Business Etiquette in Saudi Arabia | Insights, Do’s and Don’ts

Understanding business etiquette in Saudi Arabia is essential for anyone looking to build up their partnerships, negotiate deals, or operate successfully in the Kingdom. Saudi business culture is characterized and shaped by traditionalism, religion, hierarchy, and relationship-building. 

When foreign companies and professionals take the time to understand and respect these values, they tend to gain trust faster and make stronger business ties to depict a Saudi Arabian business culture.

Arnifi has expert support to facilitate the expansion of businesses into Saudi Arabia. Our experience in the corporate culture of the region keeps organizations from falling into cultural pitfalls, allows good communicational rapport, and finds ways to ensure long-term sustainable positioning in the Saudi market.

Key Insights Into Saudi Business Culture

1. Relationships Come Before Transactions

Business in Saudi Arabia is based on trust, personal relationships. When putting these two elements together, business meetings commence with long conversations and hospitality. Despite the longer approach time, showing genuine interest in persons shall make it more effective than presenting facts or figures right away.

2. Hierarchy Matters

There is already a clear hierarchical structure in the Saudi workplace, where every decision should be honored, and discussions and negotiations take place with the most senior person in the room.

3. Communication Is Polite and Indirect

Direct criticism or aggressive negotiation styles can be considered disrespectful. The preference patterns of the Saudis would be proper conversation, subtle communication, and avoiding confrontation. A lot of patience is required since most decisions would take a long time as they would undergo internal consultation and hierarchy processes.

4. Religion Influences Daily Rhythm

Meetings and operations take into consideration the prayer times, cultural and religious holidays. Thus, it is only proper to respect these customs.

5. Hospitality Is a Cultural Expectation

Coffee, tea, or sweets are usually offered to the parties to be honored with accommodation in meetings; while accepting those things is a sign of respect that will help strengthen future ties.

Dos | What You Should Do When Doing Business in Saudi Arabia

1. Dress Conservatively and Professionally

Business attire should be modest and formal.

• Men: suits or formal wear.
• Women: modest clothing covering arms and legs. While covering the head may not be required for foreign women, dressing conservatively is expected.

2. Always Greet Respectfully

Greet the most senior person first.

• Men usually shake hands with men.
• When greeting other women, it is only polite to await theirs before shaking their hand; if not, a great verbal greeting is fine.

3. Use Titles and Show Respect for Seniority

Use the appropriate titles to clients, such as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Doctor”, or “Engineer”, and do not use first names unless invited to do so.

4. Be Patient and Polite in Communication

Communication must go through a learning process to start with a casual approach to business topics. Let your counterparts from Saudi Arabia take you at their pace as they discuss business.

5. Learn Basic Cultural Norms

Understanding local customs, such as using the right hand to receive or give items, reflects much respect and cultural sensitivity.

6. Allow Time for Relationship-Building

Trust is the backbone of business success. In Saudi Arabia, time is invested in getting to know your business partners and having them in constant communication to assure a joint effort.

Don’ts | What to Avoid in Saudi Business Settings

1. Don’t Dress Casually or Inappropriately

This clothing should not be too tight, revealing, or informal. Saudi Arabia values proper modesty and professionalism.

2. Don’t Initiate Physical Contact Inappropriately

If a woman acknowledges you first, do not offer her a handshake. Do not place your hands on anyone’s shoulder or back.

3. Don’t Rush Negotiations or Apply Pressure

Any heavy pressure or impatience has a way of spoiling the relationship. Decision-making within Saudi Arabia involves consultation and hierarchy; time is needed.

4. Don’t Ignore Hierarchy

Speaking over or dismissing junior staff while ignoring senior executives is considered disrespectful.

5. Don’t Discuss Sensitive Topics

Direct discussion about issues on religion and politics, cultural practices, or matters between the government and internal issues should, nevertheless, be avoided unless it is raised by the counterpart.

6. Don’t Reject Hospitality

Declining coffee, tea, or snacks can appear impolite. Accepting hospitality is part of showing respect.

How Arnifi Supports Your Business in Saudi Arabia

Market entry into Saudi Arabia requires more than having a strong product or service; it requires cultural intelligence. Arnifi enables companies to close the gap between their global practices and their Saudi expectations. He is your dedicated business consultant, rendering the following services:

• Cultural and business etiquette training for teams entering Saudi Arabia.
• Expertise in market entry strategy and compliance guidance specific to Saudi norms.
• Communication, negotiation, and relationship-building support with Saudi partners.
• Corporate structure advisory, along with operational guidance regarding local business customs.
• Risk avoidance measures to strategically prevent cultural misunderstandings that can tarnish your business image.

With Arnifi by your side, you can navigate carefully, respectfully, and strategically through the Saudi business environment.