10 Saudi Arabia Business Etiquette to Master in 2025 (Do’s and Don’ts)

When you enter a boardroom in Riyadh, your handshake is firm, your greeting is flawless Arabic, and your attire reflects Saudi customs. Congratulations! You’ve already set yourself apart.

Relationships are important in Saudi Arabia, and etiquette is crucial. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 boosting international investments, the country is becoming a global hub. 

In 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $7.9 Billion, highlighting the nation’s rapid economic transformation. In this changing environment, Saudi business etiquette is imperative.

Below you’ll explore the top ten Saudi Arabia business etiquette you must know to ensure a lasting positive impression in the Saudi market.

Why is Saudi Arabia Business Etiquette Important for Your Business? 

A successful business relationship in Saudi Arabia begins with building trust and solid relationships. Let’s look at why Saudi business etiquette is necessary:

• Strong personal connections and trust are essential before deals are made because business in Saudi Arabia is relationship-driven. 
• Islam plays a central role in Saudi business culture. Understanding prayer times, dress codes, and gender interactions is important.
• Business hours and holidays are influenced by Islamic traditions, including Ramadan and daily prayer times.
• Business cards should be presented with the right hand, and gift-giving is appreciated but should align with cultural sensitivities.
• Arabic is the official language, though English is widely used in business settings. 
• Women entrepreneurs and executives should be aware of appropriate etiquette and expectations.
• While Saudi Arabia has made progress in gender inclusion, understanding gender roles in business settings is crucial.
• Politeness, indirect communication, and nonverbal cues are valued. Being too direct may be perceived as rude.
• Meetings may not always start on time, and schedules can be flexible.

19 Simple Yet Powerful Business Etiquettes to Remember

In Saudi business culture, the handshake means more than just a greeting; it means a promise of trust between two people.

Here’s a short guide to important business customs to help you manage these interactions:

Etiquette	Details
#1 Dress Code	Dress conservatively and professionally. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear an abaya.
#2 Punctuality	Be punctual, but understand that your Saudi counterparts may be more flexible with time.
#3 Working Hours	Business hours are typically from Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
#4 Hospitality	Show appreciation for hospitality offered during meetings or meals.
#5 Hierarchy	Show respect for hierarchy and address senior members first. Use appropriate titles like ‘Sheikh’ or ‘Sayyid’ for men and ‘Sheikha’ or ‘Sayyida’ for women.
#6 Gift Giving	Offer gifts as a sign of goodwill, but avoid alcohol or pork products.
#7 Greetings	Greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. For women, wait for them to initiate the greeting.
#8 Communication	Use formal language and avoid controversial topics like religion and politics. Small talk is important to build relationships.
#9 Meetings	Be patient and expect multiple meetings to build trust. Decisions are often made at the top of the organization.
#10 Gender Interactions	Be aware of gender-specific rules. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender, and maintain professional behavior.
#11 Seating Arrangements	Allow your hosts to guide you to your seat during meetings. Seating often reflects hierarchy and status.
#12 Body Language	Avoid using the left hand for passing items or eating, as it is considered impolite.
#13 Refreshments	Expect to be offered tea or coffee during meetings; it is polite to accept.
#14 Follow-up	Follow up meetings with a thank-you note or a call to show appreciation and reinforce your interest.
#15 Decision-Making	Business decisions can take time, as consensus among senior members is valued.
#16 Negotiations	Expect indirect communication. Avoid aggressive bargaining and maintain patience.
#17 Religious Practices	Be mindful of prayer times; meetings may be paused for prayers. Friday is a holy day, so avoid scheduling business activities.
#18 Workplace Etiquette	Avoid rushing conversations; Saudis value relationship-building before getting to business.
#19 Dining Etiquette	If invited to a meal, wait for the host to start eating. Use the right hand and express appreciation for the food.

Explore: How to Setup Your Business in Saudi Arabia Without Any Mistake?

10 Crucial Saudi Arabia Business Etiquette for Business Success 

A deep understanding of local customs and business etiquette is essential to succeeding in this market. Building strong relationships and navigating Saudi business effectively requires ten key etiquette tips.

Business Meeting Etiquettes

1. Business Meeting Handshake and Manner

In Saudi Arabia, a handshake symbolizes respect and trust, not merely a formality. When you walk in the door of a meeting, start with the person on the right, offer a handshake—firm but not crushing—and go around the group.

• Handshake: Greeting the people, one by one, in the room from one end to the other, moving from right to left. In large groups, be ready to shake hands multiple times.
• Because Titles: Never call anyone without their professional title. If someone has an honorific like ‘Doctor,’ ‘Engineer,’ ‘Sheikh’ (leader), or ‘Ustadh’ (teacher), use that followed by their first name.
• Gender: When you greet women, wait for them to lead. Saudi women in business won’t shake hands with men, preferring a nod instead. If they offer a handshake, return accordingly but politely.
• Eye contact: Maintaining steady eye contact communicates confidence and sincerity. But try not to stare too much; this could be seen as aggressive.

2. Late Night Meeting Approach

Attitudes in Liberated Arab States, Business Culture, Saudi Arabia Business Culture, Saudi Arabia Business Culture, Saudi Arabia Business Culture, Western Business Culture vs. During Ramadan, meetings can run late into the night.

Meetings don’t always start on time, so be prepared for delays. It’s viewed as normal rather than a sign of disrespect. Also, the Saudis prize relationships over timetables. So don’t hurry conversations. Let conversations start to flow before diving into business.

As Ramadan approaches (many meetings happen after Iftar or the fast-breaking, so late-night business discussions and meals are ubiquitous). The faster, the better; don’t plan meetings around prayer times.

If invited for a meal, be ready to indulge in traditional dishes such as sheep, rice, and fruit (especially dates). It is polite to accept food and take some if only a little.

3. Language and Dress Code

Although English is an official language in most of the Middle East. And is commonly spoken in business, the effort at learning a few arabiyat, or Arabic words, will not go amiss.

Widely Spoken Languages: In terms of business, the official language in the country is English, but Arabic remains the leading language. If you are working with professionals from India or Pakistan, you might hear Hindi or Urdu.

Helpful Arabic Phrases

• A formal greeting – “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you)
• “Wa Alaykum As-salam” (And peace be upon you) – The Response
• “Shukran” (Thank you) – Never goes out of style
• “Min Fadlik” (Please) – Used in polite conversation

Dress Code

Saudi Arabia has a conservative dress culture, and that should affect professional attire.

• For Men: Business meetings will require a formal suit and tie. Saudi business people usually don traditional white t-shirts; however, foreigners are not required to follow this dress code.
• Women: A black abaya is advised for female professionals, including non-Muslims. The headscarf is not obligatory but recommended in more formal or religious environments.

Communication Techniques

4. Negotiation in Meeting

During the negotiation itself, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Take your time. Saudi business people can consider proposals slowly. Don’t push for snap judgments.
• Get the decision maker. Hierarchy makes a big difference since those with authority to make decisions are often at a high level.
• Be polite; don’t pick a fight. A polite approach has always quite suited Saudis.
• People will offer small gifts. Avoid gifts that should be taken as bribes or over-the-top.
• Make your arguments stronger by using data and facts. For example, Saudi Arabia had $5.5 billion of foreign investments in 2021.

Incorporating these strategies can allow you to enter negotiations with poise and assurance.

5. Proper Greeting

Imagine walking into a luxurious office bathed by the sun over the city. As you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a handshake.

This is how to make a great first impression:

• It is common to shake hands with everyone present. Begin on the right and make your way around the room.
• Put your phone away at the dinner table.
• For men, you would address it as ‘Sheikh / Sayyid,’ and for women, ’Seykha / Sayyida.’
• When meeting women, allow the woman to offer a handshake. A nod or verbal greeting may be preferable in some cases.
• During the greeting, do not touch your face or point with your finger; either of those gestures will be considered impolite.

6. Establishing Personal Connection 

Business is often personal in Saudi Arabia. Once you have a strong personal tie, you can build lasting partnerships. Accept invitations to meals or social events. Sharing food is a great way to connect with others.

Also, Knowing someone is great, but don’t cross the line into their personal life unless welcomed. Show interest in Saudi culture and customs. 

For instance, knowing the importance of Ramadan and adjusting your business hours to accommodate this festival shows great respect.

Be honest and transparent in your dealings. Trust is key in Saudi business culture, and building it takes time.

By developing personal relationships, you’ll build a foundation of trust and mutual respect from which your business relationships will benefit.

Awareness and Knowledge

7. Keep Tabs on “Vision 2030.”

Suppose you are walking into a business meeting in Riyadh, shaking hands with a Saudi executive, and casually mentioning, “I’ve been following Saudi’s Vision 2030—your country’s transformation is incredible.” You’d instantly earn their respect.

During Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economy shifted from oil to tech, tourism, healthcare, and entertainment. If you’re doing business in the Kingdom, you need to know about it.

Also, you may have heard of NEOM, an entirely clean-powered desert city. Or the Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism destination aiming to rival the Maldives. Investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals can benefit from these projects under Vision 2030.

You understand the country’s direction and see long-term potential when you mention Vision 2030. These national goals are important to Saudi professionals.

8. Understand the Saudi Business Laws and Regulations

Now, let’s talk about legal stuff without the boring jargon. Saudi Arabia’s business rules can save money, headaches, and time.

You and your Saudi partner discuss a joint venture. They mention the Nitaqat system—a policy that requires businesses to hire a certain percentage of Saudi nationals. If you know about it, you can respond intelligently. If not, well, you might find yourself scrambling for answers.

Here are some key laws you should keep in mind:

• Foreign Investment Rules: Saudi Arabia has opened many industries to foreign investors, but some sectors still require local partnerships.
• Saudization (Nitaqat Program): Companies must employ a minimum percentage of Saudi workers, so recruitment strategies matter.
• Taxation & VAT: There’s a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), and corporate taxes apply to foreign-owned businesses.
• Contracts & Agreements: Unlike places where a handshake might seal the deal, written contracts are essential in Saudi business culture.

So, how do you navigate all of this? Simple—talk to a local business expert. They can guide you through the legal maze, keeping you compliant while maximizing opportunities.

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9. Be Aware of the Work Week

Before you start scheduling meetings, hit pause. Saudi Arabia doesn’t follow the Monday-to-Friday workweek that many Western countries do.

Here’s what you need to know:

Workweek: Runs Sunday to Thursday (Friday and Saturday are the weekends).

Office Hours:

• Government offices: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Private sector: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, but variations.

Prayer Breaks: Expect short pauses throughout the day as businesses close for daily prayers.

Ramadan Adjustments: Working hours are typically reduced to six hours per day during the holy month.

So, planning a business trip? Be mindful of Saudi culture when scheduling meetings on Friday afternoons.

10. Understand the Local Islamic Customs and Traditions

In Saudi Arabia, successful business people respect local customs. Even if you aren’t an expert on Islamic traditions, a little knowledge goes a long way.

What You Should Know:

• Muslims pray five times a day, and businesses pause for these moments. If a meeting is interrupted, be patient—it will resume.
• During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public is prohibited during daylight hours. If you’re meeting Saudi colleagues, expect business to happen later in the day or even at night.
• Accept it if you’re offered Arabic coffee, dates, or a meal. There’s more to it than just food – it symbolizes trust and friendship.
• When meeting men, a firm handshake with eye contact is expected. Whenever you greet women, wait for them to initiate the handshake.
• In business meetings, the most senior person sits at the head of the table, and guests are often guided to their seats.

Here are Some Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s	Don’ts
Show patience, decisions take time.	Don’t talk about politics, religion, or personal matters.
Dress conservatively, suits for men, and an abaya (loose-fitting cloak) for women.	Don’t refuse hospitality, it’s considered impolite.
Acknowledge hierarchy, address senior executives first.	Don’t rush straight into business, small talk is important for building relationships.

FAQs

Final Touch: Saudi Arabia Business Etiquette Crucial for Your Growth 

Traditionally, Saudi Arabia’s business culture is based on respect and relationship-building. Understanding etiquette rules will not only help you avoid missteps but also help you build trust and value with your partners.

However, it’s not hard to do business with Saudi professionals if you approach them patiently, adaptable, and aware of local customs.

When you enter a Saudi business meeting, you won’t just be a foreign visitor if you follow our tips. Having a cultural understanding of their business will make you a respected partner.