International Focus Magazine Premiere Edition | Page 23

A s the price of oil goes, so go the fortunes of land connected to black gold. The state of Texas and the region of the Middle East have both been affected by the rise and fall of oil prices; yet, shifting perceptions affect both Texans and those who live and work in the Middle East. Over the past several years, while the rest of the US faced a recession, the price of oil kept Texas afloat for several years, bringing hordes of migrants from across the US, into the state. Similarly expats from Asia, Africa, Europe and the vast nations across the former USSR, fill each nation in the Middle East. Both places have jobs which attract workers from other places. Oil plays a big part as a prominent industry, but the Gulf nations have strategically diversified with healthcare and education as key components. Stereotypes of Texans include thick accents and toting guns while images of the Middle East are far more complex. In a post-9/11 world, we attribute the worst traits, real or imagined, to those we do not understand. The region found prosperity in oil, despite decades long images of unrest. While the Middle East is home to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Druze, Baha’i, Yazidism, Zoroastrianism and more, the collective area is looked at with the suspicion of being – Muslim. As in no other time in the past 100 years, anyone who fits the stereotype of being Muslim, wears a turban or abaya, speaks what sounds to be Arabic or calls any of the Middle Eastern countries home is now regarded with suspicion. Even the Iran hostage situation had not created this level of trepidation. Fear has replaced curiosity. Centuries old cultures are now lumped into being perceived as “them”, making it easy to treat people with the brunt of misinformation and prejudice. So in business, how do we proceed? Most importantly, an investment of the time it takes to create mutual understanding between professionals is crucial. What works in the US does not easily translate into business practices in the Middle East, so patience is a good skill. Remember that religious practices affect business practices, prevalent across the Gulf. Learning a little about the culture and religion of who you do business with, is a key factor in how to do business in the region. The workweek ends on Thursday and Friday is a holiday. Make the effort to learn the language, fit into the culture. It can win friends and influence people in the long run. The ability to hold conversations is a way for you to be measured as a potential partner. Mutual respect, once developed over time, can make or break business in the Arab world. iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 23