Gulf Arabs and Western expatriates (expats), mainly from the USA and the UK, communicate differently, both verbally and physically. This is not surprising. 

It is normal for cultures to communicate in different ways depending on their norms, behaviours, and actions. The way we communicate is the result of several factors such as the cultural, political, socio-economic and historical characteristics of a country.

It may not be just the physical environment, however, that is different from what people are used to. It may not even be the words that are articulated but the tone and manner in which they are said. When an expat asks for something to be done, whether it be connecting the electricity or a mobile phone, and it doesn’t occur, this might be because he or she is using the wrong tone of voice.

In pre-COVID-19 times, one-to-one interaction with a friend, or group of friends- whether at a dinner, meeting or formal interview or all three- was common. So too was networking. 

Now that most governments recommend that people wear a face mask in public, and given that this usually covers half the face, it is much more difficult to read a person’s facial expressions and understand them.

Without seeing lip movement it is difficult to know someone’s true feelings- if the lips are pursed in anger or whether the corners of the mouth are turned up. The latter shows that someone is relaxed and happy. Therefore, it is important that we concentrate on how the entire body reacts.

In so doing, we must not forget that clothes and the physical experience of wearing them can impact body language. Wearing clothes that boost confidence will alter our body language for the better. We walk differently too when the clothes we wear are more sombre. Our subconscious mind, through body language, expresses how we feel about a garment as well as how we feel about ourselves.

Even more differences

It can take longer in the Middle East than in the West to build up a relationship with another person. In the Arab World it is common to meet four or five times before any negotiations take place. For Arabs, it’s important to know as much as possible about a person before business talk starts, unlike the West.

Americans are more likely to negotiate immediately while the British and Australian way of conducting business falls somewhere in between both cultures.

Arabic is a culture that favours close personal relationships and there tends to be extensive information networks among colleagues, family and friends. Islamic teaching and Arab traditions also mean there is a strong group loyalty, especially regarding family, tribe and traditions.

It is important to use open behaviours. For example, if we smile our eyes open, giving the impression that we are accessible and non-threatening.

In the post-pandemic world, one suggestion is to put the right hand over the heart (a humbling pose) when first meeting someone. Try this rather than the elbow bump that is far from elegant and meaningful. This behaviour will speed up communications too.

The Arab world does have a different managerial style, It is often more authoritative and less inclusive than in the West. However, this does vary between companies. In the UAE, British and Indian managers are common. Research has found that foreign expats expect a rational explanation for the decisions that have been made but this is not necessary in the Arab world.

Increasing use is also being made of technology. Although conducting interviews over the phone were commonplace pre-COVID-19, it is likely that post-COVID-19 all interviews will be conducted remotely, whether on the telephone or on an audio call (such as Skype, Zoom or Messenger) to ensure social distancing. Technology is allowing people from different societies to interact from opposite sides of the world. We have to make the most of it.