A Tricky Business - getting down to it in The Middle East

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Wherever you go in the Middle East, the ability to engage in small talk, to carry out favours, to develop personal relationships, to avoid confrontation and to develop loyalty will all convince you that the most important thing you will be selling is yourself.

With many companies now choosing to conduct business with Middle Eastern companies, using home-based managers, it is arguable that the importance of understanding how business is conducted and learning how to avoid often irrecoverable situations is greater than ever.

Country and business briefings at Farnham Castle are renowned for their depth and breadth as well as for the opportunity to meet both recent expatriates and nationals from the target country. For expatriates and their partners a full briefing is strongly recommended.

Farnham also offers highly interactive and comprehensive workshops for business travellers and those attending conferences, seminars and exhibitions in the Middle Eastern region, offering an introduction to understanding Arab culture plus a wealth of practical advice to assist in unravelling some of the mysteries of successful business development in the Middle East.

A typical programme will cover three key areas from a predominantly business perspective: The Arab Way - an examination of the values, customs, traditions and patterns of social behaviour in the region with an overall aim of making individuals feel more comfortable with the general culture of the Middle East.

This is followed by a discussion of current Middle Eastern Issues as they relate to the conduct of business as well as a projection of issues which could have an impact on the region and country. The discussion will also include an examination of the influence and effect of Islam on everyday business and social life giving a balanced view, helping to develop an appreciation and understanding of Moslem sensitivities and rules of behaviour.

Finally, in this session, some of the fundamental requirements of Working Effectively in the region will be reviewed. This will include an insight into some of the 'tricks' of conducting business in the region, as well as a wealth of practical advice including, business customs and traditions, power structures and hierarchies, open and circular agendas, meeting practices, time and timing and the importance and complexity of networking.