The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a rich and prosperous oil producing country that is in the crosshairs of modernization and holding on to traditional values (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 323). With Saudi Arabia being one of the largest oil producers in the world, it has placed them as a major player on the international stage through trading with countries like the United States, China and Japan, among many others (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 323). Saudi Arabia is currently in an interesting balancing act to hold on to their traditional values and moving forward on some modern-day social issues (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 324). “Internationally, the king opposes Western democracy and its institutions while gently nudging his country forward on social matters without unduly offending conservatives” (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 324).
Even though there have been many social changes in Saudi Arabia in recent years, they are a traditional and conservative country, and it is important that visitors do their homework, whether for business or personal purposes, before they go because laws and regulations are strictly enforced (Gov UK, n.d.). For instance, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded on Islamic principles, and religion is not just something they practice, or only talk about, it affects every part of their everyday lives, including the law and politics (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 324). It is important to note that the work week starts on Saturday and goes through Wednesday, with very few people working on Thursdays, and no business is conducted on Fridays (Kelly, 2017). When visiting, it is especially important for both men and women to dress well and conservatively, and be respectful, honest, sincere and patient at all times (Kelly, 2017). The people of Saudi Arabia speak Arabic, and they do not eat pork, drink alcohol or gamble (Kelly, 2017). It is also illegal to bring pork or any form of alcohol into the country (CNN Travel, n.d.; Kelly, 2017; GOV UK, n.d.). Visitors should avoid talking about politics, illnesses, accidents, death or anything that would insinuate bad luck, should only eat with the right hand, be mindful and respectful of all holy holidays, should not take pictures or videos without a person’s prior permission, should not show any form of public affection, and when sitting down, both feet should be flat on the ground, as showing the bottom of the foot or shoe is considered offensive (GOV UK, n.d.; Kelly, 2017).
While Saudi Arabia has been and is still largely controlled by men, many women have achieved incredible strides in recent years and have been advocates for change (Perper & Pasley, 2019). In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce and Investment said that women can freely start their own businesses (Perper & Pasley, 2019). In 2017, The Ministry of Labour and Social Development noted that women represent 30% of the private sector workforce, and also in 2017, Sarah Al-Suhaimi, a Harvard graduate, not only broke a huge barrier in Saudi Arabia to become the first women to chair Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange, but also broke barriers on a global scale as well in the world of finance (Asian Money Guide, n.d.; Perper & Pasley, 2019). Women are now permitted to drive, and foreign women are not required to wear the abaya (although it is suggested) (Perper & Pasley, 2019).
Saudi Arabia is changing, but it is very important to be up to date and respectful of all traditions and laws, especially as visitors in their country (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014, p. 323).
References
Asian Money Guide (n.d.). This is the first woman to ever lead Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange and she’s a total badass. Retrieved October 13, 2019 from https://www.asianmoneyguide.com/first-woman-to-lead-saudi-arabia-stock-exchange
Briney, A. (2018, June 22). What are the countries that make up the Arab states? Thought Co. Retrieved October 12, 2019 from https://www.thoughtco.com/list-of-arab-states-1435128
CNN Travel (n.d.). Saudi Arabia what to know. Retrieved October 13, 2019 from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/saudi-arabia-how-to-visit/index.html
GOV UK (n.d.). Saudi Arabia. Retrieved October 13, 2019 from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/local-laws-and-customs
Kelly, D. (2017, May 16). Cultural tips for doing business in the Saudi Arabia. Trip Savvy. Retrieved October 12, 2019 from https://www.tripsavvy.com/doing-business-saudi-arabia-4022381
Moran, R., Abramson, N. R. & Moran, S. (2014). Managing cultural differences (9th ed). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Perper, R., Pasley, J. (2019, August 2). Saudi Arabian women no longer need a man’s permission to travel. Here are the biggest changes they’ve seen in the last two years. Business Insider. Retrieved October 12, 2019 from https://www.businessinsider.com/womens-rights-in-saudi-arabia-driving-ban-2018-3#women-can-now-access-basic-rights-like-education-and-healthcare-without-permission-from-a-male-guardian-4
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your questions! I would be very formal in my introduction. I would use Mr., Mrs., Dr., Professor, etc. If I am unsure of which honorific to use, I would go by he/she’s first name. I believe being formal, especially early on in the relationship is very important. As time goes by and as the relationship builds, then I would determine if being less formal is appropriate, based upon the individual.
Stephanie,
Really enjoyed your blog and think it is a great “quick guide” on good etiquette and manner when building a personal or professional relationship with someone from Saudi Arabia. What are you thoughts on email communication; what do you feel the best way to begin an introduction via email in this culture? Especially, if the person initiating the email is an a woman from another country?