Morocco Business Etiquette

Moroccan culture, which has been heavily influenced by the French, is very diverse. People in the cities are well educated and speak several languages. Most often, Moroccan businesspeople adopt western customs and dress for their business life but then revert to traditional mores as soon as they leave the office. The predominant influence in all of Moroccan life is Islam. A visitor can immediately win friends and gain influence by knowing the basic tenets of this religion.

For business meetings, the handshake is the standard greeting. If invited to a meal, shake hands with everyone present, starting with the person on your right. Some people may brush cheeks or kiss as a form of greeting. It's appropriate to stand when introduced to someone. It's also appropriate for a man to stand when being introduced to a woman. Business cards are expected and are considered a sign of prestige. They should be in English and Arabic. There is no special etiquette regarding their use. Meetings tend to be slow paced, beginning with long, pleasant conversations and gradually approaching the purpose of the meeting. The forms of address in the business community are mainly European. Visitors should use formal means of address until they are invited to do otherwise. A minister may be addressed as Monsieur le Ministre, and the director of a company may be addressed as Monsieur le Directeur. In Arabic, the equivalent to "Mr." is Sidi, and the generic address for a woman is Alalla. Moroccans have adopted the French practice of writing their family name first, followed by their given name—for example, Hamani Mohammed. They may be called by either name. It is more personal to call someone by the given name. There is great respect given to elders in all interactions. A visitor's marital status should not have a bearing on the conduct or success of business meetings, although Moroccans may have difficulty putting a single businesswoman in context because it is still unusual in their culture.

There are no particular rules about posture during conversations. Moroccans will often touch each other or a visitor of the same gender while conversing. You should never touch a person of another gender during conversation. Gestures considered obscene include forming a circle with the thumb and index finger or pointing a slightly lowered or raised middle finger at someone.

French is the language of business, but the use of English is increasing. Spanish is spoken in the north. Product information should be in French. Unless you speak French, it would be advisable to have an interpreter. Some useful Arabic phrases: Makan'refsh l'arbeeya (pronounced ma-KAIN rfsh lar-BEE-ya) "I don't speak Arabic." Wash kat'ref neegleezeeya? (pronounced wsh kt rf nee-GLEE-zee-ya) "Do you speak English?" Salam aleekum (pronounced sa-LAM a lay-KOOM) "Hello." Wa allekum a salaam (pronounced why a-LAY koom asa-LAM) (The response to "Hello.") Shukran (pronounced SHOOK-ran) "Thank you." La shookran allah wajeeb (pronounced la SHOOK-ran ala-wa-JEEB) (The response to "Thank you.") Bsleema (pronounced b-SLEM-ah) "Goodbye." Aeeya (pronounced AY-ee ah) "Yes." La (pronounced la) "No." Waha (pronounced WA-ha) "OK." A normal speech volume should be used. Avoid slang and profanity. Overly familiar conversation or behavior between genders is inappropriate.

A local intermediary would be useful for making all the necessary arrangements prior to and during a visit. There are no specific government requirements to have a sponsor. Business appointments should be made well in advance—weeks ahead of the visit. Punctuality is respected but not always reciprocated.

After the initial introductions and greetings, a receptionist will serve tea. Visitors should expect to be given up to three cups unless they drink very slowly. Greetings usually include inquiries about one's health and family before proceeding to the topic of business. Small talk most commonly centers around family and children. Avoid political discussions. In particular, avoid the subjects of the Western Sahara, Iraq and Israel. Negotiations often involve a lot of bargaining, and a visitor should expect to deal with a number of people.

Business is not conducted during meals. Most businesses close for a two-and-a-half-hour break for lunch. The evening meal can take much longer. At a traditional meal, Moroccans eat at a knee-high, round table while sitting on cushions. Since the table is round, there is no particular seating arrangement. The host will sit with his guests while the hostess attends to the kitchen and serves the food. During a traditional meal, utensils are not used. Otherwise, European table manners prevail. Diners take food from a large common dish by scooping it with their fingers or with bread. Moroccans eat with the fingers of their right hand, but spoons and forks are provided to visitors upon request. You should never use your left hand. If you are eating from a common dish, eat only from the portion directly in front of you. Guests are expected to eat some of each course during a meal, but no offense will be taken if you eat small portions. It is not necessary to eat something you don't like. Moroccans understand dietary restrictions and are not offended when you decline to eat something. For instance, many people can't drink the sugary tea because of diabetes. French customs prevail in nontraditional homes. Otherwise, the meal begins with various salads and relishes and with freshly baked bread. Then comes the main course, followed by fresh fruit. Small washbasins, sometimes perfumed with rose petals or lemon, are presented to each guest before and after a meal. The warm water is poured over the hands, which are held over the basin. Restaurants provide napkins, and there are no particular rules about their usage. In a restaurant, excuse yourself from the table by saying in Arabic "Smeehalah" (excuse me). It is not necessary for men to stand when a woman arrives or leaves the table. It is wise to refrain from asking for alcohol if it is not readily visible. On religious grounds, Muslims are debarred from drinking alcohol. There is no harm in offering alcoholic drinks, although they will normally be declined in favor of soft drinks. Toasts are not appropriate in a Muslim society. If you are not the host, you should not offer to pay the bill at a restaurant. It would be better to reciprocate by hosting a meal at another time. In more expensive restaurants and bars, 10%-15% percent of the bill should suffice for the tip. For many service people, such as porters and guides, tips are their sole income.

Generally, business attire is more formal than modern Western norms. Businesspeople should be dressed professionally and conservatively, but a suit is not necessary in very hot weather. For women, dresses or pantsuits are equally acceptable. There are no particular colors or garments that are forbidden or not recommended. If there is ever a question as to what would be appropriate dress, it is best to err on the side of formality. Casual clothes can be worn at the beaches and in the resort areas of Morocco. Shorts and swimwear are only appropriate on the beaches. Sneakers are commonly worn in casual situations.

Moroccans love gifts, especially something representative of the visitor's own country. An appropriate gift might cost up to US$50. If invited to a Moroccan's home, it is customary to take a small gift for the women and children (sweets or pastries). Do not take alcohol or anything having to do with a pig (for example, pigskin leather). There are no special rules about flowers. A thank-you note is always a good follow-up. It need not be handwritten.

Moroccan society is male dominated, but it is liberal by Middle Eastern standards—businesswomen should not feel intimidated when working in the country. There are many women in professional roles, and the numbers are increasing rapidly. Foreign women will be treated differently in Morocco. They will probably get more attention than they are used to because they are still a curiosity. Feminism is definitely in its infant stages in Morocco. Women are not prevented from visiting certain places or events but will almost always be outnumbered by men. There are no different rules for men and women on public transportation. Conservative Western street clothing is appropriate in most areas. In more traditional societies, however, garments should have sleeves, and dress length should be below the knee. A single woman will always attract more unwanted attention than will a married woman. It's much easier for a woman to get around if she has a wedding ring on her finger. A woman unaccompanied in public will always attract attention.

In conversation, avoid the subjects of the Western Sahara, Iraq or Israel. Business is rarely conducted during the time of Ramadan. Visitors should not smoke, eat or drink in public during Ramadan. In all circumstances, be sensitive about alcohol and pork. Make inquiries about family members only if you have developed a personal relationship with your host. It is expected that you will remove your shoes if there is a carpet and others have done so, even though you may be told not to bother. It is not appropriate to compliment a host's possessions. It is thought to bring bad luck. A visitor's hotel choice will certainly make an impression. There are fabulous hotels in all price ranges throughout Morocco. Driving is on the right side of the road. The roads are good, but drivers are aggressive and there are few rules of the road. Hiring a driver is expensive. Moroccans have an aversion to having their picture taken. Do not take someone's photo without first asking permission. Do not photograph any public buildings unless they happen to be in the background.

Giving alms is considered a religious duty. There are many beggars, and if you give to one, you will immediately be surrounded by a crowd of beggars hoping to be as lucky. If a beggar is being a bother, it is easy to dismiss the beggar by saying "Allah s'hal" (God will take care of you). It's a good idea to take along toilet paper. It's a scarce commodity outside the cities and within the medinas.