Business Meeting Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
If you're interested in forming business relationships in Saudi Arabia, doing a little research on acceptable etiquette in the country will go a long way. There are also certain courtesies that should be displayed at business meetings in the country, and international professionals are expected to follow these rules.
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Business Meeting Attire for Men
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A man should wear a business suit in a dark color (black, dark gray or navy blue) to a meeting in Saudi Arabia. If the weather is especially warm, it is acceptable to wear suit pants and a shirt and tie, without a jacket. A man's shirt should be button-down and long-sleeved, and buttoned all the way up, as Saudi Arabians are rather conservative in their dress. Necklaces and excessive rings are considered gaudy, but a watch and wedding ring are appropriate.
Business Meeting Attire for Women
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In Saudi Arabia, professional women are permitted to wear business suits as well, as long as they are not too revealing. The skirt should not fall above the woman's calf muscle, pants should not be tight-fitting, and sleeveless blouses or shirts are not allowed. Women are also required to wear an "abayya" in public, which is a long, loose-fitting robe or cloak that covers the woman's entire body. A head scarf must also be worn so that none of the woman's hair is revealed.
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Punctuality and Preliminaries
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Foreign professionals are expected to be punctual for all business meetings in Saudi Arabia, even though they may be kept waiting by native businesspeople. Saudi Arabian businesspeople shake hands upon meeting one another, especially men. Some Saudi male professionals will shake hands with women, but it is best for the woman to wait for the man to extend his hand first. It is proper etiquette to greet everyone who will be participating in the meeting, beginning with the person who holds the highest professional rank in the room.
Business Meeting Schedule
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Saudi Arabian business meetings are not rushed, and professionals often take time for small talk. When an international professional schedules a meeting with a government official, a definite date and time for the business meeting will not be established until the foreign businessperson arrives in Saudi Arabia. It is also common for meetings in Saudi Arabia to have frequent interruptions--meetings are not exclusive or private until a business relationship is established.
Business Negotiations
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When discussing the terms of a business deal in Saudi Arabia, it is not appropriate to be pushy or aggressive. Final decisions for negotiations are made by the highest executives, and the final terms of a business deal may not be reached for quite some time--international professionals are expected to exhibit patience during the process. Bargaining is expected by all parties.
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References
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