CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 57
By: Ahmed Ateek
Executive Protection
in the Middle East
How to Avoid Embarrassing & Costly Mistakes That old saying that is still relevant today, particularly when it comes to Executive Protection. Good EP professionals understand the importance of thorough preparation and research before even accepting a task. This is arguably even more relevant when it comes to working in the Middle East where culture is king, and misunderstandings have the potential to ruin operations and future business partnerships. To add a layer of nuance and complexity, each Middle Eastern city – be it Dubai, Cairo, or Riyadh - calls for a slightly different approach, making things that much more interesting. One cultural misstep in the Middle East could cost millions for your clients, lives, or your job! While working with various clients across the Middle East and North Africa, I was tasked with looking after a HNW principal from the UK who 88
was visiting Dubai for the first time. Dubai is a safe city, so my services were mainly focused on cultural awareness and general know-how – something that can be overlooked by newbie EPs but is essential for a successful operator.
The Principal was keen on inviting an Emirati contact to a business lunch. The Holy Month of Ramadan had just begun, so I politely advised him this wouldn’t be possible. Muslims don’t eat or drink in the daytime during Ramadan. So the principal suggested dinner instead. I explained that Ramadan was very much a family time – especially the first few days. However, I informed him that since the Emiratis are known for their warm welcome and hospitality it wouldn’t be out of line for the business contact to host the Principal. And that it would be best to be mindful of the cultural norms to lay the foundations for good future business relations.
