Women play little role in public life in Saudi and have virtually no role to play in the business world.

It is, therefore, very difficult for women business travellers to achieve a great deal in the country - even if they are granted a visa. The constitution of any delegation sent to Saudi on business needs very careful consideration and the normal western concerns on selection through achievement, track record and technical ability may not be appropriate.

Any women visiting on business needs to be very conservative in both their dress code and behaviour.