The Room is Testing Your Manners, Not Your Model

The Story
In Abu Dhabi, a consultant thought the meeting was about strategy. It was, but only partly. The host noticed how he greeted the junior staff, how he handled interruption, and whether he listened without performing expertise. By the end, the question wasn’t “Can he do the work?” It was “Can we live with him?”

Cultural Principle
Professional credibility in the Gulf is deeply human. People assess not only capability, but character under ordinary and extraordinary pressure.

Takeaway
Treat every moment as part of the meeting. Courtesy, restraint, and attentiveness are often read as proof of long-term fit.

Warmly,
Taqua

Tune into The Souk Stories podcast for native reflections on culture, etiquette, and the human side of doing business in the Gulf.