Global Markets

Mayrik have established security and commercial partners in many countries where cultural and business etiquette is critical to the development and success of business deal's, in order to help our clients progress their business opportunities we would like to share the information below with you, please click on the map points highlighted for an insight into the business etiquette of the countries we and our partners, have experience in.

Mayrik, helping our clients by understanding the differences and bridging the gaps

Egypt

Introduction

Egypt, officially Arab Republic of Egypt is a country in north-eastern Africa and south-western Asia.

Its northern border is the Mediterranean Sea, on the east lies Israel and the Red Sea, Sudan is to its south, and on the west is Libya. The land of the Nile River, Egypt is the cradle of one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations and has a recorded history that dates from approximately 3200 BC.

Although modern day Egyptians are usually lumped together with "the Arabs" due to their language and Islamic traditions, this is not completely accurate. There is a truly Bedouin Arab grouping within Egypt, who are still largely nomadic tribal people living in isolated oases and roaming through the country's vast desert regions. Many Bedouin Arabs reside the Sinai Peninsula and along the Red Sea coast, across from Arabia.

Religion in Egypt

The predominant religion for Egypt is Islam, the practice of the Muslim faith.

Appearance

Foreigners are expected to abide by local standards of modesty however, do not adopt native clothing.
A jacket and tie are usually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt.
Women should always wear modest clothing in public.

Behaviour

Space relationships among members of the same sex will be much closer than North Americans and Europeans are comfortable with. Egyptians will tend to stand close and moving away may be seen as a sign of aloofness. On the other hand, men and women stand farther apart from each other than is the custom in United States and Europe.
Try not to sit with your legs crossed. Showing the sole of your shoe is considered an insult to another person.
It is common to smoke in public. Be considerate to others present and offer your cigarettes.

Communications

Names are often confusing. It's best to get the names (in English) of those you will meet, speak to, or correspond with ahead of time so that you can find out both their full names and how they are to be addressed in person.
Arabic is read from right to left and books or magazines start at what would be the last page in the U.S. and Europe. Printed literature is preferred to have an impressive back cover, even if printed in English.
Nearly all Egyptians speak Arabic. Most international business people will speak English, French or both.
Frequently appointments may be interrupted by phone calls and/or visits.
If locating in Egypt, business cards should be printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other.