Egyptians are friendly and approachable at work, and personal relationships are very important when conducting business. Business is usually conducted formally in Egypt; however meetings may not take place in private and it is normal for them to be interrupted with other matters. Punctuality is important, though don't be surprised if your contact is late or postpones the meeting. In Cairo the traffic will be blamed by Egyptians, but sometimes other commitments simply take priority. Be patient. Dress should be formal and conservative (suits and ties are standard and women, in particular, should
dress modestly). Women may encounter some sexism in the business world. Most Egyptians are Muslim and therefore one should be mindful of Islamic customs. English is widely spoken and understood, although attempting to speak some basic Arabic will be appreciated. The normal working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, but some government offices close on Thursday and Friday, and others on Friday and Saturday. Business hours vary, but are usually 8.30am to 2pm with some businesses also opening from 5pm to 8pm.
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