Business Culture in Saudi Arabia
Even though about half of the Kingdom’s workforce of 13 million is expat, business culture in Saudi Arabia dances to a decidedly local tune.
Most decision-makers are Saudi and people doing business can expect unrivaled Arabian hospitality, canceled appointments, cordial chat, and hard bargaining in equal measure; all washed down with copious amount.
Business Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
Business etiquette in Saudi Arabia reflects wider society.
That is, conservative but unmistakably hospitable.
For expats who have done business elsewhere in the Arab world, there are familiar themes.
Business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has been doing business with the outside world for decades.
This has traditionally been through oil exports; which even now account for 90% of state income.
But petrochemicals, power, telecoms, healthcare, and even tourism are big business now, attracting foreign investmentand injecting new life, and business opportunities, across this.
Business Networking in Saudi Arabia
As Saudi Arabia becomes more business-orientated, avenues for business networking are opening up.
Indeed, from invite-only embassy functions to conferences and exhibitions, and meetings with trade delegations, networking is an accepted part of modern business culture in the Kingdom.
Professional business associations are also great places to make c.
Business Socializing in Saudi Arabia
Business socializing has a very different meaning in Saudi Arabia to what it might in the west.
That said, the lines between business and pleasure can be blurred, particularly in the Kingdom’s expat community; where many professionals live in gated compounds.
Therefore, you can expect social gatherings to double up as informal networking events.
Business Strategy, Planning, and Decision-Making in Saudi Arabia
The Arab world’s largest economy boasts many successful conglomerates, companies, family businesses, and entrepreneurs.
As the Kingdom enters a new socio-economic era, many organizations now take their strategic cues from Saudi Vision 2030.
This influences their approach to societal, community, environmental, and economic issues.
Multinationals and.
Meetings and Negotiations
One of the biggest challenges facing anyone doing business in Saudi Arabia is getting a foot in the door and meeting the right people.
There are two ways to approach this: turn up at an office on-spec and hope that Arab hospitality towards visitors lands you an off-chance meeting with a decision-maker.
Alternatively, get a personal introduction thr.
Organizational Structure and Hierarchy in Saudi Arabia
Saudi society is hierarchical, and companies are, too.
There are rigid top-down structures in most organizations, with decision-making powers usually resting with just a few senior managers.
This might just be the head of the family if it is a family business.
Junior staff are expected to show loyalty to management and are not expected (or empowere.
Working Hours and Conditions in Saudi Arabia
Most offices work from Sunday to Thursday, perhaps 8:00 to 18:00, or (less commonly) 7:00 to 19:00 (with a long lunch break).
By law, the workweek is 48 hours maximum, and during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim employees only work 30 hours per week.
Work-life balance is not a familiar concept in Saudi Arabia – for expats at least.
For most of the.
