Maa'lish Habibi - Communicating with Arabs

Communicating with Arabs is a complex process. Not only does the average Arab speak only Arabic , but also has very different modes of gesturing. The body language, tone of voice are all very different when one is speaking Arabic. Arabic is a very poetic and literary language and can arouse a lot of passions. It should not surprise you if two Arabs are seen shouting at each other and swearing by God for a very insignificant reason. It is not that they mean to upset each other, but the language itself is structured to emphasise the emotions and culturally the Arabs are very emotional people.

Some observations about the language and communicating with Arabs in general

1) Emotions and reason - Give way to your emotions. Reason doesnot have too much of a place when communicating with an average Arab. Appeal to his/ her heart and not to the mind. If an Arab likes you, he/ she will forgive you for many slips. But get on his/her wrong side, and your most articulate and well reasoned arguments will fail. By nature, the Arab society places a premium on emotional well-being and harmony. Harmony of the individual with his family, friends and society. This is also manifested in the way two arabs speak with each other - usually the language and gesticulation is very elaborate and intended to show how much they like each other ( or rather dislike as the case may be).

2)Friends first, business next - The Arabs have an attitude of building a personal rapport first, then talking about business. One of my uncles who is based in Saudi Arabia recounts incidents where in the first round of business meetings, often there is very little or almost no discussion about work. The Sheikh would entertain the guest with Arabic coffee, Dates, food and conversation about everything other than work. The idea is to get to know each other first and then discuss business. The Arabs do not like the idea of being cut and dry and getting down to business too soon. This is seen as almost being rude.

3) Insha Allah - Literally translates into " If God wills". This is probably the most used word in the region. Muslims believe that everything happens by the will of God and if he does not want something to happen, no amount of human effort can bring it to completion. This is reflected in the use of Insha Allah. This doesnt in any way imply fatalistic attitude, but rather a mind-set which believes that we can only take care of the efforts; but results are in God's hands. And most of those who use it, mean to use it in the right spirit. Well, there are always exceptions to the rule...so you need to watch out the person who is using this word rather than the word itself.

4)Ma'alish - "Take it easy". Another attitude to life. The Arabs can be quite laid back and relaxed about certain things. There is a certain relaxed attitude to life in general and not the competitive dog-eat-dog attitude of the western world. Work happens at its own pace and things will fall into place over a period of time.

These are some pointers to dealing and communicating with an Arab. Of course there are exceptions to these rules and many western educated Arabs may be markedly different in terms of their attitudes. But these are some guidelines which may be of use so as not to offend anyone and also to gain insights into how the Arabs behave.

Can ducks make news ??

BBC news never fails to surprise me. I read this piece of news the headline of which was " Stranded Ducks are escorted home", and the article went on to explain how a good samaritan had escorted a family of Ducks from a park to their pond; from where they had strayed.

A few months ago,a friend pointed out a similar story on BBC website about a Seagull which stole food from a grocery store.

Features such as these need to be seen more often to lighten our day and take our minds off the worrying stuff that newspapers and websites report most of the time.

What if Israel attacks Iran ? What UAE can do through public diplomacy

The Economist in an article "Coming to a city near you " - Be very afraid, please. says that Israel may attack Iran; and possibly alone. The recent testing of long-range missiles by Iran and subsequent sabre-rattling from Israel has heightened tensions in the region. Iran has retaliated by saying that all it has to do it close the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 40% of the world's oil passes. This is definitely a serious threat which neither Israel nor the rest of the world can ignore.

Soaring Oil prices, ending of President Bush's term, Iran's testing of the long-range missiles, USA's insistence that Iran is enriching Uranium. All these factors may contribute to the kind of propaganda that led to the campaign and eventual destruction of Iraq. One sees a similar pattern here in the case of Iran.

What if Iran is attacked? Implications for UAE

Kish island is just a few hours away by the Sea from UAE. The proximity to Iran makes UAE a danger zone of sorts, should there be an attack on Iran. Though USA is a "close ally" to UAE, the members of the GCC and UAE in particular consider Iran a friendly nation. Though in the early 1980s', Iran did not recognise the GCC and in turn the member states were suspicious of Iran's intentions, since the shah had been overthrown in the revolution and the rhetoric was of a "republic" ( and all the GCC members are monarchies). The relationship has been one of cooperation amidst suspicion.

UAE has had good relations with Iran and the strong Iranian community in UAE testifies to this. Iranian businesses thrive in UAE and Dubai in particular. The governments also enjoy healthy diplomatic relations.

If Israel decides to attack Iran, with out the help of USA, it would be disastrous for the entire world, not just the region. Despite the OPEC promising to increase production, price control measures and diplomacy at the hightest level, Oil prices continue to rise by the day. If there is an attack on Iran, there would be chaos. Regional powers may join in and particularly Syria and Lebanon ( with its Hizbolla) may join in retaliating against the Israeli aggression. This could signal the beginning of another prolonged regional war.

UAE has considerable influence in the region, largely because of its economic clout and also its standing as a peaceful country. The rulers would do well to ease the tensions and send signals that there is no need for conflict in the region. Having a meeting of heads of state or even foreign ministers of all GCC members along with the foreign minister of Iran and Israel separately - would be the first step to easing the tension buildig up in the region. As always, UAE can take the first step and thought leadership to visualise a more stable and peaceful Middle East.

Turkey's dilemma

Turkey is in news again today. Two significant pieces of news caught my attention as i browsed the online version of The National - Abu Dhabi's new newspaper. The first was the front page headline of the attack on US embassy in Istanbul. The second titled " Turkey throws weight around the region ( Middle east)".

The first article talks about the attack on the consulate ( or rather the police outpost) at the consulate which killed three policemen and three of the four attackers. The president Abdulla Gul described the attack as " an act of terrorism". The second article talks about the uneasy tensions in Turkey about Middle East and also its desire to be seen as an important political force in the region.

"The visit by Recep Tayyip Erdogan reinforces Turkey’s singular role in Middle Eastern politics as a western-leaning Muslim country, but also points to difficulties at home" said The National. With the Kurds causing trouble in south east of Turkey,it is no doubt that the Turkish premier has sought to visit Iraq.

This visit is also siginificant in that Turkey wants to be seen as a participant in the muslim world. With the re-construction of Iraq becoming an all-important issue, Turkey does not want to be seen behind other countries which are doing their bit to help salvage the almost impossible situation. "PKK's presence in northern Iraq is the main thorn in Turkey-Iraq relations", points out The National.


Looking at these two different countries, one sees the sense of struggle that each is going through to transform itself. While Turkey braces itself to enter the European Union ( to which it has considerable opposition), Iraq is desperately trying to get back onto its feet. It still has a long way to get back to where it was - a leader in Middle East in terms of Education, healthcare and also quality of life. These two countries have much to offer each other - both in terms of exchanges as well as moral support.

While a common faith and cultural heritage may bind the people of the two countries, practical considerations are far more important and will play a vital role in bringing them together than mere sentiment. And of course, there is oil to talk about. Self-interest and fear unite people more than any other force. And there is plenty of both between Turkey and Iraq.

Interesting interview with Lee Kuan Yew