- Tip 11
- Time is very flexible and meetings may start very late (if at all) and last for many hours. It is difficult to schedule a series of meetings on the same day.
- Tip 12
- Teams work well if birth or kinship associates everybody in the team. Teams of strangers rarely gel effectively.
- Tip 13
- It is important to offer lavish compliments to your host and that you are prepared to receive them in return.
- Tip 14
- Saudis do not like to say no or deliver negative news. It can be very difficult to fully understand exactly how interested people are in your propositions. Only perseverance and patience will reveal the true picture.
- Tip 15
- Loud and aggressive discourse denotes engagement and interest - not anger or hostility. Do not be frightened or worried if the noise levels in meetings start to grow.
- Tip 16
- Levels of eye contact are very strong and strong eye contact denotes sincerity and trustworthiness.
- Tip 17
- Avoid touching anybody with your left hand or pointing feet at people as both of these are seen as extremely rude behaviour.
- Tip 18
- Do not comment on the political situation in the Middle East or make any adverse comments about the influence of Islam.
- Tip 19
- Women play little or no active role in business life and it can be very difficult for women to even get a visa to enter the country on business.
- Tip 20
- Dress conservatively, but very smartly. You will be judged partly on your appearance.
Back to Saudi Arabia Home Page