🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Meeting Culture
Saudi Arabian business meetings are relationship-focused and hierarchical, deeply influenced by Islamic customs, hospitality traditions, and respect for seniority.
- Schedule meetings well in advance but expect changes; flexibility is essential.
- Be aware of prayer times (five times daily); meetings may pause for prayers.
- Understand that the workweek runs Sunday to Thursday; Friday is the holy day.
- Arrive on time; meetings may start late but punctuality shows respect.
- Greet with a handshake between same genders; wait for Saudi counterparts to initiate.
- Accept coffee and dates offered as hospitality; refusing may be considered rude.
- Begin with extended small talk and relationship-building; rushing is inappropriate.
- Business is conducted with individuals, not companies; trust is paramount.
- Saudis may have multiple conversations or interruptions during meetings.
- Avoid discussing politics, religion, or women; focus on business and neutral topics.
- Decisions may take considerable time as consultation and consensus are valued.
- Written contracts are important, but personal trust is the foundation of agreements.
- Follow up patiently; building relationships takes precedence over speed.
- Maintain regular contact and consider in-person visits to strengthen the relationship.