Understanding the Arab Culture, 2nd Edition: A practical cross-cultural guide to working in the Arab world

by Jehad Al-Omari

Understanding the Arab Culture is a thoroughly practical crosscultural guide to working with Arab cultures, written with the Westerner in mind.The book focuses more on the key differences than similarities, issues that Westerners will find puzzling, unusual or difficult to cope with. It is based on years of experience of lecturing to Westerners and a long list of frequently asked questions. It addresses Western perceptions and misconceptions of Arabs, Islam and the Arab world as well as some key Arab perceptions of the West. Many practical tips are given on a variety of issues, from exchanging appropriate gifts to negotiating techniques.

Genres: Middle East, Cultural

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2008

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd say it's a good book for a start. It's short and rather clear. Nothing excessive, only the necessary information. Probably, a bit outdated for reading in 2023, but still useful even if just to broaden one's horizons. I liked the writing style, and the occasional sentences, that, I found, sounded more like wise life advice, rather than a how-to while in Arabian countries. Besides, there are short inputs on cross-cultural theory, which is new to me, but I think quite interesting. There's also a section on essential vocabulary, the meaning behind Arabian names, and so on.

[Valentin]

SUMMARY: Understanding the Arab Culture is a thoroughly practical crosscultural guide to working with Arab cultures, written with theWesterner in mind.The book focuses more on the key differences than similarities, issues that Westerners will find puzzling, unusual or difficult to cope with. It is based on years of experience of lecturing to Westerners and a long list of frequently asked questions. It addresses Western perceptions and misconceptions of Arabs, Islam and the Arab world as well as some key Arab perceptions of the West. Many practical tips are given on a variety of issues, from exchanging appropriate gifts to negotiating techniques.

[Sebastián Arriagada]

''The root of the word Jihad is J.H.D., meaning to make an effort, to persevere, endeavour and persevere to rid themselves of sin and follow the straight path that leads to virtue and salvation.
(...)

The second principle of Jihad is to speak one's mind against injustices, and even in front of power. It is what is referred to as ''freedom of speech'' to put it in a Western context.''

Jihad is not a synonym for extremism. Get it right.

[Adrian Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy reading; for people who have worked with Arabs, it provides a rational overarching schema and context to the various puzzling anecdotal observations and experiences one might have come across in the course of doing business in the Middle East.

[Przemek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for expats working in the Arab world and for GCC nationals working with expats.