Author Topic: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE  (Read 3819 times)

genselecus

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Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« on: October 07, 2014, 11:58:52 AM »
All,

I've searched around the forum but can't find another post to help me out with this. I'm traveling to the UAE for work for the next 2 months (leaving this weekend) and I'll need to wear suit and tie each day. I've also been told that I should wear shirts with French cuffs if I want to be respected. So anyways, I own three suits that I'll be taking (plain black with a slight pattern, black with white pen-stripes, and navy blue) and I have bought 6 shirts with french cuffs, as well as a few extra ties. Is this sufficient? I haven't worn suits to work before, so I'm trying to figure out how to do the whole mix and match thing to make more combinations. I'll probably also be taking some of my regular dress shirts (no french cuffs) which I'm hoping to wear sometimes, as long as I see other folks at the office wearing them. Money isn't really an issue as I've only spent $150 so far (I spent too many hours at an outlet mall yesterday), and my company has given me a bonus to offset my clothing costs. I also have some gift cards to Brooks Brothers that I bought with hotel points (I wouldn't buy Brooks Brothers unless it was "free").

Anyways, to recap:
1. Am I going to be fine with:
   1.a. Three suits, as described above?
   1.b. 6 french cuff dress shirts and ties to go with three suits?
   1.c. 3 additional dress shirts that may not be wearable due to client office attire?
2. And less related:
   2.a. Any additional suggestions with the UAE? I'm going to be in Abu Dhabi, specifically.
   2.b. Any suggestions on where I should go on some of the weekends? I have a nice per diem and I'll be able to expense some of my flight costs if I travel elsewhere on the weekends.
   2.c. Does anyone live/work there and want to meet up???

Thanks for all the help!!
Ballin

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2014, 12:17:18 PM »
I'd look into the type of material of the suit too, to help with the hot temperature. Linen does a bit better for hot temperatures and so does silk or a blend of the two. I can't say they are cheap though... but suits just aren't cheap in general. Hit up the salvation army type stores, lots of suits there generally and most people don't buy them so there are a few to pick from.

I'd get a lighter color suit too? For work parties, or something slightly less formal. If you wanted to buy another that is. Get a variety of ties (color), too. and maybe a watch?
Can't help about the location itself though, haven't been there. Enjoy the time there though. But this depends on the type of job you are doing there too... oil field in suits? Or banking? Etc
« Last Edit: October 07, 2014, 12:19:07 PM by eyem »

Beric01

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2014, 12:48:30 PM »
That sounds awesome! I would love to get a job in the UAE, though I've never been there. Does your company have any more openings? ;)

I guess the main question on clothing is how often you will be doing laundry/changing your clothes? I assume at least every day due to the heat, so every week? If so then it looks like your clothing should last you 1 week +1 spare shirt, so you should be fine.

VirginiaBob

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2014, 12:56:45 PM »
I spent 2 days in Dubai and would never go back.  Imagine being in the middle of an asphalt walmart parking lot in Nevada at its highest temperature on record.  Now imagine not being able to drink water since it is Ramadan (holy month) until after it gets dark.  Good luck.

Beric01

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2014, 01:54:57 PM »
I spent 2 days in Dubai and would never go back.  Imagine being in the middle of an asphalt walmart parking lot in Nevada at its highest temperature on record.  Now imagine not being able to drink water since it is Ramadan (holy month) until after it gets dark.  Good luck.

Imagine working in a foreign country that has an entirely new culture to discover, and getting paid well to be there! :)

And my understanding is you can still drink water in the day during Ramadan as long as you are discreet.

genselecus

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #5 on: October 07, 2014, 02:20:11 PM »
Thanks for the replies. I am fortunate to get to go there after Ramadan and during the fall. Supposedly the average high temperature is around 97 this month, and will decrease to 80 while I'm there. So hopefully it won't be as bad for me as it was for you, Bob. And yes, I'm pretty excited to go there!

I've been thinking about buying a grey suit for a while, but haven't gotten around to it yet, mainly because I can't justify the expense. Good point about the laundry, Beric. I'm planning on taking a lot of undergarments (white t's, socks, and underwear) so that laundry won't be as big of an issue, but I may not appreciate the amount of sweat that I'm going to generate in that climate.

Do other folks wear suits to work every day? Are my numbers reasonable?

Travis

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Re: Business Attire Strategy for Men in UAE
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2014, 02:25:46 PM »
I'm in the region now.  The heat is steadily dropping, but the humidity never goes away so be prepared for that.

 

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