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Essential Tips for Doing Business in The Middle East

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The Middle East is an area that carries many stereotypes and myths.

Before doing business in the Middle East it is imperative to learn about areas such as business culture, business etiquette, meeting protocol and negotiation techniques. 

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How Lack of Cultural Awareness Can Cost A Business Big

How Lack of Cultural Awareness Can Cost A Business Big

In this article, we look at how a lack of cultural awareness can have big cost implications for a business.

Western businesses that believe their approach to business is 'the only way', are losing out on contracts and productivity when it comes to interfacing with foreign companies.

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6 Simple Tips to Avoid Making a Cultural Faux Pas When Working Abroad

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Are you new to working abroad? Travelling to a foreign country for the first time for business?

Getting it right when working overseas is critical; but what do you do if you have little or no international exposure?

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10 Deadly Stereotypes about Iran We Hear in Cross Cultural Training

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Training business professionals prior to visiting Iran gives us an excellent insight into the misconceptions, stereotypes, fears and worries many foreigners hold.

We're going to share 10 of the most DEADLY!

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10 Very Cool Facts About South Korean Culture

10 Very Cool Facts About South Korean Culture

Discover some of the more unknown aspects of South Korean culture and society!

Sometimes it's the quirky things a country or culture does that really gives us insights into the people.

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Media Throw Confusion Over Wearing of Hijab in Saudi Arabia

Media Throw Confusion Over Wearing of Hijab in Saudi Arabia

Some recent news coverage focusing on Theresa May not wearing a headscarf on her business trip to Saudi Arabia has caused some major confusion over etiquette and protocol in the Kingdom.

Certain news outlets and media seemed to use terminology that suggested that the British PM May somehow 'refused' the idea of covering her hair.

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What do I Need to Know About Doing Business in Muslim Countries During Ramadan?

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Do you work with or travel to Muslim majority countries? 

Then you need to know all about Ramadan!

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Inside Indian Culture: Tips When Doing Business in India

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India, despite years of efforts by PM Narendra Modi to implement changes to the contrary, remains one of the toughest places on the planet to do business.

A highly-advanced nation in many respects, with an educated English-speaking population, a wealthy middle-class, advances in technology and an international business outlook, many from the outside approach India as easy pickings.

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How to Negotiate Successfully with Different Cultures

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What's your approach to negotiations?

Have your cake and eat it? Or are you happy if everyone gets a slice?

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When in Saudi, Do Not Dab

When in Saudi, Do Not Dab

A word of warning for anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia - stay well away from any DABBING! The move could see you spending some time in jail.

Abdullah al-Shahrani, a Saudi entertainer, was recently detained by Saudi authorities after dabbing during a concert in the city of Taif.

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Understanding Diversity is Key to Doing Better Business in Brazil

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Doing Business in Brazil?  

A ‘One Size fits All’ approach will sink your ship in Brazil. 

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Place Name Disputes Everyone in Global Business Should Know About

Place Name Disputes Everyone in Global Business Should Know About

President Trump’s recent speech outlining his stance on the Iran nuclear-deal has caused outrage among Iranians, not for his position on the deal and potential new sanctions, but for his knowledge of geography.

When referring to his decision to withdraw presidential certification for the Iranian-deal, Trump stated that Iran’s regime “harasses American ships and threatens freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf and in the Red Sea.”

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Cross-Cultural Tips for International Sales

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Do you want to sell your products or services internationally?

Global sales are important for businesses looking to expand their client base, increase revenues or attract investment.

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Gift Giving Etiquette in the Middle East

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The giving and receiving of gifts is an important part of professional and personal life in the Middle East.

Closely tied up with the need to maintain relationships and as a way of gaining and giving face, gift-giving bonds people together.

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The Importance of Apologies in Japanese Culture

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Did you know the Japanese have over 20 ways to say 'sorry'?

If you plan to do business in Japan, you need to get up to speed with how apologies work in Japanese culture.

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Understanding the Arab Middle East - Identity, Culture and Values

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As with any people, the Arabs look to the past for their sense of identity.

Arab history is tied to tribalism and the nomadic life of the desert.

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Japanese Culture and the Art of Words

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If you're doing business in Japan or working with the Japanese culture, it's crucial to get your head around some key language phrases.

The Japanese have a way of using words to beautify their communication.

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Honour, Face & Shame in Arab Culture

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Doing business in the Middle East?

Then you need to understand the role of honour in the Arab world.

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Japanese Cultural Values and their Influence on Business

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To understand Japanese business culture, it's essential that you first appreciate Japanese cultural values.

Why?

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Hospitality, Food & Friendship in Arab Business Culture

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Being a good host is a central part of life in the Middle East and it is an underpinning value that everyone in the region shares.

The roots of this can be found in the tribal system whereby treating guests well is traditionally a way of gaining honour.

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