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One of the world’s earliest civilisations, Egypt has formed the crossroads of Arab culture for millennia. For many decades the country served as a bridge between the European West and the Arab East with its size and position establishing the country’s central role in the region. Egypt is now one of the most populous Arab countries and draws its culture from Mediterranean, African and Arab influences.
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Egypt Today
The government has struggled to meet the demands of this growing population. In 2010 protests and strikes erupted in Egypt culminating in President Hosni Mubarak's ousting. The military assumed national leadership until the Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Mursi won the presidential elections in 2012 and a new constitution was affirmed. Only a year later, mass demonstrations erupted again, the military ousted Mursi and the constitution was suspended. An interim government was installed after this coup d’état.
The Egyptians take great pride in their heritage and varied culture that has developed into a modern society. In order to successfully do business in Egypt it is essential to gain an understanding of its culture and traditions.
Egyptian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Islam – Islam is practised by the majority of Egyptians and plays a vital role in all aspects of society. It is a critical component of Egyptian life that influences day-to-day conduct and affects decisions made on a personal, political, economic and legal level. In Egypt, truth and problem solving are often governed by faith and the interpretation of Islamic law. However, you may find that in a business context, empirical evidence is used more in an attempt to be objective.
Family – Patronage, kinship and the family unit are central to Egyptian society. Family defines social status and can determine values and behaviour. In Egypt, the individual is subordinate to the family or collective. Consequently, Egyptians observe a respectful attitude among relatives and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards both the nuclear and the extended family at all times. Loyalty and family pride take precedence over all social relationships; therefore nepotism is somewhat customary in many business environments and usually viewed in a positive way.
Fatalism – The concept of fatalism is closely linked to Islam, as destiny is believed to be in the hands of God. This notion generates a feeling of acceptance and an unconcerned acknowledgment of the status quo. The fatalistic approach to life is often significant in the decision-making process of many Egyptians. It also influences the concept of time in Egypt and as a consequence business negotiations may take longer and should not be rushed.
Doing Business in Egypt
The nation of Egypt developed as a unified kingdom in approximately 3,200 BC. Early Egypt was ruled by a succession of dynasties and saw numerous conquerors of Persian, Greek, Roman, Turkish and Arab descent. In 1922, following a period of British occupation, Egypt acquired its independence and full sovereignty was established. However, further invasions persisted including the British-French-Israeli invasion in 1956 prompted by the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. This Canal was built in 1869 and turned Egypt into an important world transportation hub. Together with tourism and oil and gas exports, the Canal continues to be one of Egypt’s major sources of revenues.
Egypt was finally re-admitted to the Arab League in 1989 and in the first decade of the 2000s, Cairo successfully pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and facilitate GDP growth. However, continuing political unrest hinders the government’s efforts to face economic problems and the country still depends on cash remittances from Egyptians living abroad.
Part 1 – Working in Egypt: Working practices in Egypt
Structure and hierarchy in Egyptian companies
Working relationships in Egypt
Part 2 – Doing Business in Egypt: Business practices in Egypt
Egyptian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO attempt to learn at least a few words or phrases of Egyptian Arabic, such as ‘thank you’, ‘hello’, ‘good-bye’, and ‘please’. Your attempts will not go unnoticed and your Egyptians counterparts will appreciate and respect this type of gesture.
DO wait for your Egyptian counterpart to initiate the greeting at a first meeting. There are a number of greeting styles in Egypt, especially between men and women; however, shaking hands is the most common in business settings.
DO make eye contact when meeting with your Egyptian business associates, especially with male colleagues. Looking an Egyptian in the eye is a sign of honesty and trust.
DON’T rush or force your Egyptian counterparts into making a quick decision as this will prove ineffective. The pace of business in Egypt is much slower than in the West, for example so patience is necessary.
DON’T be surprised if your Egyptian business colleagues stand very close to you during business conversations. Try not to back away if this happens as it may create the impression that you find their physical presence unpleasant and consequently cause offence.
DON’T ask detailed questions about your male Egyptian counterpart’s family, especially female members, whilst making small talk. Enquiring about their general welfare is usually acceptable, however further discussions would be viewed as personal and inappropriate.
DON'T get dragged in political discussions that require you to side with one party or regime. As the whole nation is currently divided between supporters and opposition, there will always be someone who will be offended by your point of view.
Egyptian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. When exchanging business cards in Egypt, it is important that you carefully examine the information on it and show interest in your Egyptian counterpart’s details.
2. Exposing the sole of the foot is considered offensive in Egypt. Therefore, you should always sit with both feet on the floor.
3. The right hand is considered unclean in Egyptian culture and should not be used for gesturing in any way. You must always use the left hand.
4. Egyptians are very direct with their language and often get straight to the point. A direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer will always be given.
5. It is not uncommon to see traditional Egyptian men walking hand in hand in public. If your Egyptian counterpart initiates any physical contact when greeting, accept this as a gesture of friendship.
Egyptian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. In Egyptian business culture, it is considered polite to pay a little more attention to your colleague’s business card.
2. True. You should always avoid pointing the soles of your feet at anyone.
3. False. It is the left hand that is considered inappropriate in Egypt.
4. False. Arabic is a language of exaggeration and Egyptians love to be flowery in their speech. A ‘yes’ for example may actually mean ‘possibly’.
5. True.
Egypt Today
The government has struggled to meet the demands of this growing population. In 2010 protests and strikes erupted in Egypt culminating in President Hosni Mubarak's ousting. The military assumed national leadership until the Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Mursi won the presidential elections in 2012 and a new constitution was affirmed. Only a year later, mass demonstrations erupted again, the military ousted Mursi and the constitution was suspended. An interim government was installed after this coup d’état.
The Egyptians take great pride in their heritage and varied culture that has developed into a modern society. In order to successfully do business in Egypt it is essential to gain an understanding of its culture and traditions.
Egyptian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Islam – Islam is practised by the majority of Egyptians and plays a vital role in all aspects of society. It is a critical component of Egyptian life that influences day-to-day conduct and affects decisions made on a personal, political, economic and legal level. In Egypt, truth and problem solving are often governed by faith and the interpretation of Islamic law. However, you may find that in a business context, empirical evidence is used more in an attempt to be objective.
Family – Patronage, kinship and the family unit are central to Egyptian society. Family defines social status and can determine values and behaviour. In Egypt, the individual is subordinate to the family or collective. Consequently, Egyptians observe a respectful attitude among relatives and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards both the nuclear and the extended family at all times. Loyalty and family pride take precedence over all social relationships; therefore nepotism is somewhat customary in many business environments and usually viewed in a positive way.
Fatalism – The concept of fatalism is closely linked to Islam, as destiny is believed to be in the hands of God. This notion generates a feeling of acceptance and an unconcerned acknowledgment of the status quo. The fatalistic approach to life is often significant in the decision-making process of many Egyptians. It also influences the concept of time in Egypt and as a consequence business negotiations may take longer and should not be rushed.
Doing Business in Egypt
The nation of Egypt developed as a unified kingdom in approximately 3,200 BC. Early Egypt was ruled by a succession of dynasties and saw numerous conquerors of Persian, Greek, Roman, Turkish and Arab descent. In 1922, following a period of British occupation, Egypt acquired its independence and full sovereignty was established. However, further invasions persisted including the British-French-Israeli invasion in 1956 prompted by the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. This Canal was built in 1869 and turned Egypt into an important world transportation hub. Together with tourism and oil and gas exports, the Canal continues to be one of Egypt’s major sources of revenues.
Egypt was finally re-admitted to the Arab League in 1989 and in the first decade of the 2000s, Cairo successfully pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and facilitate GDP growth. However, continuing political unrest hinders the government’s efforts to face economic problems and the country still depends on cash remittances from Egyptians living abroad.
Part 1 – Working in Egypt: Working practices in Egypt
Structure and hierarchy in Egyptian companies
Working relationships in Egypt
Part 2 – Doing Business in Egypt: Business practices in Egypt
Egyptian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO attempt to learn at least a few words or phrases of Egyptian Arabic, such as ‘thank you’, ‘hello’, ‘good-bye’, and ‘please’. Your attempts will not go unnoticed and your Egyptians counterparts will appreciate and respect this type of gesture.
DO wait for your Egyptian counterpart to initiate the greeting at a first meeting. There are a number of greeting styles in Egypt, especially between men and women; however, shaking hands is the most common in business settings.
DO make eye contact when meeting with your Egyptian business associates, especially with male colleagues. Looking an Egyptian in the eye is a sign of honesty and trust.
DON’T rush or force your Egyptian counterparts into making a quick decision as this will prove ineffective. The pace of business in Egypt is much slower than in the West, for example so patience is necessary.
DON’T be surprised if your Egyptian business colleagues stand very close to you during business conversations. Try not to back away if this happens as it may create the impression that you find their physical presence unpleasant and consequently cause offence.
DON’T ask detailed questions about your male Egyptian counterpart’s family, especially female members, whilst making small talk. Enquiring about their general welfare is usually acceptable, however further discussions would be viewed as personal and inappropriate.
DON'T get dragged in political discussions that require you to side with one party or regime. As the whole nation is currently divided between supporters and opposition, there will always be someone who will be offended by your point of view.
Egyptian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. When exchanging business cards in Egypt, it is important that you carefully examine the information on it and show interest in your Egyptian counterpart’s details.
2. Exposing the sole of the foot is considered offensive in Egypt. Therefore, you should always sit with both feet on the floor.
3. The right hand is considered unclean in Egyptian culture and should not be used for gesturing in any way. You must always use the left hand.
4. Egyptians are very direct with their language and often get straight to the point. A direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer will always be given.
5. It is not uncommon to see traditional Egyptian men walking hand in hand in public. If your Egyptian counterpart initiates any physical contact when greeting, accept this as a gesture of friendship.
Egyptian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. In Egyptian business culture, it is considered polite to pay a little more attention to your colleague’s business card.
2. True. You should always avoid pointing the soles of your feet at anyone.
3. False. It is the left hand that is considered inappropriate in Egypt.
4. False. Arabic is a language of exaggeration and Egyptians love to be flowery in their speech. A ‘yes’ for example may actually mean ‘possibly’.
5. True.
