How to address an arab ....

[markmarkymark]

Serious question .. I thought I would ask here as we are multi-cultured lot !

(Assuming you know them via work / profressional basis):

1) In email / letter is it Mr .... first name / last name / or what? The names seem to be quite long - but is the convention ?

2) In meetings : Is their first name (as written) always the first name you use - are there any other conventions to follow?

I had a meeting there other day with a great group of arabs you tended to address each other as Mr 'last name' rather then using the first name even though they knew each other. They would also address me as Mr 'surname' even though they knew me .

Any thoughts ?

thx

Mark

[Richard M]

I would have thought Mr <Surname>, that's what I always do.

[danielf]

I thought this thread was about 'how to dress as an arab"

[greencreeper]

I would use Mr <surname> and ask if they are happy to be on firstname terms. I would guess that they will be very respectful and courteous. When I was learning Urdu I discovered that you change what you say depending on the person's gender and age. So there you have respect enshrined in the language - it's that important.

Talk to them about it - break down barriers

[zovat]

Originally Posted by markmarkymark

Serious question .. I thought I would ask here as we are multi-cultured lot !

(Assuming you know them via work / profressional basis):

1) In email / letter is it Mr .... first name / last name / or what? The names seem to be quite long - but is the convention ?

In General, it is best to stick to Mr <surname>, untill you find that they respond only with their given name..
Bear in mind that their preferred name may not be the first, as many Arabs have Mohammed as a first name in deference to their religion, but use the second name as we would use our first.

2) In meetings : Is their first name (as written) always the first name you use - are there any other conventions to follow?

See above - you may commonly see something along the lines of "mohammed saiid al-aziz" where the person uses "saiid" as their given name.

I had a meeting there other day with a great group of arabs you tended to address each other as Mr 'last name' rather then using the first name even though they knew each other. They would also address me as Mr 'surname' even though they knew me .

Any thoughts ?

thx

Mark

In general Arab customs, people refer to each other by title unless they consider them a personal friend (certainly more traditional Arabs will).

As already suggested - the best way to discover how these particular people wish to be addressed, the best way is to ask - it will do no harm to ask the question, as it will show a willingness on your part to understand their culture and ways.


As a further reference - I found this whilst researching this issue before I went off to the Gulf : http://faculty.juniata.edu/tuten/islamic/names.html

[andygrif]

What an interesting question!

Having done a fair share of business in the mid-east, I can tell you that there is no single answer that will help you!

There are some cultural differences between different Arabic countries. Once you know the person better you will probably find that you are addressed by your first name or Mr <firstname> by them.

It is polite to offer some sort of flattering chitchat at the start and finish of your letter. Your status is also important, as are your business references, who you know etc. Family is important to many Arabs, if you know your contact is married with kids is it good practice to ask as to their health.

Oh and one more thing...expect to be called on a Saturday or Sunday, but don't call them on a Thursday afternoon and definitely not a Friday (Fridays are the holy day).

Once you've got to grips with it, you'll find doing business over there an absolute pleasure (although if you're dealing with Saudis don't expect to get paid for a long time!)

[markmarkymark]

thanks all so far .....

a clue to the question .... I spent the weekend (yes just saturday and sunday) in Qatar. It was consultancy work and I had no time to prepare. I had a great time and met some great people. Its just if I go again I would like to understand a little more about custom.

For example, I was offered a drink on several occations. I said 'water' (its all I wanted, it was still hot out there). But it was obvious they did not consider it polite to give me water without 'coffee' or similar ..... I will know next time ....

They took me for a wonderful dinner and again there were certain little things they were doing (not finishing their food for each course???) that I noticed .... I was just really interested in it all ..

Mark

[andygrif]

Coffee is a big deal over there, it is highly polite to offer it to your guest. I've not come across the finishing food thing, although now you mention it none of us did! I thought that was more to do with the amount of food on the table more than anything else!!

Did you partake in the sheesha? (Hubbly bubbly)

[markmarkymark]

Andy .... errr what ??

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by markmarkymark

Andy .... errr what ??

The hubbly bubbly? The big bong-like implement! Flavoured tobacco in the top, such through the pipe? It's traditional to have one at a table after dinner! I really liked the apple flavoured one...very mild. There's something to look forward to one your next trip!