Saudi Arabia

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men greet one another with a warm handshake (right hand only) using, embrace and possibly one to three kisses on alternating cheeks depending on the level of familiarity. For foreigners it is best to start with the handshake and follow the lead of your Saudi counterpart if kisses are offered. Handshakes often linger a bit and may continue while walking. In certain regions of the country, kissing the shoulder of a superior/elder is customary. This also customary when meeting members of the Royal family. If greeting an older family member (father, grandfather, etc.) one might kiss their forehead to show respect.

Woman greeting Woman – A handshake (right hand only) is common and possibly one to three kisses on alternating cheeks (once on the right, then twice on the left) depending on the level of familiarity. Some women do both cheek kissing and hand shaking, depending on the group of people, and how familiar they are with each other. If greeting an older family member (mother, grandmother, etc.) one might kiss their forehead to show respect.

Greetings between Men & Women - There is little to no touching between men and women during greetings in public, unless related by birth or marriage, and even then it tends to be minimal.

Communication Style

• Saudis tend to favor a more indirect communication style.
• When people are asking for a favor or in need of something, they tend to be indirect. Whereas, if one making a statement, they are more likely to be more direct.
• It is always important to take time to include pleasantries; asking about a person’s family, health, etc., before getting to reason or motive behind the conversation.
• Familial and business hierarchy plays a big role in communication and it’s always best to defer to the oldest and most senior member of a group.

Personal Space & Touch

• Saudi’s tend to feel comfortable standing a little less than an arms length apart from one another. This space is much, much greater between men and women.
• There is a decent amount of touching between members of the same gender during conversations. It is common for two men to walk hand in hand in public. This does not have any implication on their sexual preferences; it's just a sign of friendship and closeness.
• It also very common for female friends to link arms while walking or talking.
• There is no touching between men and women in public places.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is acceptable between men and between women. Indirect eye contact can often be mistaken for ignoring
• Indirect to no eye contact is best between genders.

Gestures

• Use only the right hand when it comes to greetings and giving or receiving things as the left hand is considered the “toileting” hand.
• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers, palm down. Avoid beckoning someone with a upright finger as it may be considered an insult.
• Showing the bottom of the shoe or sandal is very inconsiderate.
• Avoid crossing the legs at the knee while seated.
• It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a carpeted room. This is often the case in business situations. When in doubt, follow a Saudi counterpart's lead.

• The chin flick, where the hand is placed under the chin region and then flicked forward, is used when someone is annoyed or pissed off or disgusted.

Views of Time

• Time is very fluid. Promptness is not adhered to for the most part. Personal contact supersedes time and efficiency.
• The concept of “inshallah” which in Arabic means "God willing”, is used quite a bit when talking about being on time or meeting a deadline. For example, “when can I expect that report?” Answer, “Maybe tomorrow, inshallah.”
• A lot the times, things are scheduled around the prayer times. So the invitation or the host of the event may say “After Asr” or “After Isha”. Which could be anytime you wanted it to mean, as long as it after Asr or Isha. So if Asr was at 3:30, that could mean 3:45, 4, 5, 6, or 6:30..etc. Many prefer being fashionably late.

Gender Roles

• While many Saudi women hold jobs yet segregation is the norm, i.e. female doctors see only female patients. This is true when it comes to educational, medical, religious and other service institutions.
• Women are not allowed to drive or ride bicycles on public roads.
• Western business women tend to be accepted but with a great deal of reservation.
• It's best to avoid direct eye contact with men. A simple smile can be severely misinterpreted.

• Women are expected to be very feminine, and obey male authority. They are expected to grow up, and become wives/mothers.

• It is unacceptable in most social circles for women to voice their opinions about many things or question their male guardian’s authority. These roles are generally expected of foreign women as well.

Taboos

• Don’t point the toe or heel or any part of the foot at any person.
• Don’t show the sole of your foot or use the foot to move anything as it is viewed as the lowliest body part.
• Pointing the middle finger down with a hand extended out, palm flat, is an insulting gesture.
• Tight or revealing clothing baring shoulders, calves, things, etc., is considered extremely rude and can lead to trouble.

• Disrespecting ones family name or tribe is the ultimate form of rudeness.

Law & Order

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Drinking is illegal for all ages. If you are caught with alcohol, you can get lashed. However, there are still many underground alcohol sellers and buyers.
• Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, public flogging, and/or deportation.
• The penalty for drug trafficking in is death. Saudi officials make no exceptions.

Dress

• For Men – For foreigners, conservative suits and ties are common for initial meetings. Darker colors are the way to go. Jackets are not always a necessity. Business casual attire is becoming more and more acceptable in many industries.
• For Women - For foreigners, conservative yet stylish is a good choice. Avoid wearing overly expensive accessories, dresses/skirts cut above the calf, low necklines and sleeveless attire. Sleeves should cover at least to the elbow, up to the wrist tends to be the norm. Pants are generally acceptable.
• According to Saudi law, when in public all women must wear a long cloak called an abayya which covers all clothing. In addition they must wear a head scarf which covers the hair completely. Foreign women are expected to obey this law.
• Traditional Saudi attire for men includes a thobes, which is a long white body robe, a ghoutrah, which is a head cover and an egaal which is a black head-band.
• Jeans and shorts are not worn in business situations.

Titles & Business Cards

• Always give and receive business cards with the right hand.
• It is a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Arabic.

Meetings

• It’s always best to be on time for meetings, but do not necessarily expect all others to show up on time.
• Exchange greetings and pleasantries freely with everyone present, starting with the most senior person first then everyone else in turn.
• Meetings do not tend to follow set schedules. Frequent interruptions and cancellations are common. It's best to just go with the flow.
• It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a carpeted room. When in doubt, follow a Saudi counterpart's lead.

Negotiations

• Always remain calm during negotiations, Saudis do not tend to be very expressive in public.
• Always expect to bargain. It is a national sport of sorts and an integral part of the Saudi culture.
• Decisions are made from the top down and usually take time. It is important to not come across as impatient or over eager.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not usually given at initial business meetings. It is best to avoid giving gifts until a very strong bond has been established.
• If invited to a Saudi home or at someone's office, be aware that it is not polite to openly admire something which a Saudi owns or has on display as he/she will feel obliged (most likely unwillingly) to offer it to you as a gift and may be offended if this gesture is not accepted.
• To be on the safe side avoid bringing flowers and/or perfume as a gift to a Saudi host. Alcohol is not to be given as well.
• Gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver.

In the Classroom

• Most universities begin in September and end in mid June. Vacations tend to vary. Summer is usually long, but there are also the Hajj and Ramadan vacations during the year. They are both usually at least a week and a half.
• Dress tends to be on the conservative and formal side for men and women. Women usually have to wear dresses that are below the knees and men can wear the traditional thobe (long white body robe) or nice pants and a collared shirt.
• Grades are usually given on an A-F scale. Failing for some courses is usually a D, and for others it may be an F.
• Lecture is the most common form of teaching.

Other Observations

• The only way do conduct business in is typically to be sponsored by a local company (most often owned by a Saudi).

• The Saudi world is an enigma. A great deal of relationship building must be spent in advance of getting down to “business.” Personal trust and respect will carry the day over productivity and profitability.