- 5 tips when organising an event in the Middle-East:
1. Learn the “Wasta” System
Doing business in the Middle East revolves around forming personal relationships built on reciprocal friendship and trust. This is a system known as “Wasta”, which places great emphasis on trust and the honour associated with someone’s word. Therefore, to secure ongoing business success in the Middle East quick customer wins and strong relationships are vital to ensure further referrals. prime has developed a decade of “Wasta” in the Middle East and will help you get things done. headache free.
2. Get physical
Physical contact is required to progress any project in the Middle East, so e-mail and phones cannot be relied upon. Doing business revolves around personal relationships and proximity. Hand shakes are often lengthy – so be prepared to hold your business contact’s hand for a long time! It is also quite usual for your hand to be held when you are being led somewhere. Another reason to use prime as your local partner, we will respond to your emails and phone calls. Leave the local business conducts to us! We are here to make your event happen.
3. Have cultural understanding
It is important to be aware of cultural differences, religious holidays and customs in the Middle East. In fact, an understanding of Islamic religion is a pre-requisite to establishing successful business relationships. The working week varies from region to region and business is frequently halted for prayer times. During the month of Ramadan working hours are drastically reduced and the major festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, also affect day to day business. prime’s team works throughout all major religious holidays and remains available.
4. Be patient
Sales cycles are a lot longer in the Middle East than the West. Expect heavy negotiating and lengthy decision-making processes. Bureaucratic formalities will also add to delays. To speed up the process it is advisable to use an agent who has good local knowledge and excellent business contacts. prime is offering a prompt, simple and concise business relationship. We know you mean business and so do we!
5. Be prepared to translate
For some events, it is vital to offer Arabic translation. This is particularly important for Government and associations related meetings. prime offers state-of-the art translation equipment and interpreters. Leave it to the expert, leave it to us!
