Business Etiquette in Egypt

• Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian
civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and - visible above all
- its pyramids.
• Location: North East Africa bordering Palestine (Gaza Strip) 11 km, Israel
266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km.
• Capital:Cairo
• Climate: desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters.
• Ethnic Make-up: Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers)
99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and
French) 1%.
• Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%
• Government: republic.
• Language in Egypt: For almost 13 centuries Arabic has been the written and
spoken language of Egypt.
• Egyptian Society & Culture: Islam is practiced by the majority of Egyptians
and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
• Family Values
• The family is the most significant unit of Egyptian society.
• Kinship plays an important role in all social relations.
• The individual is always subordinate to the family, tribe or group.
• Nepotism is viewed positively, since it is patronage of one's family.
• The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family.
Egyptian Honour
• Honour is an important facet of interpersonal relationships.

• Respect and esteem for people is both a right and an obligation.
• An individual's honour is intricately entwined with the reputation and
honour of everyone in their family.
• Honour requires that Egyptians demonstrate hospitality to friends and
guests.
• It also dictates that people dress as well as their financial circumstances
allow, and show proper respect and deference to their elders and those in
authority.
• A man's word is considered his bond and to go back on your word is to
bring dishonour to your family.
•
Business Etiquette and Protocol in Egypt
1. Relationships & Communication

• Egyptians prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time
cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted.
• Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number
of contracts.
• 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.
• Since Egyptians judge people on appearances wear good quality conservative clothes and present yourself
well at all times.
• Egyptians believe direct eye contact is a sign of honesty and sincerity, so be prepared for disconcertingly
intense stares.
• Egyptians are emotive and use hand gestures when they are excited. In general, they speak softly, although
they may also shout or pound the table. This is not indicative of anger; it is merely an attempt to
demonstrate a point.
• You should demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group, who will also be their
spokesperson. This is a country where hierarchy and rank are very important.
2. Business Meeting Etiquette
• Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance.
• Confirm the meeting one week in advance, either in writing or by telephone.
• Reconfirm again a day or two before the meeting.
• Meetings are generally not private unless there is a need to discuss matters confidentially. In
general, Egyptians have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting.
• This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room
and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the
original discussion until the new person leaves.
• High- level government officials often adhere to more western business practices and hold private
meetings without interruptions
• Business meetings generally start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.
If you send an agenda and presentation materials in advance of the meeting, send both an English
and Egyptian Arabic translation.
3. Business Negotiation
• The social side of business is very important. Egyptians must know and like you to conduct business.
• Personal relationships are necessary for long-term business.
• Business is hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, after obtaining group consensus.
• Decisions are reached after great deliberation.If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since approval must
often be given by the ministers of several departments.
• Business moves at a slow pace. The society is extremely bureaucratic. It may take several visits to accomplish a simple task.
• It is advisable to include older people with impressive titles in your team since Egyptians respect age and experience.
• Expect a fair amount of haggling. Egyptians seldom see an offer as final.
• Egyptians do not like confrontation and abhor saying 'no'. If they do not respond, it usually is a negative sign.
• Always include research and documentation to support your claims.
• Do not use high-pressure tactics.
• Egyptians are tough negotiators.
•
4. Dress Etiquette
• Business attire is formal and conservative. Dress well if you want to make a
good impression.
• Men should wear dark coloured, lightweight, conservative business suits,
at least to the first meeting.
• Men should avoid wearing visible jewellery, especially around the face and
neck.
• Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately.
• Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of
the arm.
•
5. Business Cards
• Business cards are given without formal ritual.
• Have one side of your card translated into Egyptian Arabic.
• Always hand the card so the recipient may read it.
• Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting
into your business card case.
•

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• Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian

• Honour is an important facet of interpersonal relationships.

1. Relationships & Communication

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