“From experience, I know that I made mistakes and I see Western companies continuing to make mistakes because they make assumptions about the Middle East. The UAE is different to the UK/EU and Saudi Arabia is still very different to the UAE.”
“Darren and I lived on the same compound in Riyadh, and he gave me advice on working in Saudi Arabia and dealing with Saudi nationals. His Arabic gave him insights into Saudi culture that I had not fully grasped.”
“The most valuable pieces of advice, amongst many, were the concept of wasta, how to use it to my advantage and when it was clear I was wasting my time, and the small behavioural habits. Most people know not to use your left hand, but there are more subtle ones, for example, do not show a Saudi the soles of your feet.”
“The most important consequence of his advice was the reduction in the amount of effort spent chasing business that was never going to happen. It changed the makeup of my team. On a personal level, I felt more confident going into meetings, which undoubtedly helped me to grow my business.”
Let’s start a conversation.
To talk about working or living in the region, for you, your team or your partner, or to book a call, get in touch with Darren.