Knowing the Culture: The Insider Tips of #PerfectBusinessDinner in Middle East

Showing awareness and respect of cultural differences is important when you meet your dinner partners at the start of the evening. The level of formality and customary greetings can differ quite widely in each country, and you may be surprised to know that a simple handshake may not be the best way to greet your business counterparts. The perfect business dinner begins with the right greeting. Here is the insider tip from Fawaz Al Farhan,
Concierge Supervisor from InterContinental Riyadh:

” In traditional cultures in the Middle East, men and women eat in separate rooms. Spouses are not usually invited to business dinners in restaurants, although they may sometimes be invited to one hosted at home. Do not assume your spouse is included in the invitation unless it is specifically indicated. Also, be mindful that showing the soles of your feet in the Middle East is considered impolite, so it is best to avoid sitting with one leg crossed over the other”