I am doing a project on Dubai, and am not quite sure how to answer this question let alone know where exactly to look to find the answer...so I look to you, Dear Fluther. The question is, "Does the culture increase the expenses of doing business in that country?"?

No, its mostly taxes and tariifs that effect prices when doing business in a foreigh country.

My roommate is from Dubai, and I would gather from her, no. It’s a pretty American/British influenced culture, and they’re doing business on a highly international level. I’ll ask her the next time I see her and update you on it.

Maybe. Cultural values influence the consumer choices. That may be product/service specific.Considering its a Flat iron you must find people who’ll purchase it everywhere.

mmm the only implication I can really think of culture having on the flat iron business is that many women in Dubai keep their head covered and so might not be as keen to waste $$ on a flat iron since they can’t really show it off anyway. The fact that it’s a high end flat iron shouldn’t make much of a difference since many people in Dubai are rather well-off. I am not sure I understand your Q though, perhaps you can tell us of an example your professor provided you where culture does impact the business?

Tits, could you ask your roommate for me what media is the most popular in Dubai? Television, Magazines, the web?

Tits, can you also ask your roommate if there are any advertising regulations in Dubai?

I def can. I will see her tomorrow. Sorry I’m out of town, but at least by tomorrow.

Any word, Tits?

Sorry, it’ll be tomorrow, she’s asleep…. but I swear it’s coming! I wrote myself a reminder and EVERYTHING. :)

My roommate says “not really… in fact it might be cheaper because of the fact that [they] don’t have taxes.” She also noted that people are very into beauty in Dubai, so a flat iron would probably be pretty marketable.