VISITING SAUDI ARABIA ON A BUSINESS TOUR!!!

WOW!!!

IT IS HIGH TIME TO KNOW “WHAT

TO DO” AND “WHAT NOT TO DO” IN

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

APPLICABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES / PERSONNEL, VISITING TO SAUDI ARABIA ON

BUSINESS TOUR

CAPTCHA

Indeed, there are a number of issues one needs to consider when thinking of thedos and don’ts in countries around the world.

First, try to avoid making judgments based on your own society. Second,remember that criticizing or complaining about the way people do things in theircountry is unlikely to be well-received.

As a guest of the country, you should do your best to understand and respect itat all times. Third, you are the one who should attempt to adapt to the hostsociety, not vice versa.

DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT RELIGION

In Saudi Arabia, religious and cultural issues are regarded as unquestionable

values, as Saudis are underpinned by their fervent belief in the tenets of Islam

and strongly value their cultural customs. The line between spiritual, professional

and private life is blurry in the Kingdom. This requires people to be careful and

aware of what they may and may not do in the heartland of the Arab world,

especially with regard to religious, cultural and social matters and issues related

to the workplace.

NEVER EVER TALK ABOUT ISLAM OR MUSLIMS

As a rule of thumb, Saudis are thrilled when asked questions on religious issues

by someone whose aim is to learn more about them. If a person tries to

acquaint himself with why practices are done in certain ways, he will be made far

more welcome. However, if he discusses these issues with a Saudi counterpart

merely to criticize or compare them with other religions, or if concerns arise

from malice rather than ignorance, he will not be welcome and will only be

tolerated. For instance, if one probes about the issue of marrying more than one

wife or drinking alcohol or women driving, this might be considered offensive,

and as a result, one should avoid asking about matters of such nature.

DO NOT CONFRONT AT WORKPLACE, BE MOST POLITE &

POLITICAL

In the business world in Saudi Arabia, confrontation in the workplace is not appreciated.

As a result, Saudis tend to solve their work-related problems indirectly with the

employee involved. When a colleague happens to be in disagreement with a coworker

over work-related issues, he will either avoid him or deal with him in a distant manner.

Thus, privately working out work-related problems with close colleagues is the preferred

and commonly practiced manner in the Saudi corporate world. Transparent procedures

or Western-style checks and balances should not be expected. It is common for

business meetings to have frequent interruptions; it is also common knowledge that

during business meetings, loud and aggressive discourse denotes engagement and

interest, not anger or hostility.

KNOW THE SOCIAL PRACTICE / ETIQUETTES

Several social practices should be avoided, as they offend Saudis. Behavior

in public is subject to inflexible rules, including not using the left hand for

drinking and eating, not showing the soles of one’s shoes or feet, and

rejecting refreshment whenever it is offered, and invitations as well.

Other crucial issues one should be aware of in order to conduct oneself

appropriately and not to cause offense within Saudi society are not

showing a public display of affection, not mingling with the opposite sex,

and not dressing immodestly.

NEVER TALK ON ANY POLITICAL ISSUE

The Arab-Israeli conflict is a topic that one should not discuss with Saudi hosts

due to its complication and delicate nature. This is simply because the Western

or other nations’ perspectives may sound well thought out, but from a Saudi

point of view, they are considered ill-informed or even offensive. Overall, politics

is not a favorite subject among Saudis. As such, politics-related topics are very

touchy and should be dealt with carefully, or better yet, avoided altogether.

MUST REMEMBER THAT…

Meetings are arranged for by a Saudi contact person; an experienced contact

person is vital for business success so make sure you choose the right one

(you are not allowed to switch!)

Appointments are arranged for between prayer times; often specific starting

times are not set. You may check the local newspapers for the prayer times

(they vary with the season of the year) and do not expect to keep more than

one appointment a day

It is standard to keep supplicants, including foreign business people, waiting.

Be in time and do not get annoyed when the meeting is often interrupted

MUST REMEMBER THAT…

Coffee will be served at the end of a meeting; another signal for rounding up

is incense

The Saudi have their own ways of doing business and awarding contracts;

don't expect any transparent procedure or western-style checks and balances

Do not bring any alcohol, pork meat or pornographic material into Saudi-

Arabia, and refrain from any criticism on Islam or the Royal Family; this is

prohibited. The display of any non-Islamic religious symbol (such as a cross) is

not recommended.

MUST REMEMBER THAT…

Genders are separated in any public activity; do not provoke these traditions

by any controversial behavior

Saudis speak at close distance to their conversation partners and touching is

normal (between the same gender; NB homosexual behavior is illegal)

Obey to the Saudi dress code (cover arms and legs), but don't wear any local

clothing.

Hosting visitors is a virtue among Saudis; be prepared to take off your shoes

and never eat with your left hand