Business Customs in Egypt

1. Business Customs in Egypt By Emerald Lewis

2. Big Business • The three biggest business in Egypt are : • Orascom Construction Industry • Orascom Telecom • Telecom Egypt • Another profitable industry in Egypt would be tourism

3. Government • The government of Egypt is a Republic • The people have most of the say • The government has also invested in communication and infrastructure

4. Language • The official language used in Egypt to conduct business is Egyptian Arabic • When giving business cards one side should be in your native language and the other in Egyptian Arabic

5. Working Days • In Egypt the weekend is Friday-Saturday instead of the usual Saturday-Sunday • This is to allow for Jumu'ah prayers in Muslim countries while also having more working days to overlap with international financial markets • A typical business day is usually from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm in the summer and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with an extra 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the winter. Sunday = al-AhadMonday = al-IthneinTuesday = al-ThulathaWednesday = al-Irba'aThursday = el-KhamisFriday = el-Gum'aSaturday = el-Sabt

6. Business Tips • Appointments are necessary, confirm the meeting one week in advance(either in writing or by telephone) •  Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting into your business card case • Men should avoid wearing visible jewelery to business meetings

7. Forms of Address • فندم(efendim)ا • The best general Arabic equivalent to the English "sir/ma'am” • حضرتك(HaDritak [masc.] - HaDritik [fem.]) • This would be used with someone older than you, but also with people like your boss, a judge, university professor, police officer, etc. NassefOnsiSawiris Egyptian Businessman

8. Business Gifts/ Entertaining • Egyptians prefer to do business with those they know and respect • Expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted • Who you know is more important than what you know • Expect to be offered coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality • Even if you do not take a sip, always accept the beverage. Declining the offer is viewed as rejecting the person.  • Alcohol is forbidden in Islam, so never give it as a present • Presents are acceptable but make sure you give or receive them with the right hand and never with the left. Using both hands is acceptable. Small electronic devices, chocolates and fashionable compasses are popular gifts.

9. Proper Greeting • Shaking hands is the appropriate way to greet in a business setting • Friends and family kiss the cheek

10. Women in Business • Women play a much less significant role in business life  • When dealing with women in business in Egypt keep a respectful, professional distance and do not ask personal questions. Dr. KhawlaAl-Kuraya Egyptian Businesswoman

11. Offensive US customs • The left hand is considered unclean in Egypt.  • Pointing is considered extremely rude. • Do not cross legs when sitting. Showing the bottom of your foot is considered offensive • The "thumbs up" sign is offensive in Egypt and the entire Arab world. • Don't clean your plate. Leaving a small portion of food means you have had enough • When eating in an Egyptian home, adding salt to your food is considered an offence.