Dubai has steadily become the number one destination for business travel and meetings due to it becoming a hub for international trade and commerce. Planning a business meeting in Dubai can be an easy task if you know how to go about it. Here is a guide on what you should keep in mind when going about planning your business meetings in Dubai to ensure they are productive, respectful and successful.

Being a very cosmopolitan city with a multicultural population, you should keep in mind the cultural sensitivities and customs. When greeting men, use a firm handshake, but wait for women to extend their hand. Older people should typically be greeted first. Make sure you dress on the conservative side, with clothing that covers shoulders and legs and closed-toed shoes. Respect for local traditions, customs and religious observances should be held in high regard, such as during the holy month of Ramadan, and meetings should be scheduled with awareness of fasting hours.

Friendly conversation, thoughtfulness and generosity are highly valued even in business proceedings. Start off with small talk and build rapport before jumping into the main topic of business. Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is spoken by most people and used in business proceedings. The customary greeting in Arabic is "As-salam alaikum" (Peace be upon you), and the reply for which is "Wa alaikum as-salam" (And upon you be peace). Be mindful of your tone, being professional and respectful at all times.

Be mindful to prepare a well-organised agenda for your business meetings, with outlines of the topics to be discussed and the goals to be achieved. If you provide an agenda beforehand it will help with contributions and productiveness of the discussion. Ensure that there is clear and concise communication and have translators ready if needed depending on the needs of the parties. Gift-giving is a customary practice in Dubai’s business etiquette, especially during festival times. Present your gift with both hands as a sign of respect and be mindful when selecting a gift to be culturally appropriate and not too lavish.

Select a good venue that is easily accessible and appropriate for the meeting. Most hotels such as NH Collection Dubai The Palm are host to many business meetings daily with external clients booking their meeting rooms in Dubai. The staff will help set up the location for your meeting once you have confirmed your booking. When setting up seating arrangements, be mindful of the arrangements keeping in mind that the most senior member of each team should be seated at the heads of the table, facing each other.

Image via NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Most venues will provide complimentary water bottles and hot beverages. Depending on the length of the meeting, food should be served accordingly. Snacks or a buffet spread can be arranged with minimal hassle by the staff and dietary constraints should be noted and informed in advance to staff. Alcohol is served in most hotels and private dining establishments, but it should be noted that consumption of alcohol goes against Muslim religious practices.

Once the meeting is concluded, a prompt summary of the meeting's discussions, action points and next steps to be taken should be addressed. This professionalism will demonstrate your openness of communication as well as your commitment to working together. Clarify any missed points and reiterate your goals and final outcomes of the meeting. Rescheduling follow-up meetings may be discussed, and timelines addressed. When leaving the meeting, be courteous and leave in an orderly manner.