Cross-cultural training for business and life in the Gulf
Handshaikh is a British cross cultural training company that has operated for 25 years globally to provide customised business seminars, briefings and induction training for Western and other organisations wishing to improve cross-cultural communication with their Arab colleagues, clients and counterparts. We can advise on the Arab world generally and more specifically on the Gulf countries of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.
Our programmes are aimed at both newcomers and those more familiar with the Arab world and provide the perfect opportunity to find answers to all those questions you might have not known whom to ask.
The acclaimed book ’Don’t They Know It’s Friday?’ by Jeremy Williams OBE, MD of Handshaikh, has for over two decades, been regarded by many as the definitive guide to business culture and etiquette in the Gulf. It is now in its third edition. A copy of the book is offered as part of our package for live training events.
Do you know how to Behave?
Good personal relationships in business are as important in the Gulf as anywhere else and help to bridge the considerable differences of language, religion and custom that can exist between Arabs and Westerners in particular. Cross Cultural training companies like us will help you to establish the best way to create and sustain these relationships.
Handshaikh’s informative, entertaining and often surprising talks will help you to engage confidently with your Arab colleagues, clients and counterparts.
Even if you think you already know how to behave, our seminars and briefings may help to explain some of the intricacies of etiquette that can lead to social uncertainty and unpick those cultural anomalies that occasionally cause poor communication and its ensuing frustrations. With experience working with more than 500 clients from many sectors and organisations over the past 25 years, our experience and knowledge make us one of the most trusted cross cultural training companies in the industry.
Jeremy Williams Lectures
“Whilst many PowerPoint presentations cause [one] to steel [oneself] for an onset of boredom, Jeremy Williams, the guest speaker, kept guests gripped in their seats as though it [were] the opening night of Wall Street the movie.” ---KJ, City Wealth.
“I was amazed at your understanding of our way of life” ---Fahad A, Qatari.
“How did you learn to imitate so well how Arab men negotiate?” ---SN, Saudi lady diplomat, London.
“He didn’t make a single mistake on Islam and he explained it [more clearly] than our Imam at our mosque.” ---Mohammad A, Leeds.
“Very comprehensive presentation, very pleasantly delivered.” ---J-MM.
“Great day yesterday; [he] kept me interested and focussed throughout the day, which is something that I don’t think anyone has ever achieved. The course was well-paced and enjoyable.” ---SB
“Excellent presentation; easy to listen to. Held attention and interest throughout. Very entertaining and informative. An extremely enjoyable and informative course.” ---AR
“Anecdotes about Westerners & Arabs imitated like Peter Ustinov.” ---“A” JC. CFEL
about Jeremy williams
Jeremy Williams’ experience of Gulf Arabs and Arab business practice spans some 40 years. He was the Defence, Naval, Military and Air Attaché in the British Embassies of Abu Dhabi and Bahrain to three ambassadors at the times of both the Iran/Iraq (the Tanker) war and the Gulf (Kuwait) War. In an Army and diplomatic career of 35 years he lived for eleven years in five Gulf locations: Sharjah, Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and has also visited most Arab countries particularly Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. He remains in contact with many government and commercial organisations and personalities throughout the Arab world.
