Cairo, Egypt Hotels and City Guide

Cairo - Business Tips

Economy

GDP: US$85.4 billion (2006).
Main imports: Machinery and equipment, food, chemicals, wood products and fuels.
Main exports: Crude oil, petroleum products, cotton, textiles and metal products.
Main trade partners: USA, Italy, China, Spain and Germany.

During the 1990s, stern fiscal policies, agreed with the IMF and World Bank, and further market-oriented measures slowed the Egyptian economy but in recent years it has picked up again. By 2007, annual growth had reached 7% although inflation had crept back up to 9% - double that of 2003. According to the 2006 census, unemployment stood at 9.3% (although there is considerable under-employment). Egypt's major industries are textiles, fertilisers, rubber products and cement. There are also steel production works and several vehicle assembly plants. The main crops are cotton, rice, wheat, sugar, maize and a range of fruit and vegetables.

The tourist sector is expanding rapidly, particularly along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts, despite sporadic terrorist activities of Islamic fundamentalists. Agriculture, which relies on irrigation from the Nile, employs one-third of the working population. Foreign aid, especially from the USA, is an important source of government funds.

Cairo is also in every respect the center of Egypt, as it has been almost since its founding in 969 AD. The majority of the nation's commerce is generated there, or passes through the city. The great majority of publishing houses and media outlets and nearly all film studios are there, as are half of the nation's hospital beds and universities. This has fueled rapid construction in the city—one building in five is less than 15 years old.

This astonishing growth until recently surged well ahead of city services. Homes, roads, electricity, telephone and sewer services were all suddenly in short supply. Analysts trying to grasp the magnitude of the change coined terms like "hyper-urbanization".

Customs

Cairo Dress Code

Casual clothing is standard wear in Cairo, with few places insisting upon formal attire. Egyptians are used to visitors removing layers in the heat of the sun and although they feel disapproval there is rarely any manifestation of it. However, if visitors would like to respect their hosts there are certain constraints that should be observed. Islam teaches that displaying the human body is not acceptable. Tight clothing, shorts, strappy tops and miniskirts would not be suitable, particularly when visiting mosques. Long, loose clothing that covers the arms and legs will be cooler, keep the sun from burning and gain respect from the Muslim population.

Greeting Someone in Cairo

Shaking hands upon greeting someone in Egypt is perfectly acceptable. However, there are a few important points to note. Although a left-handed greeting is not the norm anywhere, here in Egypt it is actually deemed offensive. It is also better to accept gifts and eat with the right hand rather than the left. Sitting down with the soles of the feet facing another person is considered impolite. To show respect for Egypt's religious sensibilities, refrain from public displays of affection, particularly between opposite sexes.

Cairo Business Hours and Banking

Government offices are open from 09:00 to 14:00, except on Fridays and sometimes Saturdays. Business hours for the private sector are generally 09:00 to 14:00 in winter (13:00 in summer); most open again in the evening from 17:00 to 20:00. Muslim businesses may be closed on Thursday afternoons and Fridays; Christian businesses on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

Cairo Smoking

Restaurants cater for both smokers and non-smokers, but there is a ban on smoking on public transport and the visitor should observe this. In business, it is advisable to refrain and take cues from the host.

Hotels in Cairo, Egypt