Travelling to a foreign city requires a lot of careful planning. If you’re vacationing, you’ll need to decide how you’re getting there and where you’re staying far in advance.
But when your trip is for business, you have to plan for both work and travel at the same time. Your mind might be so preoccupied with expectations, deadlines, and meetings, that you forget to plan for the trip itself. Working outside of your comfort zone is never easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding when you’re doing it in a city as incredible as Dubai.
If you’re planning a business trip to Dubai, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your trip and ensure that it’s successful. The city is very welcoming to new people, so as long as you try your hardest to be a good visitor, your trip is bound to be a success. To make it easier for you, here’s a list of three ways to make sure your trip to Dubai for business, is the best it can possibly be.
1. Figure Out Transportation First
If you’re visiting a place for business, it’s important to know all your transportation options. You’ll need to attend meetings and other gatherings on time, so finding out the best mode of transportation will help you with this. In Dubai, one of the safest and cost effective ways to travel is by private car companies.
To find a safe driver Dubai, you can check local businesses and potentially even apps. These drivers will know the streets and the best ways to navigate them in a safe and timely manner. Dubai also has outstanding public transportation options, including buses, water buses, trams, and the metro. All of these have their own pros and cons, so reading about each one will give you an idea of what’s right for you.
2. Research Local Laws
Every country has its own laws. Some things that are legal in your country might be illegal in the UAE. The city of Dubai has its own set of local laws and social rules that you should research before setting up business in Dubai.
For instance, many common over-the-counter drugs are illegal, such as Tylenol and Excedrin. Swearing is also heavily frowned upon, and you should refrain from doing it by all means. Depending on where you’re from, these rules might seem unusual or extreme. However, it’s important that when visiting a foreign city, you remember to respect its government and culture.
3. Learn Business Culture
UAE is one of the best places to do business, for sure, but business culture varies from place to place. So, it is important to know the business culture before you start doing any business in here.
For instance, no one will bat an eye at a woman who shows her shoulders at a business meeting in the UK, but women in the UAE are expected to dress moderately. Men aren’t off the hook either – even during the city’s sweltering summers, you will still be expected to wear a suit and tie.
Attire isn’t the only thing you’ll have to reconsider. Religion is a major part of life in all over the UAE, so you’ll want to avoid scheduling meetings during prayer times.
It may also be a good idea to learn how to say hello and goodbye in Arabic and include copies in Arabic of any documents you’re bringing. These simple gestures can make or break your client’s trust in you.
Conclusion
So, if you’re planning on travelling to Dubai anytime soon, it probably feels overwhelming. It can be even more stressful when you’ve never been to the UAE, are unfamiliar with the culture, or don’t know what to do once you get there. The most important thing is putting in the effort. Trying just one of these tips will make your business trip a lot smoother than if you hadn’t.
