Business relationships in Egypt are based on trust and personal relationships, so expect to spend a great deal of time talking with your contact before any business is conducted. When meeting someone for the first time, ask personal questions and expect to answer personal questions. In Egypt, who you know is more important that what you know, so be sure to network and cultivate relationships with many contacts. Egyptians believe that direct eye contact is a sign of sincerity and honesty, so don't worry about intense stares.
Social class is very important in Egypt, and Egyptians love their titles. Some common titles include "doctor" (both medical and academic doctoral degrees), "muhendis" (engineer) and "sheikh" (religious scholar). Egyptians should be addressed by their formal titles followed by their surnames. If you are not aware of a person's title, then use "Mr."
Arrange meetings only a few weeks in advance and confirm the meeting before traveling, as well as upon arriving. Business changes very rapidly there, so reminders are often necessary. Avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan, the last days of the Hajj season, or on Fridays. Egyptian meetings are often interrupted by visits or phone calls, so do not be offended if this happens in your meeting. Most meetings will begin with you being offered coffee or tea, and to decline is considered rude. Do not sit with your legs wide apart and never cross your legs in a meeting, as showing the soles of the feet or shoes is disrespectful. If you send an agenda before the meeting, be sure to have it translated into both English and Egyptian Arabic.
Egyptians typically judge potential business prospects by how they appear and dress. Women should dress modestly and conservatively when doing business in Egypt. This means that they should wear skirts and dresses that cover the knee, as well as pantyhose or stockings. Blouse and shirt sleeves should cover most of the arm.
Egyptian names may seem confusing or foreign to westerners, so get the business contact's name in English before you correspond, meet or speak with him. In greetings between men and women, the woman should extend her right hand first. If she does not, then the man will bow his head in greeting. After relationships have been established, it is common for same sex business people to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek.
Always use your right hand for handshakes, as well as for passing anything at the table. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit, and always express appreciation for the meal. Never salt your food, as this is considered to be an insult. Taking a second helping is considered to be a compliment. When you are finished eating, leave a small amount of food on your plate or they will keep giving you seconds and thirds.
