GCC interview etiquette
Most interview advice online is written for the US or UK. GCC interviews have their own rhythms. These are the ones that surprise candidates new to the region, written by recruiters who run interviews here every day.
Oman, the UAE, and the wider GCC share a workplace culture that blends international corporate norms with strong local values. Most interviews are conducted in English in a familiar format. The differences live in the small moments: how you greet, what questions are considered normal, how directly you negotiate, and how respect is shown. Get these right and you start the relationship on the front foot.
01 · Dress code
Dress slightly more formally than you would in the West
- ✓ Suit and tie for senior interviews, dark suit for corporate roles
- ✓ Long-sleeved shirt with trousers for tech / startup / casual sectors
- ✓ Clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard
- ✗ No shorts, t-shirts, sandals, or visible tattoos for first interviews
- ✓ Business suit, trouser suit, or modest dress (knee length or longer)
- ✓ Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves, modest neckline
- ✓ Headscarf optional for non-Muslim women, normal for Muslim women
- ✗ Avoid sleeveless tops, very short skirts, excessive jewellery, strong fragrance
Rule of thumb: if in doubt, dress one level more formal than your daily work attire. Air-conditioning is universal so don't worry about heat.
02 · Greetings
Handshakes are gendered, not universal
Same-gender handshake is standard
Firm but not crushing. Make eye contact. Smile.
Cross-gender handshake: let the other person initiate
A traditional Omani / GCC professional, particularly women, may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender. Wait to see if they extend their hand. If they don't, place your right hand on your heart and nod respectfully. Both are normal.
"Assalamu alaikum" is welcomed but not required
If your interviewer greets you with "Assalamu alaikum", responding with "Wa alaikum assalam" is appreciated. "Good morning / afternoon" works equally well. Don't force Arabic if you're uncertain.
03 · Personal questions
"Are you married?" is a normal question here
- "Are you married? Do you have children?"
- "Where does your family live?"
- "What's your visa status?"
- "How long do you plan to stay in Oman?"
- "What's your nationality?"
- Family allowances and benefits depend on marital status
- Housing allowance calculations
- Visa sponsorship cost and complexity
- Stability and retention assessment
- Statutory reporting requirements
How to handle them: answer briefly and factually. These are not the discrimination signals they would be in the US or UK. Pushing back as if they were illegal questions will read as culturally tone-deaf and likely cost you the role.
04 · Language
English is the default, Arabic is a bonus
Most corporate interviews are conducted in English
Banks, multinationals, oil & gas, technology, hospitality and most professional services interview in English. Don't assume you need Arabic unless the job description says so.
Arabic helps for government, Omanisation-quota, and customer-facing roles
If the role serves a primarily Arabic-speaking customer base, or it's a government entity, Arabic fluency moves you up the list. If you have Arabic at any level, mention it without over-claiming.
Be honest about your level
Conversational, business, or fluent. Don't claim more than you have. If the interview switches to Arabic and you can't follow, just say "I'd be more comfortable continuing in English." That's fine.
05 · Ramadan, prayer, and the calendar
Understand the workplace rhythm
Ramadan
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced (typically 6 hours/day for everyone). Don't eat, drink, or chew gum in public during daylight hours. Interviews still run, often a little later in the day. Iftar is a major social event.
Daily prayers
Most offices accommodate the five daily prayers, especially Dhuhr (midday) and Asr (afternoon). If your interview overlaps with a prayer time, the interviewer may pause for 10 minutes. This is normal.
The work week
Oman runs Sunday to Thursday for most public sector and many private companies; some private companies use Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday. Friday is the holy day. Confirm the company's week when scheduling.
Public holidays
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are multi-day national holidays. Companies are slow to schedule interviews in the week before, and most offices close for 3-5 days. Plan around them.
06 · Communication style
Indirect, relationship-first
Expect some warm-up before business
A few minutes of pleasantries before getting to the role: how was your weekend, how do you find Oman, do you have family here. This is rapport-building, not small talk to be cut short.
Disagreement is delivered carefully
A direct "I disagree with that approach" can land harshly. "I see the value in that, and I'd also consider..." reads better. Same for declining or pushing back.
Title and seniority matter
Address senior interviewers as Mr / Ms or with their title until invited to use first names. In Arabic-speaking contexts, "Sayyid" (Mr) or "Ustadh / Ustadha" (teacher, used as respectful form of address) are common.
Saying "inshallah" is common, not non-committal
When an Omani interviewer says "we'll be in touch, inshallah," it usually means "we will, God willing", not "probably not." Don't read it as a brush-off.
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