
Insights: General
Cultural awareness, expat life and practical guides for anyone building a life or career in the Middle East.
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The most important etiquette rules to know when traveling for business to 10 countries around the world
Business customs vary tremendously around the world — what might be considered rude in one country can be completely acceptable in another. To help employees understand how office etiquette varies, UK office-supplier Viking reached out to 18 of their international employees who have worked in countries that range from Germany to the US. The results


Bahrain’s financial sector sees 2.8% jobs growth in 2015
Employment in Bahrain’s financial services industry grew by 2.8 percent during 2015, with a total of 13,877 people employed at end-2015 compared to 13,496 in the year-earlier period, according to central bank figures. Central bank data showed that employment in the financial sector continued to grow last year despite the recent economic conditions caused by


Ras Al Khaimah launches new tourism brand identity
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has revealed its new brand identity, which aims to reposition the destination to overseas visitors. Tourism chiefs said the rebrand focuses on the emirate’s natural assets, luxurious indulgence, range of activities for different types of travellers, history and culture, and authentic Arabian heritage offering. With the aim to attract


BP, Kuwait Petroleum sign cooperation deal
UK’s oil giant BP has signed cooperation deal with Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) to explore possible joint opportunities for investment and development in future oil, gas, trading and petrochemicals ventures. The agreement was signed by BP chief executive officer Bob Dudley and KPC chief executive officer Nizar Mohammad Al-Adsani. The deal could pave the way


New economic zones laws to boost Qatar economy
As Qatar is looking to diversify from its energy-based economy, the government has cleared a draft law, which will allow any type of company to be set up by a legal professional from Qatar or outside, without requiring to adhere to prevailing company laws applicable elsewhere, writes Syed Ameen Kader. Manataq, which is currently developing

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Support group helps expat families through adoption process
DUBAI // A UAE support group has helped hundreds of expatriate families fulfil their dreams of adopting. Adoption Support Group is an informal network of volunteers that was set up by adopting families in 2006 to support others. The group, which has nearly 1,200 members, provides advice on technical aspects such as what documents and


UAE’s pluralistic culture helps adopted children
DUBAI // Parents who have adopted say the UAE’s multicultural environment has helped their child adjust. They praised the support of the local community and the appreciation received from Emiratis. Ester Benbrook, 38, who adopted a son two years ago, said she had received positive comments from passersby. “I think Dubai is very open to


Russian school comforts children over FlyDubai crash
DUBAI // Staff at the Russian International School have been helping youngsters cope with the distress of hearing about the FlyDubai jet crash at Rostov-on-Don. Marina Khalikova, principal of the Russian International School, said most of the pupils had flown with the budget carrier on trips back home to Russia. A Sadness Day was held
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