Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. There are several styles of greetings in Saudi Arabia and thus, in the case of a first meeting, it is advisable to wait for one's counterpart to initiate the greeting. Westernized men shake hands with other men, whereas a more traditional Arab greeting between men involves each grasping the other's right hand, placing the left hand on the other's right shoulder, and exchanging kisses on the cheek. Note that in this conservative culture, men may kiss men, women may kiss women, but men and women may not kiss in public. Note also that a traditional Arab male may not always introduce his wife. In the case of meetings involving both genders and across cultural lines, a Westernized businesswomen should wait for an Arab man to offer his hand rather than initiating the greeting herself.
2. Note that Saudi men often walk hand in hand. Thus if a Saudi holds your hand, take it as a sign of friendship.
3. Hospitality is a hallmark of Muslim tradition, so once welcomed into a Saudi home, a host will typically be an attentive and considerate host since to be anything less than hospitable would be regarded as lacking in virtue. Emulating these practice will be well-regarded by locals.
4. Meanwhile, the protocol for the guest is also a hallmark of local tradition. A guest's refusal of coffee, for example, is a great insult to a Saudi host. Note that when drinking coffee, it is customary to accept an odd number of refills, so in practice, if you have had two cups of coffee, be sure to ask for one more to be polite. One to three cups of Saudi coffee should generally be taken for politeness, after which the cup should be wiggled between thumb and forefinger when returning it to the server to indicate that you have finished. If an invitation includes a meal, note that guests should not linger for long following the end of the meal.
5. If you are invited to a Saudi home, it is customary to take a gift to the host or hostess. Baked goods or chocolates are good choices, while flowers are acceptable for very Westernized locals. Note, however, that flowers are traditionally used at funerals and weddings. A beautiful ornament, possibly from one's own country, or fine crystal or china, would make better choices. A finely made compass, symbolizing the direction of Mecca to a devout Muslim, would constitute a thoughtful gesture on the part of the giver, and would most assuredly be treasured by the recipient.
6. Normally, one should be prepared to remove one's shoes before entering a building or a home. When one removes one's shoes, the soles of the shoes are placed together, preventing the sole from being pointed at anyone. Also, one should never show the bottom of one's feet as it is considered offensive.
7. In conversation, good topic choices include Saudi history, current or modern Saudi achievements, sports and culture. Generally, discussions about politics or anything related to Israel should be avoided. Men should be careful not to bring up the subject of women unless one's counterpart does so first. A simple inquiry as to the health of a wife or daughter can be considered inappropriate.
8. Social space is a culturally determined trait and visitors should note that Saudis speak to each other at a much closer distance than North Americans. Their sense of closer social space is merely an indicator that this culture has a different understanding of spatial dynamics.
9. One should always use the right hand in preference to the left. The left hand is considered unclean in the Arab world and as such, one should never eat with the left hand. Likewise, one should avoid gesturing with the left hand while making sure that gifts are received with the right hand. Of course, it t is acceptable to use both hands when one is insufficient. One should also avoid pointing at another person, and one should never use the North American "thumbs up" gesture as is considered to be vulgar throughout the Arab world.
10. Saudi Arabia is a conservative, Muslim culture and clothing should be appropriate to this environment. Business wear is typically more conventional; suits are the norm for both men and women, although some industries may allow more casual attire to be worn. Women generally should try to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry. Both men and women should dress modestly. Tight, revealing clothing is simply not acceptable. Necklines should be high and sleeves should come to the elbows. Hemlines should be well below the knee, if not ankle length. Saudi law prohibits the wearing of neck jewelry by men, and Westerners have been arrested for violating such rules. Note that the
Matawain (religious police) enforce the modesty of dress in public. They have full civil authority to arrest violators. Indeed, where the jurisdiction of civil rights overlap, the civil authorities generally defer to the
Matawain. While the ranks of the
Matawain include a number of foreign-educated Saudis, the ones enforcing Islamic law on the street corners tend to be religious zealots brandishing camel whips. Western women with skirts that are too short can expect to have their legs whipped by a
Matawain. Most Westerners fall afoul of them sooner or later. The
Matawain can neither be reasoned with nor bribed; only endured.
11. There are a number of prohibitions and customs involving food that one should adhere to in a Muslim country. For example, one should also note that the consumption of alcohol or pork is disallowed in strict Muslim circles; indeed pork and alcohol are illegal. Meanwhile, all appropriate meats consumed by Muslims should adhere to "hallal" standards. In practice, when one is partaking of a meal, one should not eat everything on the plate. Leaving a little food is a sign that one has had enough to eat. Note that it is insulting to add salt to your food as it denotes that the food is insufficiently appetizing.
12. Visitors should be sure to acquaint themselves with the calendar and traditions of Islam, such as the fasting, daily prayer and practices. Praying five times daily, for example, is customary and affects the schedule of all events and practices in Saudi Arabia. During the period of Ramadan, for instance, fasting and prayer is mandatory for Muslims, but smoking, drinking or eating in public is disallowed for all people in Saudi Arabia.
13. Similarly, one should always be aware of how Islamic law, which is delineated in the Shari'a, is used as the basis for the legal and juridical structure in Islamic countries. While the violation of traditions may simply be rationalized as ignorance in other countries, they take on far greater meaning in countries where the Islamic religion textures all aspect of society and culture. For example, being suspected of any illicit sexual activity; prostitution, pornography, homosexuality, or an extra marital affair, (far less for being actually caught indulging in any such activity) can result in very severe consequences. Similarly, possession of illegal drugs (not to mention actually getting caught using such substances) will result in the death penalty.
14. Be prepared for the strict separation between the genders. Women are usually escorted by male relatives in public, and unrelated men and women should not mingle with one another. Do not expect a Saudi husband to introduce his wife to a male guest, and indeed, do not expect women to be included in social occasions. Note also that women are forbidden to drive or ride in the front seat of a vehicle.
Please Note:
Guests in Saudi Arabia, regardless of their nationality, are subject to the same rigorous Islamic law as Saudis. Saudi law is unforgiving; thieves have their hands amputated, and capital crimes are punished by public beheadings. As might be expected, the populace is quite law-abiding.
Business Customs
Saudi and foreign business community members who have broad experience in the market, give the following suggestions:
1. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and on signs and notices, making it easy for the non-Arabic speaker to live and work in the Kingdom.
2. Modern Saudi Arabia has adopted many of the business methods and styles of the West, but some differences remain. Most important is that business will only be conducted after a degree of trust and familiarity have been established. Considerable time may be spent exchanging courtesies, and several visits may be needed to secure business. Business visitors should arrange their itineraries to allow for long meetings, as traditional Saudis often maintain an "open office" in which they will sign papers, take telephone calls, and converse with friends or colleagues who drop by. Tea, soft drinks, and traditional Saudi coffee are usually offered.
3. Many Saudi businessmen have been educated or have traveled extensively in the West and are sophisticated in dealing with Americans. For the most part travelers can rely on the usual Western manners and standards of politeness to see them through, with a few additional rules that may be observed (see section called "Cultural Dos and Taboos" in this regard).
4. During the five daily prayer times, Muslims are obliged to pray in the direction of the holy city, Mecca. The prayer times are published in the newspaper and come at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Stores and restaurants close for approximately one-half hour at these times. When staging promotional events or product demonstrations, one must anticipate these prayer breaks.
5. Business hours vary in different parts of the country. Saudi companies usually close for two hours in the afternoon and remain open through the early evening. Retail stores close for the noon prayer and reopen around 4:00 P.M. The normal work week runs from Saturday through Wednesday with many companies also requiring a half or full day on Thursday. Friday is the Muslim holy day.