The Middle East is an enormous geographical and cultural region stretching from the Mediterranean coast of North Africa to the Afghani border with Pakistan. The region is home to many races and religions including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Baha’i.

A varied history of dominance and subservience has created a diversity of opinions, attitudes, traditions and cultural norms. Politically too, the Middle East boasts modern and free democracies and also endures theocratic autocracies.

For the past three decades the Middle East has been at the centre of global interaction, be it global conflict or global trade. Doing business in the Middle East can offer a number of key benefits, including the following.

© istockphoto.com/Juanmonino

Rapidly Modernising Markets
Recent years have seen a trend towards the modernisation of markets across the Middle East in a bid to attract and keep foreign investment. The idea of economic diversification has also begun to spread as many of the oil producing nations become aware that revenue from oil will not last forever. Diversification has come in the form of tourism, telecommunications and I.T solutions which have all increased foreign investment potential for anyone doing business in the Middle East.

An Abundance of Natural Resources
As would be expected with a region spanning the area that is occupied by the Middle East, there is an abundance of natural resources, creating a profitable environment for industrial and economic growth. In fact, according to the BBC 62.5% of the petroleum produced globally comes out of the Middle East.

A Crossroads for International Trade
For millennia, the Middle East has been at the centre of global international trade. Whether the ancient ‘Silk Road’ or 21st century oil trade, the Middle East has always boasted first-class port facilities and today can also claim to have some of best trade facilities in the world.

An Educated Workforce
An educated workforce is a successful workforce. This is a concept that rings very true across the Middle East. Education is highly valued. In many of the countries in the region, the work force comprises people educated up to and beyond university level.

The Middle East is a vast, complex mix of cultures. Any organisation doing business in the Middle East should gain an understanding of the differences which exist. A Communicaid cross cultural training programme such as Doing Business in the Middle East will give your organisation an introduction to the complexities and challenges of doing business in the Middle East and strategies to maximise your chances of success.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010