What the fork?!?
In a city like Dubai, where so many meetings, interviews and deals are sealed while dining, you’ve got to be a smooth operator. Guillaume Mariole from Ignite fitness & wellness takes us through the minefield that is business dining etiquette.
When dealing with business partners from a wide variety of cultures and geographies, there are certain guidelines that can be adopted for all scenarios. Let’s start with hosting a business lunch or dinner.
• When making the initial invitation, be sure each guest is aware of the purpose of the gathering – be it a board meeting, a prospective partnership or a strategy discussion. Let people know what to expect.
• If utilising a set menu, be sure to include a vegetarian dish as an option.
• Arrive early, as the host you want to be the first person there. This will give you time to check the table before greeting any guests. Make sure there is adequate seating and introduce yourself to the waiter who will be serving you.
• If you are hosting business clients, you will pay for the meal. This can be established before any guests arrive so the wait staff can avoid potentially embarrassing questions later.
• It’s best not to order anything to eat or drink while you are waiting to greet all your guests. As they arrive, introduce them to one another and show them where you would like them to sit.
• When all the guests are present, call the meal to order. This can simply be a statement indicating that everyone is present and it is time to begin the meal and get down to business.
• The host sets the tone for the meal. If, for example, you intend for guests to order appetisers, you must begin by ordering one yourself. The same is true for dessert.
• All good guests at a business or social meal will wait for the host to begin before starting their own meals. Don’t keep them waiting. If it is a small gathering, wait until everyone has been served and then immediately begin eating. If you are not served near the beginning, just tell your guests to go ahead while their food is still hot.
• Take care of the cheque discreetly. Gracious hosts do not call attention to the fact that they are paying the bill.
• Keep your napkin in your lap until it is time to leave the table. At this point, place your napkin on the left side of your plate, or on the left side of your place if your plate has already been cleared.
• Thank each guest for attending and acknowledge each one individually as he or she departs with a handshake or a remark.
• Once all of the guests have left, thank the wait staff.
As for general dos and don’ts, whether you are dining in the capacity of guest or host, here are our top tips to help you pocket the next deal.
Do’s
• Arrive on time – if you are going to be late, make sure to inform your client or business partner.
• Dress conservatively; remember you are in a Muslim country.
• After sitting down, quietly unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. Fold it in half and place the folded half towards your waist.
• Before starting with the dinner, wait for all your client or business partners to arrive.
• Turn off your mobile before you arrive.
• Keep your elbows off the table.
• The knife and fork should be placed in the centre of the plate in the five o clock position.
Don’ts
• Don’t be hasty in chasing up clients who are running a little late – wait at least 15 minutes before calling up.
• Don’t put bags, briefcases and other accessories on the table.
• Don’t order expensive menu items or alcohol at business meals – this could cause embarrassment and may be offensive as it is illegal for Muslims to drink alcohol.
• Don’t talk when your mouth is full.
•Don’t slurp soups or drinks or make noises while chewing food.
• If dining with Muslims, never eat or offer pork, even if it’s on the menu – this would be considered offensive.
• Smoking is much more socially acceptable than in the West, although not during daylight hours over Ramadan. If you must smoke, quietly excuse yourself to an outdoor smoking area.
• Don’t ever use your left hand for eating, drinking or shaking hands as it’s considered unclean. Good manners are just good business when it comes to dining etiquette in the UAE so take stock of all our tips and stay on the right track to succeed. And if, once the deal has been done and the plates have been cleared, you need to get in shape and lose some weight, be sure to give us a call.
About
Guillaume Mariole is the Managing Director of Ignite Fitness & Wellness. For more information visit www.ignite-wellness.com, call 04 305 0844 or email info@ignite-wellness.com.
