As one of the world's fastest growing business centres in the Middle East, Qatar in particular comes as a surprise to many of its visitors and investors in that a huge percentage of the population is created by expats rather than indigenous people. Because of this, it's highly likely that you'll actually end up dealing with other professionals from overseas more often than Qatari nationals - although when it comes to obtaining the necessary sponsorship for your company formation, Qatar locals will form an essential part of that process.
With these things in mind, it's important that you conduct yourself in the correct manner in order to fit in with the international business scene while also observing the local culture. When doing business in Qatar you need to remember that it's an Islamic country, so it's important to understand how religious beliefs impact on society as a whole. In comparison to other Middle Eastern locations you'll find the impact of the Arabic culture is much more subtle, but you still need to act with respect.
Understanding and observing differences
Women are much more widely accepted in the world of business in Qatar than some of its neighbours, but there is still a certain amount of distance kept between people of the opposite gender. Some men will refrain from shaking hands with a woman, especially if their marital status is unclear, so don't be offended if this happens to you - instead accept their nod of greeting as a sign of respect rather than indifference.
Another big difference with business dealings in Qatar compared to the more western approach is that the lines between personal and business life are very indistinct. Business is built on friendship and trust and meetings will often continue for much longer than necessary due to digressions where family relationships and social matters are discussed. If an important family issue arises, this will always be put before business - so if an associate or colleague cancels a meeting at the last minute, understand that it's just part of the culture.
Showing respect and making an effort
When meeting new business associates you should always take some kind of gift with you to show your appreciation for their time and respect for their position. Learn a little bit of Arabic so that you can greet people in a courteous way and be aware that it may take time before the discussion turns to business. Qataris are very friendly and like to invest their efforts into finding out who you really are, rather than just how your business can benefit them. Also remember that negotiations can be lengthy and you should never accept any offer immediately. Haggling is the norm in Qatar and any show of frustration or annoyance will lead you to be taken much less seriously and potentially lose the respect of your new business associates.
