Has anyone worked with Middle-East clients before? I feel a bit scared and intimidated by them?

Question

I'm from India and run my own software consultancy in JAVA/J2EE and Mainframe applications for different business Projects. I've been mainly working for US, UK and India clients but recently, did Projects for clients based in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia - the thing is unlike the remaining people, they give you a lot more money I was paid $1500 by the Saudi client for just providing a server program (which is 10 times what a US client would pay)- no questions asked and they kinda fill your eyes with greed. Despite this, what I don't appreciate is their work culture, and the fear of converting to "Islam" as they never stop proselytizing their religion.

So far, I've worked through an intermediary agency based in the US but this Saudi guy wants to give me at least 20 Projects this year (they always seem to be OVER-IMPRESSED) - he kinda has developed a strange fascination over me - and he wants to work DIRECTLY through me and that's scaring me a lot - he also wants me to fly to Saudi Arabia

Moreover, In India, there have been some terrorist attacks recently - so a lot of invigilation is going on about foreign Wire transfers. If a US company and an American remits money to India, usually no questions are asked. But when a Saudi or a Middle-Eastern person sends a lot of money in Wire transfers, the Internal Revenue Service can grill you for your alleged terrorist connections or whatever. That's the reason I'm feeling scared of accepting their Projects despite them offering lot of money.

Answer 1

I don't think that you should over react. As far as the wire transfers are concerned, if you keep accurate and clean books then you are OK.

The reason why he wants to go through you only is to cut out the middle man. Costs - right! They are actually very astute business men and want to create a relashionship directly with you. One thing about the Middle East is that they are all on the take, one way or another. Most International companies build in "hidden" costs to cater for pay offs and major delays in some form or other. Tomorrow is another day.

I suggest you read the book The House of Saud by David Holden to get an understanding of the history to Saudi Arabia, which also covers where the Middle East is today. This book is banned in the Middle East by the way.

It is also every muslims duty to try and convert at least one person in their lifetime. This is the reason why you receive so many approaches to convert. This is normal and just continue to be polite. You have nothing to fear and apart from radicals, great people to deal with. Remember just to be street smart as in any country.

Go to the country and see what it is all about. I have been there on business and had nothing to worry about. Know the rules of the country and remember that Islam is not just a religion, it is a life style.

Do not be scared to venture out. Cut out the middle man and build in your safety measures.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm sure they would pay a lot of money to you if you were a bomb maker, too! Ofcourse they want to do business with you, you don't ask questions. What if the projects you're doing for them are indirectly or directly helping the terrorists to pull off another 9/11. Would the money be worth it? What if the building they blow up has some of your loved ones in it? I don't think you should be doing business with them or at the very least, start asking questions!

Answer 3

What you need to do is ... Hire a couple of Scottish - preferably Glaswegian - Ex Soldiers .. to hang out with you... It is well known that the Glaswegian Accent frightens the Daylights out of you..Try and feel a wee bit more confident about yourself.. dont let them see that you are a scared/concerned ..

Answer 4

If you have a gut feeling and are not sure, go with your instinct.
Mine never fails. Good luck with this.

Answer 5

well u could call up the IRS and see if it would be a problem.