Business etiquette in the Maldives

The Maldives is widely known as one of the world's best holiday and honeymoon destinations, but the country is also a popular business hub. If you're planning to start a business here, meet potential business partners, or talk to investors, there are certain business etiquette rules you should know to make a good impression.

Negotiations

Informal conversation is often the starting point of business negotiations. English in the Maldives — normal business language.

Maldivians may request an immediate meeting if they are interested in discussing business. However, the negotiations themselves are often lengthy and time-consuming.

All agreements during the negotiation process must be concluded in writing. Payment must be agreed in the form of a confirmed letter of credit.

When planning a trip or business meeting, take into account local holidays, remembering that some are based on the Islamic calendar.

Working hours

Working hours are usually from 9:00 to 17:00 in the private sector and from 7:30 to 14:30 in public services. In the afternoon there are short breaks for prayer.

The Maldives is a Muslim country, and since religious prayers are held here on Friday, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Therefore, if you are organizing a meeting or meeting, it is better to avoid weekends and hold them on a weekday. Friday is generally considered a religious day, so you will also not be invited to any meetings unless they are of primary importance and are held in the morning hours or late afternoon on Friday. Saturday is similar to Sunday, when families usually spend time together.

Dress code

For business meetings in the Maldives, it is important to dress formally. Men can wear a shirt and tie (and a blazer if necessary), while ladies can wear a knee-length skirt or dress or even a loose-fitting pantsuit. Women are not required to cover their heads unless they are Muslim, but are expected to wear modest clothing at all business meetings.

Maldives — is a modest and traditional country, so visitors are expected to respect these customs. Traditional business suits and formal wear will be more than enough to impress your Maldivian business partners.

Greetings

Handshake — the most common way of greeting in business relationships. You're free to shake men's hands without any hesitation, but when it comes to women you meet, it's best to nod first. As a sign of respect and understanding of culture and tradition, it is better to wait until you are shown that you can shake hands with a female business partner. The Muslim greeting “As salaam alaikum” is commonly used in the country.

Informal meetings

Sometimes business partners invite you to their home for lunch for business meetings. This is a gesture showing that you are trusted. When entering a house, it is best to take off your shoes. When you are at the dinner table to start your meal — you should wait until all the guests are seated and the host starts eating first. It is considered polite to accept part of each dish offered. Take a little of everything offered and do it only with your right hand. Some Maldivians eat with their fingers and place bowls on the table to wash their hands, but asking for cutlery is perfectly acceptable.

Punctuality

Business travelers heading to a corporate event in the sunny island nation of the Maldives must always be punctual. Although Maldivian delegates or business teams may arrive later than expected, it is not uncommon for foreigners to arrive at the appointed time to avoid offending their hosts. Arriving on time not only indicates that the person is serious, but also the fact that his business interest in the Maldives is sincere. For those attending business events in the Maldives resort islands, it is necessary to arrange travel by ferry or domestic flight to the host island in advance as seaplanes and boat transfers are available at certain times.

Hierarchy

Although it may not be obvious in everyday conversation, a country's local community is organized according to hierarchical values. The same rules apply to businesses and companies, which are often passed down from generation to generation. Understanding where different people fit in the hierarchy is critical to doing business in the Maldives, and your own success depends on how well you treat senior officials when dealing with a local company. Greeting business people, presenting gifts, and other actions must be carried out in accordance with the hierarchy of those present. Don't introduce yourself to a subordinate unless his boss is also in the room and is not greeted first.

Business cards

As in most Asian countries, gestures when exchanging business cards in the Maldives are not random. Be sure to use both hands when handing your business card to your Maldivian colleague. It is also necessary to use both hands to accept the card offered in return. Take some time to read the contents of the card, and don't rush to hide it in your back pocket or filing folder.