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It’s best to show up a few minutes early to meetings. Greet the closest person to you and just take note of the set-up of the meeting.
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If you do not know who the “boss” is or who is the most important person in the room, then greet everyone with the same level of respect.
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Small talk is usually expected and as a foreigner, most people are interested to hear about your experiences in country. NEVER say anything negative about the country, even if they do.
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5 to 10 minutes of small talk is sufficient and this time can be used to exchange business cards and get a gauge on who the most important person in the room is.
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As a visitor, even if the people you are meeting do not prompt you to, you may be expected to begin the business discussion and end it. However, the meeting will end when the most important person you are meeting with (sheikh, CEO, President, GM, etc) stands up and shows you out.
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Meetings do not tend to follow set schedules. Frequent interruptions are common. It's best to just go with the flow.
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In a business meeting you may be asked your opinion on certain things not pertaining to the business at hand. The best advice give is if asked your opinion on something (for example the elections in the ) then turn the question around and ask whoever initiated the question their opinion. People tend to become defensive and will quickly shut down if they feel you have opposing opinions. It is better to play it safe and figure out what their opinion is so as not to offend them.
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