How to Address Names in Business in Arabic Countries?

How do Arabic names work.

Arabs take pride in their names, it identifies their lineage, tribe, and status. The names also come with meanings, for example, many Arab names come from the Islamic religion: Mohammed (the prophet), Ali (the cousin of the prophet), Khadija (the wife of the prophet)

So, names are taken very seriously in the region, showing respect and understanding is crucial in order to communicate with them successfully.

There are some cultural differences between different Arabic countries, in the Middle East and the Gulf countries, the names are long as it includes the first name, father’s name, grand-fathe’s name, and surname. Meanwhile, in North Africa the structure is different, only first name and family name are used.

In the Gulf countries, you will come across different people who have “Al” or “El”  in their names, it means “of”, for example, Ali Al-Ahmed means  Ali son-of-Ahmad.

You may also hear people using ‘Abu’ or “Umm” which signifies parenthood or motherhood, Abu Abdellah means the father of Abdellah, Umm Ahmed means the mother of Ahmed.

How to address people.

When addressing people for the first time as a foreigner you should address someone with Mr. or Mrs. and their surname.

You will usually be invited to use first names quickly however it is better to wait for the other side to initiate this level of formality.

Bear in mind that their preferred name may not be the first, as many Arabs have Mohammed as a first name in deference to their religion, but use the second name as first. For example, Mohammed Jabrane Benmoussa is usually called Mr. Jabrane instead of Mr. Mohammed.

The best way to discover how Arab people wish to be addressed is to ask, as it will show a willingness on your part to understand their culture and ways.