When speaking with Arabs, healthy self-confidence is crucial. There is a tendency to believe that if someone is uncomfortable with what they are saying, that they are not speaking the truth. This is a country where non-verbal language will be given as much credence as the spoken word. Therefore, you may wish to develop your public speaking skills if this is not your best attribute.

Arabic is a language of flowery eloquence that employs hyperbole and exaggeration. Therefore, this is what people expect to hear. You may want to use more adjectives and adverbs than usual to keep your words from appearing brusque or rude.

If a contentious situation arises, an intermediary may be brought in to discuss the matter, often in a one-on-one session. Even then, the problem may be cloaked in a great deal of praise and rhetoric

The following tips will assist you in communicating with Emiratis:

• Emiratis stand extremely close when speaking to someone of the same gender.
• Eye contact is critical while conversing. Glancing away can be viewed as lack of interest in the discussion or lack of respect towards the speaker.
• Anticipate a great deal of getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed since Arabs prefer to know and trust people before conducting business.
• Eye contact, facial expression, and tone of voice are extremely important.
• Emiratis talk around contentious issues and employ metaphors, euphemisms, stories, and analogies to avoid making direct statements.
• Maintaining personal honour and integrity is a mainstay of the culture.
• Emiratis use hyperbole and go to great lengths to find something to praise when conversing.
• Be prepared to flatter your business colleagues frequently.