Middle Eastern Business Etiquette

1) Among Jews handshakes are standard greetings. Among Arabs hugs and kisses are standard. If you're not Arab, you may get a handshake, but it's less like a handshake than it is a handhold, usually with both hands. Don't get nervous and don't move away. And remember that Arab men often hold hands as a gesture of friendship.

2) Expect to exchange business cards with everyone. In Arab countries, it's polite and expected that your business card will be in English in one side and Arabic on the other and Arabic on the other. Present your card Arabic up. In Israel, engraved business cards are preferred to printed ones.

3) Never say no directly; it causes shame. Find other ways to express disagreement.

4) Age is important in Turkey. Defer to the oldest person.

5) In Israel, business casual is acceptable in a wide range of businesses. In Turkey and the Arabic Countries, go conservative with dark suits and subdued ties. Business women may have a hard time in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia in particular. If you're a woman brave enough to risk being ignored or shunned, remember that your knees and elbows must be covered at all times and that a high collar is required

http://www.pasadenaisd.org/rayburn/Clubs/BPA/contest/middleast.html