Markie Mark Pears

International Business Etiquette

After my stint at Studio 54 It was then I became an international DJ #MarkieMarkPears position business, it is frighteningly easy to offend. Indeed, etiquette may be so spring-loaded that if you are not particularly attentive to the rules, you might risk unintentionally offending someone and driving business away. There are cultural differences that seem like difficult hurdles to overcome, and yet overcome them you must if you want your business to succeed. And while these cultural differences manifest themselves in almost every aspect of a business, they are more pronounced in certain areas, such as time management, personal space, gift-giving, humor, and food. As such, you need to focus your learning on international business etiquette on these target areas.

Business Card Protocol 1980's

To you, it might just be a piece of paper. But for some cultures, the act of exchanging business cards has to be accompanied by protocol and decorum. To do otherwise would be to willfully commit a capital offense in international business etiquette. So before you leave for your representation on behalf of your Singapore, or London office, make sure you know the proper way to slip someone your business card. In Japan, for instance, business cards have to be offered using both hands and you are expected to study them for several seconds and to never slip them in your pocket while in the giver’s presence. In the Middle East, the international business etiquette on business cards is a little different. You are not allowed to use your left hand when offering a business card.

Shake Hands or Pat Someone’s Head?

It is standard international business etiquette to want to shake someone’s hand right after meeting them. And if one of the workers is doing a particularly good job, you may even be tempted to give him a pat in the head. This gesture is generally harmless, but if you are doing business in Thailand, you should think twice. This is considered a grave insult as the head is considered sacred.

Gift Giving

What could be so hard about giving someone a gift? Yet, this is actually the most difficult aspect of international business etiquette. Cultures are so varied as to when it is appropriate to give gifts and what is appropriate to give. Some countries consider a gift as a necessary precursor for building a business relationship. But in others, gift-giving is considered an ostentatious practice and highly insulting in certain circumstances. So pay attention as to when it is appropriate for you to show someone your appreciation with a small gift.

Gestures

You consider these as an ordinary part of communication. Sometimes, you are so used to making gestures that you hardly ever think about them when you are making them. However, international business etiquette recommends that you change your lax attitude towards gestures as these can easily be misinterpreted. In some cultures,

Here are a few tips for navigating cross-cultural business:

1. Do your research especially when the country is at War,
2. Don't jump to conclusions or make judgments. ...
3. Read the room. ...
4. Know the difference between the cultural and the personal. ...
5. Give everyone time to speak. ...
6. Prioritize transparent communication. ...

Embody faculty makes up the largest try of our non-verbal connexion - eye lense, gestures, and facial expressions can transport effectual messages. As a Poet said in Troilus and Cressida - 'There's faculty in her eye, her discourtesy, her lip'.

First, consider Seven different facial expressions which correspond to distinct universal facial emotions:

• Happiness - Raising and lowering of mouth corners, cheeks raised, and muscles around the eyes are tightened.
• Sadness - lowering of mouth corners and raising the inner portion of brows.
• Surprise - Arching of eyebrows, eyelids pulled up and sclera exposed, mouth open.
• Fear - Brows arched and pulled together, eyes wide open, mouth slightly open.
• Disgust - Eyebrows lowered, upper lip raised, nose wrinkled, cheeks raised.
• Anger - Brows lowered, eyes bulging, lips pressed firmly.

In parts of Northern Europe, a quick firm handshake is a norm. In parts of Southern Europe, Central and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer, with the left hand usually touching the clasped hands or elbow. Beware that in Turkey, a firm handshake is considered rude and aggressive. In certain African countries, a limp handshake is a standard. Men in Islamic countries never shake the hands of women outside the family.

Examples of my Learnings

Bulgaria and Albania, nodding your head actually means “no” while shaking it means “yes.”

In Iran, crossing your legs with the sole of your foot facing someone is an insult. 

A thumbs up in America and European cultures is an indicator of a job well done, however in Greece or the Middle East, it can mean ‘up yours’

Curling the index finger with the palm facing up is that people in the United States and parts of Europe use to beckon someone to come closer.

However, it is considered rude in China, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, It’s also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people. It is used only to beckon dogs in many Asian countries - and using it in the Philippines can get you arrested.

In the Far East as classed as non-contact cultures. There is very little physical contact beyond a handshake with people we don’t know well. Even accidentally brushing someone’s arm on the street warrants an apology.

In much of the Arab world, men hold hands and kiss each other in greeting, but would never do the same with a woman.

In Thailand and Laos, it is taboo to touch anyone’s head, even children. In South Korea, elders can touch younger people with force when trying to get through a crowd, but younger people can’t do the same.

Variations by culture:

• High Contact cultures tend to stand close when speaking and make physical contact more often. Latin America, Southern Europe and most Middle Eastern nations are examples.
• Medium Contact cultures stand quite close when speaking and will touch on occasion. Such cultures include Northern Europe and North America.
• Low Contact cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical contact. The Far East is an example.

Be aware of your posture when you attend meetings or are dining. Sitting cross-legged is disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. Showing the soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in the Middle East and India.

Don'ts

• Don't point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher than someone's head, or simply putting your feet on a desk or chair are considered extremely rude in Thailand. The bottoms of the feet are dirty: don't show them to people! Avoid pointing feet at Buddhas in and outside of temples. When sitting on the ground, try to sit in a way that doesn't show others the bottoms of your feet.
• Don't touch someone's head: While the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest parts of the body, the head is revered as the most sacred. Never touch someone's head or hair - this includes playfully ruffling a child's hair. Don't raise your feet above someone's head; avoid stepping over people who are sitting or sleeping on the ground.
• Don't point: Pointing at someone is considered rude in many cultures but particularly so in Thailand. If you must indicate a person, do so by lifting your chin in their direction. When motioning for someone to come over, don't use fingers pointed upward; make a patting motion with your fingers straight and palm toward the ground. Pointing at inanimate objects and animals is usually acceptable, but it's more polite to point with your entire hand rather than a single finger.
• Don't lose your cool: Shouting, blowing your top, or displaying strong emotions is generally frowned upon in Thailand. Always keep in mind the rules of saving face. Keep your cool even when things go wrong; you'll be respected for doing so. Don't lament that bus breakdown. Instead, laugh and say "mai pen rai."
• Don't disrespect the king: Never disrespect the king or images of the king, this includes currency - his picture appears on the Thai baht.
• Thailand's lese majeste laws are controversial, open disrespect toward the king can actually land you in prison! People have received lengthy sentences for Facebook posts that spoke out against the monarchy.
• Don't throw things: Tossing an object or money in someone's direction is rude. Take time to hand things to people properly, face-up, preferably with your right hand. Unfold money when paying someone.

Dos

• Remove your shoes: As in many Asian cultures, removing your shoes before entering a temple or visiting someone's home is essential. Some businesses, restaurants, and shops also ask that you remove your shoes. If unsure, just look to see if there is a pile of shoes at the entrance, or check to see if the staff are wearing shoes. This is why simple footwear is a good idea in Southeast Asia. It's better not to step on the threshold when entering homes and temples.
• Return a wai: The wai is Thailand's prayer-like gesture with the hands together in front and head slightly bowed. To not return a wai is considered impolite; only the king and monks do not have to return wais. Try not to wai while holding something in your hands; a slight bow will suffice. You might want to learn how to say hello in Thai.
• Use your right hand: The left hand is considered dirty, as it is sometimes used for "toilet functions." Always use your right hand to pass objects to someone and when paying. Touch your left hand to your right forearm (showing that it is safely out of reach) if you wish to show extra respect.
• Eat with a spoon: The proper way to enjoy delicious Thai food is with the spoon in your right hand and fork in your left. Use the fork to rake food onto your spoon; the fork never goes into the mouth. Chopsticks are usually only used for noodle dishes and treats such as spring rolls.
• Show respect to monks: You will encounter many monks in places such as Chiang Mai; treat them with respect. When greeting a monk, be sure to show respect, and monks receive a higher wai than ordinary people; monks do not have to return your gesture. Women should never touch a monk, brush a monk's robes, or hand something to a monk. Monks should be allowed to eat first at ceremonies and gatherings. Monks in Thailand are commonplace - you'll sometimes see them using smartphones and in internet cafes!
• Smile: The "Thai smile" is famous, essential to Thailand etiquette, and Thais show it whenever they can. Always return someone's smile. Smiles are used during negotiation, in an apology, to relax whenever something goes not as planned, and just in everyday life.

Visiting temples in Thailand is a must for every trip, however, many tourists shy away from interesting places such as the Tunnel Temple in Chiang Mai because they don't understand Buddhism or the local customs. Be sure to brush up on your temple etiquette so you don't offend any of the worshipers! 

I had spent a number of years in Middle East

SAUDI CULTURE & SOCIETY

Religion & Beliefs

• Islam is practiced by all Saudis and governs their personal, political, economic, and legal lives.
• Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and thus is visited by millions of Muslims every year.
• The majority of Saudi Muslims are Sunni although a large number of Shia populate the Eastern coast and some smaller sects near the Yemen border.
• Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.
• The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day and also on the news on TV.
• Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day.
• Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.
• Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
• It is possible to find other places of worship (mainly in Jeddah, Riyadh, etc) for Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, etc which serve expatriate communities.

Major Celebrations/Secular Celebrations

• Eid ul-Fitr – marking the end of Ramadan. Changes date every year due to Islamic lunar calendar. Can we between 10-14 days holiday.
• Eid ul-Adha – known in English as the ‘day of sacrifice’ this day marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and also the day an animal is sacrificed in honor of Abraham. Usually, 3 days a holiday although many people take the hajj period off work.
• 23rd September – Saudi national day

The Family

• The family and tribe are the basis of the social structure.
• As is seen in their naming conventions, Saudis are cognizant of their heritage, their clan, and their extended family, as well as their nuclear family.
• Saudis take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
• Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.
• The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
• Nepotism is considered a good thing since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Social Stratification

• Social divisions exist in Saudi society mainly between locals and foreign, expatriate workers.
• Saudis exist at the top of the hierarchy, other Arabs coming next, European expatriates followed by Asian expatriates who usually for the manual labor.
• Between Saudis themselves, there are subtle divisions based on tribal affiliations, Sunni/Shia, location (rural vs urban), and levels of education.
• Saudis with links to the royal family naturally are regarded as having power and influence.
• Common attitudes, beliefs, and practices are shared across economic divides, which also are bridged by ties of kinship and religion.

Gender Roles

• Strict gender segregation is sanctioned by the state and society.
• Males and females are only ever seen together within a family setting or context.
• Women may work but this is usually within female-only environments such as schools, universities, or certain government departments.
• The vast majority of Saudi women do not work.
• Legally men have more rights than do women. For example, women are not allowed to drive, they cannot travel without the permission or presence of a male guardian and are dependent on male members of the family (fathers, brothers, husbands) to conduct almost all their business.
• Women can however own property in their own names and invest their own money in business deals.
• Within the family structure, the women's status is much more elevated – she is seen as the nurturer and bedrock of the family.

Socialization

• Socialization has changed dramatically in Saudi Arabia within the last 40-50 years.
• Mothers used to give birth at home before raising the child at home with the extended family or even a wet-nurse. This instilled the culture, religion, and language.
• Domestic servants or maids now are very much responsible for raising children. As a result children, today grow up speaking English and learning the morals and cultural cues from foreigners, usually Filipinos, Sri Lankans, etc.

Economy

• Oil is Saudi Arabia’s number one earner since its discovery.
• Prior to the discovery of oil, Saudi Arabia produced all its staple foods such as coffee, tea, sugar, cardamom, rice, cloth, etc. Exports consisted of dates, camels, horses, and sheep.
• It now produces very little other than basic foods and some agricultural goods importing the vast majority of all its food and manufactured goods.
• Saudi Arabia also receives a modest income from its religious tourism to Makkah and Medina and annually through the hajj pilgrimage.

Food

• ‘Kapsa/Kabsa’ is the best-known dish in Saudi – essentially consisting of rice with roasted meat (lamb, camel, or chicken). It is eaten every day.
• Fast-food outlets are now to be found across the Kingdom as are other international cuisines.
• The traditional staple foods of Saudi culture were dates, goat, camel, milk, ghee, cheese, bread, and other foods from wheat, millet, and barley as well as some basic vegetables and herbs such as mint, coriander, parsley, and cumin.
• Muslims do not drink alcohol or eat meat that is not ritually slaughtered (halal).
• Three meals are usually eaten – breakfast, lunch & dinner. Dinner is usually eaten very late in the evening around 10 pm. Lunches can be long and lazy affairs.
• Tea and coffee are very popular drinks throughout the day.
• Food is a central part of Saud's life and they go to great efforts to please guests at meals.

Arts, Humanities & Popular Culture

• Literature and Classical Arabic poetry is highly valued.
• Recitations of the Quran as well as poetry are common at weddings and to mark other important events.
• The novel has slowly become popular among both men and women due to the influence of writers from Egypt and the Levant.
• Saudi Arabia’s state censors control all publications ensuring they are in line with sharia law. 
• Painting, folk art, and sculpture are also popular in Saudi Arabia although paintings of people are considered practiced against Islamic teaching.
• Traditional dancing with swords is a very common sight at celebrations and events.
• The younger generation, influenced by the internet and popular global culture, are abandoning many of the traditional elements of Saudi culture.
• Football (soccer) is by far the most popular way to spend an evening (among men) with the English Premier League being a daily conversation.

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & PROTOCOL

• People’s names say a lot about their ancestry and where they are from. They are treasured in Saudi Arabia with many people being able to recite the names of great grandfathers back many generations.
• Everyone’s names follow a similar pattern: first name – son/daughter of father’s name – son/daughter of grandfather’s name – family/tribal/dynastic name.
• For example, a man might have the name, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah ibn Abdullah Al-Saud
• So, he is Muhammad the son of Abdullah who was the son of Abdullah from the Al-Saud tribe.
• A woman will have the same structure but bint is used instead of ibn – so Maryam bint Ali Al-Ahmadi is Maryam the daughter of Ali from the tribe of Al-Ahmadi.

Meeting & Greeting

• Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a then kiss on each cheek, sometimes three.
• It is custom to hold the handshake for a lot longer than expected in Western culture.
• Women generally hug and kiss close friends and within the business will generally shake hands or place hands on hearts.
• Men and women would not greet each other in public if not from the same family. This does not apply to foreigners.
• When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.

Communication style

• Saudi communication style is tempered by the need to save face, honor and follow Sunnah, the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Being rude, causing offense, or looking ungracious is worse than death in Saudi culture so they will always want to save face, whether their own or someone else’s.
• As a result, you will find a generally friendly, relaxed, and indirect communication style.
• Saudis tend to say ‘yes’ to everything and ‘no’ to very little, especially when dealing with foreigners. However, between themselves and those lower down in hierarchy, they can be very blunt.
• Emotional outbursts are very rare and point to serious issues if someone loses their temper.
• It is common especially among good friends or colleagues to see very local arguments with lots of aggressive body language. This is seen as being passionate and involved in the topic at hand as all parties understand it is a charade.
• Saudis love to flatter guests; this should be taken in the positive and friendly spirit intended and if possible, returned in kind.
• It is common to be asked very personal questions about your family or lifestyle; this is not being nosey, rather inquisitive

Personal Space

• Saudis feel comfortable standing close to one another when together.
• Even within the public, i.e. at the mosque, in a queue, shopping, etc people are a lot more comfortable with being in close quarters.
• Between sexes, the distance is however much greater with men generally avoiding eye contact with women who are not related to themselves.
• It is also very common for men to walk holding hands. This has no sexual connotations.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are common in Saudi Arabia, especially in business and socially.
• If you are invited to a Saudi's house always bring something small as a thank you. Dates, cakes, and sweets are always well received.
• Flowers are a nice touch for the hostess.
• In business corporate gifts such as pens, prayer beads and USB sticks are standard practice.
• Teachers are often the recipients of many gifts from pupils.

Dining & Food

• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Keep your feet away from the cloth or plastic sheet.
• Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean. Ask for a fork if you want one.
• Try a bit of everything that is served.
• Honored guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
• There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
• There is a little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
• Wash hands before and after meals – all restaurants usually have washing up areas.

Visiting a home

If you are invited to a Saudi's house:

• You would usually remove your shoes at the entrance and be given slippers.
• You should dress conservatively and smart.
• You should try to arrive around 30 mins after the time specified – being on time is not the norm.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first and stand up when they enter a room.
• Accept the offer of Arabic coffee and dates.
• If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served and you will be expected to stay afterwards for more conversation and fruit.

Taboos

• Don’t point at anyone or show the soles of your shoes.
• Don’t stare at women.
• Don’t point at people – keep your hand flat and gesture instead.
• Don’t wear tight clothing.
• Don’t say anything critical of the royal family, Islam or a person’s family.
• Don’t show affection to the opposite sex in public.
• Don’t discuss sex in public.

BUSINESS CULTURE & ETIQUETTE TIPS

Saudi Arabia is a country in which meetings, presentations and the news are opened in the name of God. Religion pervades everything including the business culture and commercial environment.

Business happens at a much slower pace with a huge emphasis on relationships, connections and local business practices.

If you work with the Saudis, then why not ensure the success of your business venture by enrolling on our e-Learning Course on Saudi business culture?

What to wear

• Men should wear suits and ties when in a professional capacity. Smartness is expected. During summer you are not expected to wear the jacket but at least have it over your arm.
• Colours should be kept conservative and traditional.
• Women should wear conservative business attire, again in neutral colours, with short heeled shoes and preferably a light pashmina-type scarf at hand. Other than hands and face, skin should not be visible.
• Foreigners should not wear any local dress to business meetings as it would look bizarre.

Titles

• You will soon learn someone’s title by how other’s address them or how they introduce themselves.
• Titles within business are usually associated with rank, job title, family and other factors.
• As a foreigner you will be called Mr/Mrs and your first name.
• Saudis are often addressed with titles such as Dr, Professor, Chairman, Your Highness, etc. Teachers, engineers and some other professions also carry titles which are used.

Business cards

• Business cards are exchanged but with little fan-fair.
• Cards may be used to try and glean some initial information about someone, but other than that carry no major importance within a meeting.
• Having one side in Arabic is always a nice touch but not 100% necessary.

Meetings

• Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in advance.
• When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled upon until you are physically in the country.
• Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
• You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom to keep foreigners waiting.
• It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
• Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust has been developed. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander into the room and start a different discussion.
• Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc. Indulge in conversation as this is all part of the relationship and trust building process.
• Meetings can feel haphazard as Saudis tend not to stick rigidly to agendas.

Negotiating

• Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.
• The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. It takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
• Saudis are tough negotiators and demand patience.
• Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
• Repeat your main points since it they be interpreted as meaning you are telling the truth.
• Do not use high-pressure tactics as these tend to back-fire.
• Decisions can be easily overturned.
• When discussing price, Saudis will often make an initial offer that is extremely low when they are buying. Conversely, when they are selling, their initial offer will be extremely high.
• You may need to compromise on a point if someone's dignity is at stake.
• There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive acceptances, which may only mean 'perhaps'.

Management

• Managers or those in a position to do so will make decisions, while in general their subordinates will wait to be told what to do.
• Saudi Arabia is a low risk and low change-tolerant culture.
• When working with people from Saudi Arabia, it’s advisable to reinforce the importance of the agreed-upon deadline.
• Managers reach decisions after many discussions with major stakeholders. Once a decision is reached, it is handed down to subordinates to implement.

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & PROTOCOL

Naming conventions

• People’s names say a lot about their ancestry and where they are from. They are treasured in Saudi Arabia with many people being able to recite the names of great grandfathers back many generations.
• Everyone’s names follow a similar pattern: first name – son/daughter of father’s name – son/daughter of grandfather’s name – family/tribal/dynastic name.
• For example, a man might have the name, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah ibn Abdullah Al-Saud
• So, he is Muhammad the son of Abdullah who was the son of Abdullah from the Al-Saud tribe.
• A woman will have the same structure but bint is used instead of ibn – so Maryam bint Ali Al-Ahmadi, is Maryam the daughter of Ali from the tribe of Al-Ahmadi.

Meeting & Greeting

• Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a then kiss on each cheek, sometimes three.
• It is custom to hold the handshake for a lot longer than expected in Western culture.
• Women generally hug and kiss close friends and within business will general shake hands or place hands on hearts.
• Men and women would not greet each other in public if not from the same family. This does not apply to foreigners.
• When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.

Communication style

• Saudi communication style is tempered by the need to save face, honour and follow Sunnah, the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Being rude, causing offence or looking ungracious is worse than death in Saudi culture so they will always want to save face, whether their own or someone else’s.
• As a result, you will find a generally friendly, relaxed and indirect communication style.
• Saudis tend to say ‘yes’ to everything and ‘no’ to very little especially when dealing with foreigners. However, between themselves and those lower down in hierarchy they can be very blunt.
• Emotional outbursts are very rare and point to serious issues if someone loses their temper.
• It is common especially among good friends or colleagues to see very local arguments with lots of aggressive body language. This is seen as being passionate and involved in the topic at hand as all parties understand it is a charade.
• Saudis love to flatter guests; this should be taken in the positive and friendly spirit intended and if possible, returned in kind.
• It is common to be asked very personal questions about your family or lifestyle; this is not being nosey, rather inquisitive.

Personal Space

• Saudis feel comfortable standing close to one another when together.
• Even within public, i.e. at the mosque, in a queue, shopping, etc people are a lot more comfortable with being in close quarters.
• Between sexes the distance is however much greater with men generally avoiding eye contact with women who are not related to themselves.
• It also very common for men to walk holding hands. This has no sexual connotations.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are common in Saudi Arabia, especially in business and socially.
• If you are invited to a Saudi's house always bring something small as a thank you. Dates, cakes and sweets are always well received.
• Flowers are nice touch for the hostess.
• In business corporate gifts such as pens, prayer beads and USB sticks are standard practice.
• Teachers are often the recipients of many gifts from pupils.

Dining & Food

• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Keep your feet away from the cloth or plastic sheet.
• Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean. Ask for a fork if you want one.
• Try a bit of everything that is served.
• Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
• There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
• There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
• Wash hands before and after meals – all restaurants usually have washing up areas.

Visiting a home

If you are invited to a Saudi's house:

• You would usually remove your shoes at the entrance and be given slippers.
• You should dress conservatively and smart.
• You should try to arrive around 30 mins after the time specified – being on time is not the norm.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first and stand up when they enter a room.
• Accept the offer of Arabic coffee and dates.
• If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served and you will be expected to stay afterwards for more conversation and fruit.

Taboos

• Don’t point at anyone or show the soles of your shoes.
• Don’t stare at women.
• Don’t point at people – keep your hand flat and gesture instead.
• Don’t wear tight clothing.
• Don’t say anything critical of the royal family, Islam or a person’s family.
• Don’t show affection to the opposite sex in public.
• Don’t discuss sex in public.

[Sandstorms are very common in Saudi Arabia. If driving, put your emergency lights on and pull over.]

BUSINESS CULTURE & ETIQUETTE TIPS

Saudi Arabia is a country in which meetings, presentations and the news are opened in the name of God. Religion pervades everything including the business culture and commercial environment.

Business happens at a much slower pace with a huge emphasis on relationships, connections and local business practices.

If you work with the Saudis, then why not ensure the success of your business venture by enrolling on our e-Learning Course on Saudi business culture?

What to wear

• Men should wear suits and ties when in a professional capacity. Smartness is expected. During summer you are not expected to wear the jacket but at least have it over your arm.
• Colours should be kept conservative and traditional.
• Women should wear conservative business attire, again in neutral colours, with short heeled shoes and preferably a light pashmina-type scarf at hand. Other than hands and face, skin should not be visible.
• Foreigners should not wear any local dress to business meetings as it would look bizarre.

Titles

• You will soon learn someone’s title by how other’s address them or how they introduce themselves.
• Titles within business are usually associated with rank, job title, family and other factors.
• As a foreigner you will be called Mr/Mrs and your first name.
• Saudis are often addressed with titles such as Dr, Professor, Chairman, Your Highness, etc. Teachers, engineers and some other professions also carry titles which are used.

Business cards

• Business cards are exchanged but with little fan-fair.
• Cards may be used to try and glean some initial information about someone, but other than that carry no major importance within a meeting.
• Having one side in Arabic is always a nice touch but not 100% necessary.

Meetings

• Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in advance.
• When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled upon until you are physically in the country.
• Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
• You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom to keep foreigners waiting.
• It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
• Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust has been developed. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander into the room and start a different discussion.
• Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc. Indulge in conversation as this is all part of the relationship and trust building process.
• Meetings can feel haphazard as Saudis tend not to stick rigidly to agendas.

Negotiating

• Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.
• The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. It takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
• Saudis are tough negotiators and demand patience.
• Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
• Repeat your main points since it they be interpreted as meaning you are telling the truth.
• Do not use high-pressure tactics as these tend to back-fire.
• Decisions can be easily overturned.
• When discussing price, Saudis will often make an initial offer that is extremely low when they are buying. Conversely, when they are selling, their initial offer will be extremely high.
• You may need to compromise on a point if someone's dignity is at stake.
• There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive acceptances, which may only mean 'perhaps'.

Management

• Managers or those in a position to do so will make decisions, while in general their subordinates will wait to be told what to do.
• Saudi Arabia is a low risk and low change-tolerant culture.
• When working with people from Saudi Arabia, it’s advisable to reinforce the importance of the agreed-upon deadline.
• Managers reach decisions after many discussions with major stakeholders. Once a decision is reached, it is handed down to subordinates to implement.
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