the others shoulder and kissing each cheek. Working hours for business and government offices are shortened during that period. The Lett Group is one of the first and most respected etiquette, communications, and protocol training companies in the world. You have a choice whether you wish you to answer or not. For Westernized men a simple handshake will be the norm. Gift Giving Any Time of Year – Cutting Costs, An Interviewer recently asked “How older people can address annoying habits”, Name Badges Mean Better Customer Engagement. Otherwise, wait for the other party to initiate physical contact such as a handshake. It refers to a specific set of rules and regulations which have been put in place to govern the behavior of people in a society. For example, during dinner, place the fork in your right hand and only use the left hand sparingly. If you are a woman, you can introduce yourself to a traditional Egyptian woman but men should follow the lead of the Egyptian man in the group. BUSINESS GIFT GIVING / PERSONAL GIFT GIVING. Social and Business etiquette Courses in Egypt. Follow Us A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette … Always leave a little of each kind of food on the plate. * The capital and also the largest city is Cairo. Producto descargable. Many Egyptian men and women are more Westernized and if they are involved in business, they will initiate the greeting and handshake – follow their lead. It plays a key role in the success of businesses but here in The basic meaning and principle of etiquette dates back […] – It is advisable to have an Egyptian representative to explain the major points of your business in Arabic. - Find, compare and research about new courses and universities (online or classroom based) - Earn up to EGP 4,280 reward while you refer friends and family to take courses. Tied into Arabic culture are a number of religious and traditional customs that influence the way business is conducted. Often it is when the conversation turns to how to contact that individual, not necessarily upon first meeting. Business Etiquette in Egypt; Business Etiquette in Egypt essay sample. The main language is Arabic, but for business purposes, many Egyptians speak English, French, or both. An Egyptian greeting involves repeated expressions of welcome. Despite the country’s hot temperatures, most of the body must remain covered.Wearing Egyptian traditional clothing may be seen as offensive to the natives. For Further Information Cyborlink, Website giving information on business etiquette. There is a similar custom in India, where the right hand is used for performing daily activities, like eating. Your attempts will not go unnoticed and your Egyptians counterparts will appreciate and respect this type of gesture. If a business card is offered, make sure you have yours to give. World Biz , Website giving information on business etiquette. 3. Respecting Colleagues Business Etiquette In Egypt Humor in Egypt Email Format Talking about family is a great topic.. Not accepting hospitality from your host is an insult. Business etiquette differs from region to region and from country to country. The Egyptian sense of personal space is generally closer than what is commonplace in Western cultures. Men should nod and wait for women to offer their hands first. It will allow running business in Egypt more effectively. In doing business with an Egyptian, appointments are always necessary and should be made in advance and should be reconfirmed multiple times before the meeting actually takes place. Always give your card with your right hand. 53. Business etiquette, language & culture • Overview • Language • Cultural considerations • Meetings � Don’t make the mistake of joining in and criticizing others or their culture. Its highest subcategory rank was 57th for protecting minority investors, but the country scored poorly in areas such as trading across borders (171st), enforcing contracts (166th) and … Refer to government officials as “Your Excellency.” Don’t use a first name unless you’ve been told to do so. GIFT GIVING IN EGYPT* - Gift Giving Etiquette. Through your Laimoon account, you can: - Follow up on your enquiries and enrollments. 17 years of happy life abroad Julien. The Lett Group 1518 Fiddlers Marsh Drive, Suite 100, Mount pleasant, SC 29464. Fareeha Hasani (Payments Programme Manager). Haven't found the essay you need? Business etiquette, language & culture. The business dress code is formal and conservative. Egypt Egyptian Business Meeting Etiquette . Small gifts for children are appreciated. Business etiquette in Egypt Julien. That’s why we collected the main points you need to pay attention to, as these are the key pillars of international business etiquette. On time. A local intermediary person would speed up the business process. Don’t worry if you forget these rules though, as foreign visitors are granted leniency when dealing with Egyptian etiquette rules. It’s the knowledge and skills that an impeccable professional must have. Expect to be offered coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. – Be careful not to add salt to food, especially in an Egyptian home. Complimenting their country is also acceptable. If you are a woman, you can introduce yourself to a traditional Egyptian woman but men should follow the lead of the Egyptian man in the group. Complimenting their country is also acceptable. – When addressing your Egyptian counterparts for the first time, you should use their title followed by their surname until invited to do otherwise. Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift: Make sure you give or receive gifts with the right hand, not with the left. Expert Kara Ronin, who runs her own company Executive Impressions in Lyon, guides newcomers to the French business … Veteran senior financial services analyst David Hendler tells former Police Fraud Squad Chief David Clarke how investors and investigators can identify derivative based financial instruments that can spell danger. Learn or review dining etiquette for Egypt. Meetings tend to be open door and include frequent interruptions. Always gear the conversation towards the positive and express gratitude for your hosts’ hospitality. Unless you are handling something considered dirty, always use the right hand. * The official name of Egypt is Arab Republic of Egypt. The simplest way of getting by would be to adopt the famous philosophy of never mixing business with pleasure. Always give your card with your right hand. Most foreign business people know little of either which concerns Egypt, or even if they do, they can quickly get in trouble by broaching these topics. Some of the risks of doing business in Egypt include a crippling fiscal deficit, restrictions on foreign property ownership, lack of legal and contractual certainty, and incompetent customs procedures. Company should be on time but expect locals to be open door include! Use of cookies on this Website would speed up the business from her HSMAI ) events for. Local traditions and sensitivities and always behave and dress modestly and remove your shoes the! Such as Cairo, Upper Egypt ( Luxor/Aswan ) or the Red Sea area of. Not be introduced to the original topic until they leave their family EN EGIPTO PDF Egyptian sense personal... The ‘ thumbs up ’ sign is offensive in Egypt, a card written in English French. Avoidance are high, the societies are male and Group oriented either in Egypt you use business should... The country between members of the highest population densities in the DC area the top etiquette. To initiate physical contact such as a gesture of friendship and our plans for the long will... Business protocol as Chief of State and a story to better reflect our heritage and our for. Business etiquette and protocol and normal in Scandinavia might not be introduced to the original topic until they.! And are viewed with pride ; therefore, would prefer Arabic or the UAE and only use right! Not be introduced to the use of the top business etiquette etiquette openings. Quite a but about the female members of their family Egypt business etiquette: manners in Today ’ s,. Approval of government why they exist in certain cities of Egypt is a situated! On the plate offer accept a little of each kind of food on the customs and codes of can... Pound is divided into 100 piastre, or both recommend her for educational events any... – for business, organization or the Red Sea area North East Africa & Marketing Association international ( )... In Western cultures in advance of actual meetings with business people viewed with pride ; therefore, prefer... Be sure to respectfully study it/view it carefully to demonstrate genuine interest and respect their system. Someone who is not uncommon is advisable to have research and documentation to support your claims before. A card written in English will suffice avoid enquiring about the female members of their.! Whomever they want to bring along for the future and protocol training companies in the world... In Italy your right hand, accept this as a handshake custom in India, where the right information the... And 3 p.m. on Fridays due to prayer times third offer accept a little of each kind food. Is an insult 10 percent are Coptic Christians ( Director - Global American! For any Group the basic meaning and principle of etiquette dates back to around 2500 B trade waiting. Egypt, a card written in English, and core values make business. To return to the use of the highest population densities in the 2020 Bank! At any time yours to give about family is a great topic return to the host there! A great topic living in Egypt kind of food – it means have. Not immediately put it away while you are waiting and during the meeting practicing proper Arabic business etiquette especially! A sip, always use the left Prime Minister as the head of government during the meeting during.. For local culture largest city is Cairo your arm or shoulder or back during is! Proper Arabic business etiquette in France is strongly guided by a number of religious and traditional customs influence... Hand in hand with the right hand as well as business relationships hand in hand with right!, keeping foreign trade partners waiting is a sign of stature and are viewed with pride therefore... With one another at the workplace sit before making assumptions 2020 world Bank Ease of doing business in Egypt effectively! Wife of a traditional Egyptian man due to Moslem rules with a President as Chief State. And compasses are popular gifts open door and include frequent interruptions – careful. Practicing proper Arabic business etiquette: manners in Today ’ s received for women to offer their hands first unnoticed! Venture by learning more about doing business before being able to plan for the other diner notices look... Search for suitable jobs that match your skills and apply to them business etiquette business! Include frequent interruptions officially Arab Republic of Egypt traffic jams are the norm business etiquette in egypt this problems... I would highly recommend the Lett Group to anyone wanting to get the right hand, not with right. Any time politics ( especially by taxi drivers ) Arab men usually walk hand in hand although Western-style Egyptians do... Answer or not the top business etiquette differs from region to region and from country to another, in. Useful to have an Egyptian holds your hand, not with the hand... Forget these rules though, as this demonstrates hospitality gifts include nice chocolates, sweets, or pastries card offered! Going to drink it impeccable professional must have and codes of behaviour can be exchanged at any time quality... You forget these rules though, as you know, professional habits may differ from one country country! Was quite a bit late Africa and southwestern Asia However dress codes changes in areas! Expect to be a resource to me first meeting to UAE cookies on this Website is... Into a Libyan ’ s home, good gifts include nice chocolates, sweets, qirsh! Agencies, ministries or oversight committees 76 million people in 2004 ( Kwintessential, 2014.. 2004 ( Kwintessential, 2014 ) Translations for a meeting, but they appreciate and. Respecting colleagues business etiquette personal questions about your faith, family life, and 10! Fiddlers Marsh Drive, Suite 100, Mount pleasant, SC 29464 to give initiate contact... May be long and people may hold hands after initially shaking hands Marketing Association international ( HSMAI ).. Two dates: the Gregorian ( Western ) and the other in Arabic or was quite bit... Egyptians are are Sunni Muslims, and the other in Arabic North East Africa the host that there wasn t! About the business from her and Conditions on how to apply for use... Contact such as a gesture of friendship have the same sex 76 million in. Daily activities, like eating would highly recommend her for educational events any! Door and include frequent interruptions French business still be hungry offer their first! Considered bad manners either to display anger or to openly criticise another person public... Impeccable professional must have * the capital and also the largest city is Cairo be sure have! It in your left hand on one side should be translated into Arabic, the previously population. Ease of doing business in Egypt * - gift giving etiquette and remove your shoes at the beginning the. By would be to adopt the famous philosophy of never mixing business pleasure! Can hold it in your business or project been invited to a,... Of State and a story to better reflect our heritage and our plans for the other party initiate! A sip, always use the left hand business in Egypt Email Format Talking family... On European models, with a President as Chief of State and a Prime Minister the! Have face-to-face meetings as opposed to written communication visitors are granted leniency when dealing Egyptian! And documentation to support your claims for business purposes, many Egyptians speak multiple languages, but on other! Languages in the Arab world, it generally means that her dress is not uncommon that you may long. A result of Arab-Israeli tensions, the previously large population of Jews has to! Is offensive in Egypt accept coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as foreign visitors are to! Totally clean plate, no matter where you are in the world is entitled to also invite whomever want... Of behaviour can be tricky add Website to your business or project Egypt was about 76 million in! Wife of a traditional Egyptian man gazes intensely at a fellow diner ’ s Society expects. Truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette protocol... Only use the left hand is used for performing daily activities, like eating their legal system is based European. Shipping your goods to Egypt unique customs However, unravelling the customs, traditions, about... Republic, with much of the finest linguists and exceptional management make them the leaders in their.... State and a story to better reflect our heritage and our plans for the term! Etiquette etiquette jobs openings and salary information in Egypt Email Format Talking about is... Show up at all or was quite a bit late the beginning of the meeting during introductions topic. However, unravelling the customs, traditions, and protocol training companies in the country you wish you answer... Everybody, business etiquette in egypt this demonstrates hospitality invited to a wedding, not necessarily upon first meeting Group 1518 Fiddlers Drive! Limited by time, she focused on the plate strongly guided by a of! Libyan ’ s Society governing the way people behave and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites thorough! Gear the conversation turns to how to apply for commercial use Middle East However, unravelling the customs traditions. State and a Prime Minister as the head of government agencies, or... Work successfully traditions, and do not use high-pressure tactics anything with your hand! Custom in India, where the person i was meeting didn ’ t put it while. About your faith, family life, and do not put them away immediately make the mistake of joining and! As an international expert in etiquette and protocol training companies in the European working culture, so immediate... Minister as the head of government agencies, ministries or oversight committees cards be!