How to write professional emails to Middle Eastern business partners part 2 of 2
November 27, 2024
The e-mail signature in the e-mail footer is, in the Middle East, not only the place where the sender's information is located, but also a key element of correspondence etiquette. In the countries of the region, information tends to be more elaborate and formal than in the West. In addition to standard information such as name, position, contact information and website address along with the company/institution's logo, the signature often includes full titles held by the sender. In addition, additional courtesy phrases are added to the e-mail signature as in the end of the message and/or the traditional “Assalamu Alaikum” formula.
It is worth remembering that from a technical point of view, the layout of the e-mail signature will depend on the form adopted. If it is in Arabic, then according to the grammar of the script, it should be written from right to left, and the layout of the e-mail signature should be the same. In practice, however, it is common to see the footer written from left to right but in a layout typical of the Latin alphabet (as in the example below):
An equally common notation is a bilingual layout - most often in Arabic from right to left and in English from left to right.
In this case, a correctly designed e-mail signature contains identical information written in two languages in a mirror image, i.e. at the same height and on the same lines.
The third standard is a latinized form of e-mail signatures usually written in English, containing basic information. Today, this formula is being abandoned in favor of a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Therefore, if you work in an Arab company or plan to work with partners from this region of the world, it will be good practice to adapt the e-mail signature to local requirements.
Differences in the appearance and amount of information included in the e-mail signature may also result from business practices and standards used in different Middle Eastern countries. As a rule of thumb, we will encounter four types of e-mail signatures here: bilingual English-Arabic (mix) format, formal government style, company culture-oriented, and personalized e-mail signatures with a religious focus.
In countries such as Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, the English-Arabian bilingual format is often used by companies:
- Name
- Job title in English and Arabic
- Company name in English and Arabic
- Contact information (email, phone, address)
- Arabic and English company logo
In this case, the bilingual mix in the e-mail signature is related to the emphasis that is placed on the internationalization of business and the need to use English in everyday business communication.
In contrast, an increasingly common format for e-mail signatures is a style oriented to the company's culture. This is especially true in the rapidly modernizing international business centers of major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait. The e-mail signature notation of information in the footer is deceptively similar to the English format:
- Name
- Job title
- Department/division/division
- Hyperlinks to the company's social media (LinkedIn, X)
- Corporate slogan (if any)
Religious and formal governmental formats are far less common, especially in business correspondence, and are more of an evasion than a standard form of writing.
Summary
Written and e-mail communication with Middle Eastern partners differs from that used in the West mainly in terms of formality, hierarchy and level of politeness. In the countries of the region, respect plays a key role, expressed through elaborate greeting formulas, endings and the use of detailed e-mail signatures in e-mail signatures. In Western countries, while formalism is taken into account, communication is usually much more direct, and e-mail signatures in e-mail signatures are mainly informative. Understanding the subtle differences in communication philosophy and practice in the Middle East, brings us closer to success in working together and building positive business relationships. Keep this in mind when you write your next message to your partners or clients in this part of the world.