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Business Attire:
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Normal business dress for men is a cotton shirt and tie, with suits worn to meetings with high ranking officials and senior business people. Business women should wear a conservative two piece suit (skirt and jacket).
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Business Customs:
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Business entertaining will often be lavish. English is widely spoken in business circles, but translation services are likely to be available.
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Social Protocols:
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Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are not required to cover their faces in public, are able to wear western swimwear at beaches and at hotel swimming pools, but are generally expected to dress modestly in public. Men should dress formally for most occasions. It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan.
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Office Hours:
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0800-1300 and 1600-1930 Saturday to Wednesday and 0800-1200 Thursday.
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Government Office Hours:
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0730-1330 Saturday to Wednesday and 0730-1200 Thursday (winter); 0700-1300 Saturday to Thursday (summer). All offices are closed every afternoon during the month of Ramadan.
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Most Business Hours:
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08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 Sat to Wed 08:00 to 14:00 Thursday
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Cultural Considerations:
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Alcohol is available in all hotels and many restaurants. Visitors should consult with their host before ordering alcohol during meals or social functions. It is polite when meeting ministers, or a member of the royal family to address them as "Your Excellency", and when meeting business people it is polite to address them as "Mister".
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