São Paulo – Brazilian and Portuguese employees working at the Andrade Gutierrez and Zagope offices in Algeria are not Muslim, but follow Ramadan. This is one of the measures taken by foreign professionals operating in the Arab country to adapt to the Algerian culture. "It is important to interact in the country and the friendliest way of attaining that is doing what they do," explained Ademar Jorge dos Santos, a Brazilian who operates as the administrative and financial director at the company in Algiers.
Zagope is a Portuguese company that was bought by Andrade Gutierrez. It currently develops the works in the Arab country. Andrade Gutierrez has had a base in the country since 2006. Nowadays, a total of 52 foreigners, Brazilians and Portuguese, work for both companies in Algeria, as well as 600 Algerians, most in the sites. Some of them, 16 people, work in the office. The decision of following Ramadan came from the foreigners, Santos and Fernando Andrade Gomes, the market director.
"I am not going to eat as they are not going to eat," said Ademar, adding that he is Catholic and believes in a single god. During the month of Ramadan, which should take place in August and September this year, the Muslims fast during the day and feast at night, only eating between dusk and dawn.
At the company office, in Algiers, there is also a prayer room. The Muslim workers stop to pray five times a day. In this case, the foreign employees do not have to pray. At birthday celebrations, when it is time to cut the cake, male and female employees stand at different sides of the room, according to Algerian customs, explained Ademar.
"I try and like to respect the local procedures," said the Brazilian. Among the Algerians who work at Andrade Gutierrez, six are women. Four of them, according to Ademar, wear headscarves (hijabs), typical among Muslim women. But use of the scarves, according to him, is not taken into consideration during selection, only the professional capacity is. Foreigners working at the company also try to mix with the local community by, for example, attending wedding ceremonies.
According to Ademar, the office is currently developing seven projects in Algeria. Some works, he explains, are developed by Andrade Gutierrez individually and others in partnership with Zagope. In coming days, they should sign contracts for another two works, one being the construction of two kilometres of underground lines and the other a military base.
*Translated by Mark Ament
