Communication Etiquette:
• Greetings are very enthusiastic
• Handshakes will be long
– A man must wait for a women to extend his hand
– Maintain direct eye contact
• Bring sweet pastries if invited to the home of a Libyan
• Being late isn’t always seen as rude
– Check if you should remove shoes at front door
– Eat only with the right hand
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Business Etiquette:
• Handshake is commonly used in business
– At the beginning and end of meetings
– Titles are important
• They prefer to do business with people they know and respect
– Expect time taken to develop the relationship
• Have your business cards translated into Arabic
– It will be greatly appreciated
• Appointments are necessary and should be made well in advance
– Arrive on time but be prepared to wait
– They have an open door policy during meetings
– Expect many interruptions
– Arabic is generally the language they use for business
• Companies are run in a hierarchy
– Highest ranking person will make the decision
– Only after obtaining a group consensus
• Do not criticize in public
• Do not use high pressure tactics as they will work against you