Business usually slows down during Ramadan, which starts next week, but it is actually a good time to reach out to Emirati decision-makers and build relations. British-born Amal Loring, who converted to Islam about five years ago and owns MindBody Dynamixs, which advises people on stress management and cultural issues, explains why.
You say Ramadan is a good period to reach out to Emirati decision-makers. Why?
From a religious point of view, travel is discouraged, only absolutely essential travel [is permitted]. The reason for that is when you travel, ordinarily then it disrupts your prayer time and excuses you from fasting, so if you're travelling for a couple of days, you do have to make those days up after Ramadan. It really does mess Ramadan around for people. There are a lot of Emiratis in town, so therefore it is an opportunity to make sales visits, courtesy visits and call upon the Emirati decision-makers during the shortened workday.
So is it not seen as bad form to organise a business meeting during Ramadan?
No, not at all. The Prophet, peace be upon him, [said] you just carry on with your normal day. It should be your normal day wherever possible.
Should a western business hold an iftar or suhoor or would it be disrespectful?
It's not expected [but] it would be a nice gesture, particularly if a western company has a lot of expat Muslims from different parts of the world who might be away from their family. You will find a lot of Muslims and companies will take parcels to a mosque because people who are less fortunate congregate outside mosques.
Should you try to go to every iftar and suhoor you're invited to?
It's more a case of prioritising, because if you have senior locals, they get two or three a day for iftars. If they have a relationship with that organisation, it is more likely they will go, given that they have an existing relationship.
If you accept an invitation for a company iftar or suhoor, is it OK to speak about business?
It's a social thing. They might talk about, not high-level stuff. It's not a time to close a deal. That supplier is sharing in a very revered month, a month people look forward to the whole year.
So is it a good opportunity for expats to build good business relationships?
What is good for a non-Muslim to ask is what is Ramadan about. Why do you fast? What's the importance of it and what happens after? That's a common area for people to bond, basically.
* Gillian Duncan