Business Travel in Egypt: Your Essential Guide

Egypt is rapidly becoming one of the most important business hubs in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. With its strategic location on key shipping routes, strong airline connectivity, and a growing presence of multinational companies, it acts as an important gateway to nearby markets. 

If you are planning a work trip to Egypt, understanding its local customs, culture, and etiquette will help you build stronger business relationships, and avoid any misunderstandings.

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before you arrive in Egypt. So, let’s get started. 

Business Etiquette in Egypt 

For sustaining long-term business relationships, you need to build trust and personal connection that comes with both modern corporate practices and deep-rooted tradition. 

At the heart of this are:

• Investing in personal relationships and taking time to get to know your Egyptian counterparts beyond business matters. You can engage in small talk about family, interests, and general well-being, but avoid asking detailed questions related to female family members, as this may be considered inappropriate.  
• In Egyptian work culture, business deals often progress at a slow-pace so expecting immediate  results is not wise. It is also common for foreign business partners to wait for long hours before meetings or during negotiations, as schedules can be flexible and priorities may shift. Stay adaptable and maintain calmness to respect the process. 
• When you discuss an agenda, make sure that you have a thorough presentation and informational documents supporting it. You can show attention to detail and respect for local practices by including both the Gregorian (Western) and the Hijrah (Arabic) date.
• Address senior leaders first, and use formal titles e.g., Doctor, Engineer, Professor. If a person doesn’t hold a formal title, it is appropriate to address them as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. followed by their last name. 
• A handshake is standard between men, but when greeting women, be mindful that they may prefer not to shake hands. It is best to wait for the other person’s lead or politely nod if uncertain. 
• Exchange business cards with the right hand or both hands. Presenting with the left hand alone can be perceived as disrespectful. Also, it is advisory that business cards should be printed in both English on one side, and Arabic on the other. 

Communication Style 

People maintain a friendly, professional and respectful tone. 

Things to be mindful of: 

• Avoid saying “no” outright to preserve respect.
• Instead of calling out mistakes directly, use diplomatic, gentle language.
• Offer suggestions rather than criticism.

Respecting Religious Schedules

• Business hours in Egypt generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though exact timings can vary by company and sector.
• Friday and Saturday are the standard weekly days off.
• Avoid scheduling meetings during prayer times, as the call to prayer occurs five times daily. 
• Be mindful of adjusted working hours during Ramadan. 
• If offering food, ensure it is halal, and when dining out, choose a venue that provides non-alcoholic beverage options.

Business Attire 

Despite Egypt’s hot climate, modest, full-coverage clothing is valued and appreciated.

Men: Dark suits, dress shirts, and ties are standard in formal settings.

Women: Conservative business attire, long skirts or tailored pants, long sleeves, and modest necklines.

Dining Etiquette Advice 

• Allow your host to choose dishes unless they invite you to order. 
• Try a bit of everything;  repeatedly refusing food can seem impolite.
• Stringent muslims don’t have pork and alcohol. However, alcohol habits differ. If your hosts don’t drink, you should also refrain from it unless explicitly offered. 
• Don’t add salt to the food, it is considered disrespectful to the cook as it implies that the food is not well prepared. 
• When dining with a group, the host often insists on paying. Offer once out of courtesy, but don’t push the issue, it may seem rude. 

Thoughtful Tokens of Appreciation

Offering presents is not mandatory, but if you want to share gifts then go for small items from your home country, such as chocolates or branded notebooks, especially when meeting senior figures. 

Where to Stay During Business Travel in Cairo

In Cairo, your accommodation choice will depend largely on which commercial hub you’ll be working in. The city offers a range of convenient options:

• Smart Village

Consider staying in nearby areas such as 6th of October City or Sheikh Zayed. These locations offer modern hotels and short commute times to the tech and corporate hubs.

• New Cairo (Fifth Settlement)

Choose hotels within the Fifth Settlement or near the American University in Cairo (AUC). This area has many business-class hotels, serviced apartments, and easy access to corporate offices and business parks.

• Central Cairo: Zamalek, Mohandeseen, Downtown

These areas provide a wide range of upscale, boutique, and mid-range hotels, along with quick access to government offices, financial institutions, and major meeting venues.

• Obour City & Industrial Zones

Look for accommodation in eastern Cairo or around Cairo–Ismailia Road to keep commute times manageable. Several hotels and serviced apartments cater to visiting professionals.

Transportation Options in Cairo, Egypt

Getting around in Cairo, Egypt, can be busy but manageable - taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available and reliable. 

You can also count on Cairo’s metro which is fast and affordable, but mainly useful for central areas. 

For intercity trips, domestic flights connect major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada efficiently. 

Private drivers are also commonly used for meetings, offering comfort and time-saving convenience in heavy traffic.

More tips to know before you arrive in Egypt 

• Make eye contact, especially with male colleagues - it signals confidence and trustworthiness. 
• Traditional Egyptians walk hand-in-hand. If an Egyptian colleague lightly holds your hand, then see it as a friendly gesture rather than something unusual. 
• The left hand is traditionally viewed as unclean, so use your right hand when eating, greeting, giving items, or making gestures.
• Pointing at people or objects is considered impolite. Use an open hand instead.
• Do not cross your legs when seated, and avoid showing the soles of your shoes; both are seen as disrespectful.
• A thumbs-up sign can be offensive in Egypt and much of the Arab world, so it’s best to avoid using it.
• It is advisable not to discuss sensitive religious and political topics. 
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in front of fasting colleagues during daylight hours.

Make Your Business Trip Easy With WegoPro 

Managing a corporate trip while considering all the cultural and logistical details to foster stronger relationships in Egypt can be challenging. 

Wegopro makes it easier with its all-in-one business travel and expense management solution that handles bookings, expense tracking, reimbursements, and more.

Know how WegoPro can streamline your next business trip - get in touch with us.