etiquette (6)

In Hong Kong, like elsewhere in Asia, business cards are treated with unusual respect. Always present and receive a business card with two hands. When presenting your card, ensure your name reads 'right way up' to the receiver. Upon receiving a business card, look at it first rather than immediately stashing it away - and it is always helpful to show some kind of excitement at seeing whatever is written thereon. After this, the business card may be put away, but never in your back trouser pocket!

Business cards can be critical - particularly in cultures such as Japan and the rest of Asia. Always keep some business cards aside away from your main store, just in case (like me) you forget it one day. At least you've got some spare.

If you are doing business in Dubai, particularly anything legal, patience is the key. Tea will be served regardless of deadlines and fairly lengthy requests after the health of family members and mutual acquaintances will follow thereafter. My tip is follow the maxim 'less haste, more speed.' Observe your hosts' order of proceedings and the goodwill engendered will ultimately be to your benefit.

Hospitality is taken very seriously and if at all possible accept invitations to dinner if given. Most of all, enjoy the different way of doing business, engage in the sometimes convoluted process and the subtle verbal games and learn that there is another way of doing things.

My tip for a hotel is the Marriot in Deira. Away from the glitz so that you can concentrate but close enough to everything that you want, first class business facilities and a rooftop pool. The best restaurants are the Sphinx at the Pyramids and Shabestani Iranian restaurant at the Hyatt.

Bear in mind that if you are entertaining a mixed group of clients including locals, they will always be reluctant to be seen in public having too much of a good time anywhere where alcohol is obviously served, whatever their private feelings about it. A good solution to this problem is horse racing at Nad Al Sheba which happens on most Thursdays in the winter.

Patronised by the ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, horse racing is widely regarded as a good thing. It is enjoyed by all and there are a variety of corporate options provided by Dubai Racing Club which are cheaper than you would expect. Food and alcoholic drink is available to whoever wants it and the privacy of a box will be appreciated by locals.

Be careful to always use the 'vous' form of address until the person you are talking to tells you to drop it – or starts using the 'tu' form for you. It is better to veer on the side of caution.

Be careful at Mumbai airport because porters will load your bags on to trolleys the minute you have your back turned and then charge you for the privilege. If you do want a porter it is always best to negotiate the price beforehand.