Cultural guide to doing business in Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon is characterised by its ethnic and religious diversity, with 17 officially recognised religions, in a population which is roughly 60% Muslim and 40% Christian. Arabic is the official language but most people speak French and English also. Despite the Arab majority, you will find much more Westernised behaviour here than elsewhere in the Arabian peninsula. Women play an active and open role in business. Dress codes are more liberal, and in Beirut short skirts or shorts are acceptable (if not elsewhere in Lebanon).
But family is still central, and intertwined with the business world. You are more likely to be invited home than elsewhere in the peninsula. Always accept if you can. Rules are similar to the rest of the region: always eat with the right hand, be prepared to be pressed to more, and leave a little food on your plate when you've had enough. Gender divisions are less rigorously observed but the politics of the area remains a highly contentious subject. Avoid offering forthright opinions on such topics as Lebanon's relationship with Syria or Israel.
Despite the laxer dress code, formal business wear is advisable, a suit and tie or equivalent. Personal contacts are important here, as is the building of a personal relationship with your counterpart. It may be useful to establish some kind of local presence, either distributor, agent or partner. Lebanon has plenty of eager middlemen, so you can afford to be choosy getting the right person.
The working day in Lebanon is 9 am to 5 pm. The working week differs from the rest of the Arab world, being a Western Monday to Friday, with some businesses and ministries also open on Saturday mornings. Some companies have shorter working hours during Ramadan, which is not a good time to do business. Public holidays include regular Christian, Orthodox Christian and Muslim holidays (variable dates). Also: 1 January, 1 May (Labour), 6 May (Martyrs), 13 May (Resistance and Liberation), 22 November (Independence).
Traffic is fairly chaotic, you would be wiser to hire a taxi, distinguished by red licence plates. These are unmetered, so to avoid argument agree your price before you set off.
International dialling code: +961.