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When in the Arab World: An Insider's Guide to Living and Working with Arab Culture
This book is a practical map that will help you understand the people and demystify the culture of the Arab world - the beliefs, values and social structures that determine how business is conducted and how things are done. This is not a sterile list of dos and don'ts. This book will help you develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the motivators of behaviour. It will also widen your perspective and arm you with the knowledge that will enable you to float with ease and confidence from one situation to the other.
- GenresMiddle EastNonfiction
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2016
29 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 23, 2017
I am living in dubai for last 6 years. When you live here you understand that there is lot to this region which we are not aware about. Many facts, cultural aspect and traditions make a difference to our understanding of the Arab world.
This book is not only introduces you to the region but also teaches you their traditions. Following a culture of a country is very important when you are living or working in the country.
The author has not only wrote from her perspective but she has also interviewed other expats doing business here or living in this country for many years. Knowing dos and don'ts of any community can make or break your professional and personal relationships.
This book is a must read for those who are living here but still not been introduced to the culture and also to those who are planning to move here.
Thank you Rana Nejem for introducing us to the Arab world in simple words. Chapters are divided into different topics and little blurbs in between gives you special tips to deal with local traditions and customs.
This book is not only introduces you to the region but also teaches you their traditions. Following a culture of a country is very important when you are living or working in the country.
The author has not only wrote from her perspective but she has also interviewed other expats doing business here or living in this country for many years. Knowing dos and don'ts of any community can make or break your professional and personal relationships.
This book is a must read for those who are living here but still not been introduced to the culture and also to those who are planning to move here.
Thank you Rana Nejem for introducing us to the Arab world in simple words. Chapters are divided into different topics and little blurbs in between gives you special tips to deal with local traditions and customs.
December 22, 2016
This was a wonderful read- it flowed easily and included many firsthand experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. It has great cultural insight presented in an understandable and even pleasant-to-read form. Gave me a lot to think about when it comes to Arab culture.
September 13, 2018
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. However, it is definitely a "Beginner" level book for people wishing to know more about the Middle East.
For someone with plenty of experience working with people from all over the world, as well as having completed several university courses in the subject/about the region, this book is not really enough, and I was left with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction, I was hoping for more insightfulness and more concrete strategies than a rich raconte of expat impressions.
One thing that particularly fuelled my dissatisfaction was that this book, while promises cross-cultural insight, does not really deal with cross-cultural conflicts. It goes on stating stereotypical appraisal of how kind and hospitable Arab people are, but fails to provide guidance deeper into how to solve conflicts or negotiate, all is jolly and positive.
In comparison, when I read a book about getting on well with Chinese people, spitting, being loud, negotiating fiercely and tea scams are like 1st line on the 1st page and all is about how to solve problems. This book is more about proving that Western people are prejudiced against Arab people, but they realise how nice they are when they get to know them. And of course they are, and of course, once you get closer to a different culture, you will grow to appreciate it better, but focusing on this the book fails to fulfil its true purpose, which is to understand Arab people better (the good AND the bad) and provide strategies to handle difficult situations.
The author did scratch the surface and warned the reader about a few potential faux-pas one can make, but it is too descriptive - often bringing up a certain situation, but not providing a solution- but when dealing with cross-cultural topics, I think it is essential to try to deal with potential conflicts as well, not painting it this rainbowy or avoid bringing up certain topics.
One positive thing I must point out is the personal outlook. The author indeed provides insight into how my Arab counterparts might feel in a certain situation or how certain traditions came to be and how they manifest in everyday life. I could parallel many to my own experience and that made me personally interested in devouring all the pages of the book.
The author is eloquent and willing to have her readers yearn for more, so I would be happy to read further books by her in the future.
For someone with plenty of experience working with people from all over the world, as well as having completed several university courses in the subject/about the region, this book is not really enough, and I was left with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction, I was hoping for more insightfulness and more concrete strategies than a rich raconte of expat impressions.
One thing that particularly fuelled my dissatisfaction was that this book, while promises cross-cultural insight, does not really deal with cross-cultural conflicts. It goes on stating stereotypical appraisal of how kind and hospitable Arab people are, but fails to provide guidance deeper into how to solve conflicts or negotiate, all is jolly and positive.
In comparison, when I read a book about getting on well with Chinese people, spitting, being loud, negotiating fiercely and tea scams are like 1st line on the 1st page and all is about how to solve problems. This book is more about proving that Western people are prejudiced against Arab people, but they realise how nice they are when they get to know them. And of course they are, and of course, once you get closer to a different culture, you will grow to appreciate it better, but focusing on this the book fails to fulfil its true purpose, which is to understand Arab people better (the good AND the bad) and provide strategies to handle difficult situations.
The author did scratch the surface and warned the reader about a few potential faux-pas one can make, but it is too descriptive - often bringing up a certain situation, but not providing a solution- but when dealing with cross-cultural topics, I think it is essential to try to deal with potential conflicts as well, not painting it this rainbowy or avoid bringing up certain topics.
One positive thing I must point out is the personal outlook. The author indeed provides insight into how my Arab counterparts might feel in a certain situation or how certain traditions came to be and how they manifest in everyday life. I could parallel many to my own experience and that made me personally interested in devouring all the pages of the book.
The author is eloquent and willing to have her readers yearn for more, so I would be happy to read further books by her in the future.
November 24, 2024
After almost 4 years of living in the Middle East this book wasn’t an eye-opener but it is definitely must to read before moving into Arab culture. I wish I would read it earlier, it would made my life way easier and saved me many emotional crises. For those who come to Middle East from Eastern Europe but lived for some longer time in the West, I would also recommend to switch back to the Eastern European mode, both Arab and Slav-Balkan’s cultures have a lot of similarities in both personal and business life. Definitely easier to navigate your life in here if you give up on Western standards and lifestyle.
February 20, 2018
I picked this book on a four-hour layover in Amman, Jordan. It was interesting to learn the cultural ideas and thought processes behind some of the things that I have experienced by living in the middle east.
September 28, 2019
I’m moving to Bahrain this spring from the states and this book really opened up my mind on Arabic culture and made me really excited for this upcoming adventure!!
October 12, 2025
هذا الكتاب خريطة عملية تساعدك على فهم الناس وفك غموض ثقافة العالم العربي - المعتقدات والقيم والهياكل الاجتماعية التي تحدد كيفية إدارة الأعمال وكيفية إنجاز الأمور. هذه ليست قائمة جامدة من الأمور التي يجب فعلها أو تجنبها. سيساعدك هذا الكتاب على تطوير معرفة وفهم أعمق لدوافع السلوك. كما سيوسع آفاقك ويزودك بالمعرفة التي ستمكنك من التنقل بسهولة وثقة من موقف إلى آخر.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews