If your team is working with people in Saudi Arabia for the first time, you may notice differences in communication, decision-making, and meeting etiquette. Cultural intelligence helps you recognize these differences, build trust, and adapt your approach.
Understanding key business norms will make interactions smoother, strengthen relationships, and reduce the risk of miscommunication.
1. Building Relationships in Saudi Arabia: The Foundation of Business
In Saudi Arabia, trust comes before business. While efficiency and expertise matter, decisions are often based on personal relationships. Who you are and how you interact carry more weight than a polished pitch. Clients prefer to work with people they trust, and that trust takes time to develop.
Expect more personal interactions. Rushing into business discussions without first establishing rapport can feel abrupt. Expect small talk at the beginning of meetings, often covering travel or the Kingdom’s progress. Showing interest in Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia’s modernization initiative) is also a great way to start conversations on a positive note.
✅ How to adapt:
Take time to build relationships through small talk. Engage in polite conversation before diving into work topics. Safe topics include travel, food, and positive news about Saudi Arabia. Avoid sensitive topics like politics and religion.
Show curiosity and respect for the Kingdom’s progress. A well-placed compliment about recent developments can go a long way.
2. Communication Norms in Saudi Arabia: Reading Between the Lines
Saudi business communication tends to be indirect and high-context, meaning much of the message is conveyed through tone, phrasing, and body language rather than direct words.
A direct “no” is rare. Instead, responses like “In sha’ Allah” (God willing) or “It might be difficult” are often used, which can mean yes, maybe, or unlikely, depending on the context. This can be confusing if your team is used to a more explicit communication style.
Hierarchy also affects communication. The most senior person in the room usually sets the tone and directs the conversation. Others may wait to speak until they are invited to contribute.
✅ How to adapt:
Listen carefully and read between the lines. If a Saudi contact says, “It might be difficult”, they may mean “no”. In Saudi Arabia, hesitation or soft language may indicate disagreement.
If you hear “In sha’ Allah,” consider the context. It could indicate genuine optimism or a gentle way of saying no.
Avoid putting someone in a position where they must say “no” outright. Instead, offer options or ask for feedback.
If a decision is delayed, be patient and follow up diplomatically.
3. Meeting Expectations in Saudi Arabia: Structure & Etiquette
Meetings in Saudi Arabia are often more fluid than in many Western countries. Time is flexible, and agendas may shift based on priorities or the senior attendees’ interests.
Hospitality is an important part of the culture. In-person meetings often begin with tea, dates, or sweets, reinforcing the importance of relationship-building. Online meetings, on the other hand, may feel less structured, with participants waiting for the senior person to join before engaging fully.
Rank plays a major role in participation. A high-ranking Saudi executive may prefer to discuss broad topics rather than dive into operational details, and online meetings might have a quiet start while people wait for the senior person to join. Seniority influences decision-making and who speaks in meetings. It’s common for the most senior person to speak first, while others contribute only when invited to do so. Recognizing and respecting these dynamics when working with Saudi clients is important.
✅ How to adapt:
Don’t rush the conversation. Engage in small talk before business discussions.
Be mindful of hierarchy, and always address senior team members first.
Ensure a senior representative from your team is present when meeting with senior decision-makers.
Be flexible with time. Meetings may not start or end exactly on schedule.
4. Working Hours and Scheduling in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday as a religious day of rest. Many businesses are closed on Fridays until late afternoon, so if your team operates on a Monday-to-Friday schedule, expect some calendar misalignment and plan accordingly.
Meetings and deadlines can also be affected by last-minute changes. Saudi Arabia occasionally declares public holidays on short notice, such as to celebrate major sporting victories. Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, also affects scheduling; workdays are typically shorter, and meetings are often scheduled in the evenings.
✅ How to adapt:
Check your client’s working hours before setting meeting times.
Be prepared for last-minute scheduling changes. Rescheduling isn’t a sign of disorganization; it’s sometimes a necessity, and it’s just part of the business culture.
If unsure, ask about scheduling preferences during religious holidays. For example, during Ramadan, ask if evening meetings would be more convenient.
5. Cultural Norms in Saudi Arabia and Professional Conduct
Understanding workplace etiquette helps avoid misunderstandings. Dress code is generally formal, with Western business attire being the standard. Women do not need to cover their hair but should dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees.
Greetings follow traditional norms. Men shake hands with men, but in mixed-gender interactions, physical contact is usually avoided. A respectful hand-over-heart gesture is a safe and professional alternative.
Hierarchy dictates introductions as well. It’s important to greet the most senior person first and direct initial conversation toward them.
✅ How to adapt:
Research who will be in the meeting and their roles.
If unsure about a greeting, let your Saudi counterpart initiate.
Maintain professionalism, but also show warmth and respect.
Final Takeaways: Working Effectively with Saudi Clients
Success in working with Saudi clients starts with understanding how they prefer to collaborate.
Relationships matter. Trust takes time, and small talk helps you build that trust..
Communication is rather indirect. A lack of directness doesn’t mean uncertainty; it often signals respect and diplomacy.
Hierarchy influences business culture. From meeting structure to decision-making, seniority plays a key role.
Flexibility is key. Meetings, schedules, and priorities may shift. Adaptability will serve you well.
Cultural awareness builds rapport. Small gestures of respect (like acknowledging Vision 2030 or observing etiquette norms) can leave a lasting positive impression.
Approach your Saudi clients with patience, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll set the foundation for a productive and positive working relationship.
Navigate Global Business with Confidence with Talaera
At Talaera, we specialize in helping global professionals navigate cross-cultural communication and work effectively in international business settings. If your team is working with Saudi Arabian clients, our custom workshop on Saudi business culture provides practical insights, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance to help you build stronger relationships and avoid common pitfalls.
📩 Get in touch to learn more or book a demo. Whether you need tailored training for your team or want to explore how our business English and cross-cultural communication programs can support your organization, we’d love to help.
Alexandra Caccavo contributed to this article through research and valuable insights.
