The Arab countries are the gulf countries and the main religion followed in these countries is Islam;those following it are called Muslims. These people have a labyrinth of rules and regulations that need to be followed when you are dealing with them in any kind of business. They have a culture which they follow and promote and also expect other people visiting their countries or business parties to respect their ways. These Arab countries have their own business-party etiquettes. But first of all you need to know about Islam.

As mentioned earlier, the religion which these people follow is Islam and their holy book is Quran, The holy Quran states that a Muslim spreads peace and love around and never says or does something that may hurt the feelings of any other person. Muslim people pray five times a day and they ask Allah for peace to prevail in their life and in the world around. While dealing with Arabic countries as potential business partners, you would expect a huge number of people turning up from these Arabic countries.

Islam dominates these Arabic countries. Muslims do not drink alcohol and eating pork is forbidden. Also the dress code followed is of utmost importance. People should wear clothes that cover their bodies and no kind of body show is allowed. Men should wear formal pants and shirts (full-sleeved) while women should also be dressed in a decent manner that should not attract attention from the other men.

Also, there are specific ways of greeting people around you. While in case of men, a handshake or a kiss would work, women shake hands only when men offer the hand. Also make sure your approach towards the clients or the hosts is professional. People talking a lot are not often taken very seriously. Also Muslim people rarely use a "hello" or a "hi" while greeting people.

They use the phrase "Assalamo Alaikum" which means that may God's peace prevail on you and you remain blessed with the happiness and good health. A well-formed agenda of the meeting would put in good light.

If there is any kind of language barrier, then you all you need to do is carry an Arabic interpreter with you and also need a translator to translate your documents into Arabic for everyone to understand. All kinds of handouts that need to be distributed around should be in the Arabic language. While having any kind of casual conversations, people should avoid asking about the health or life of female members such as a wife or a sister. Left hand is not considered pure and only right hand should be used to eat food or shake hands. Also, certain gestures may appear offensive such as pointing fingers or thumbs up. You should be careful to avoid these.

Any kind of gifts, if offered should be accepted politely. Also, it is expected that these gifts are to be unveiled in private rather than in public. Expressing your desire to communicate with any member of the opposite sex is considered to be offensive. So, keep these things in mind while dealing with the Arab people.