Work and Stay Happy As an Expatriate in the Middle East
Working in the Middle East can be a very enlightening experience. Your first impression of the Middle East may be one of culture shock or perhaps one of enchantment, mystery and awe at this interesting yet different way of life. Below are a list of Do's and Don'ts when working or doing projects in the middle East.
Steps
- Do be sensitive to cultural issues. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen are still very culture bound in terms of religion, faith and God consciousness. It is quite a normal occurrence to see people praying on the road, in front of shops or any other place suitable, during the respective prayer times.
- In Saudi Arabia, do not socialize openly or in public places with members of the opposite sex. In Saudi Arabia, all or most females are covered in headgear. They are only seen by their husbands and other close male family members. Speaking to an unknown female in cover is taboo. Men should take heed of this. This may save you from being arrested and spending the night in jail. However, in all other Arab countries, this is not the case.
- Acquire the basics of speaking Arabic. This will help you a great deal when trying to get around. Learn from the locals. This can be a lot of fun when pronunciations are all wrong and you have to be corrected.
- Familiarize yourself with traditional Arab greetings. A Middle Easterners greeting is warm and casual coupled with kisses and hugging. Do not misunderstand this gesture. .
- As a male, always walk away from a group of covered females. Being in their midst, is considered rude and improper. This will also save you from any misunderstandings that are likely to occur.
- Befriend other Westerners and expatriates. This will help you overcome loneliness and also breaks the language barrier. Social support systems are essential when working in a foreign country.
- Enjoy the shopping and many bargains the marketplace has to offer. Shopping can be an ideal way to spend your time without getting into unnecessary trouble.
- Carry some identification or your passport with you all the time. It is not uncommon for a foreigner to be stopped by authorities or officials who perform random checks.
- Understand that Middle Eastern people do business differently. Emphasis is placed more on relationships and maintaining strong social ties, rather than being on time, chasing time and following strict protocols. It is common to have a cup of coffee or even chat for hours before commencing with daily activities.
- Be comfortable and learn to relax. These people are learning from you as much as you are learning from them.
- Acquire internet facilities or some other form of networking. This will help to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Also a good way to keep yourself occupied.
- Always keep in mind that as a foreigner, your freedom within certain countries can be limited. Check with authorities about places you can or cannot visit. Some places may a require a visiting permit and this will save you time, money and unnecessary frustrations.
- Protect yourself from the desert heat. Carry an umbrella or wear a cap to protect yourself from the harmful heat of the Middle Eastern sun. Try doing errands at night or in the evenings when temperatures are cooler.
