Greetings & Titles
This Arabic word meaning “peace be upon you” is the most common greeting in Saudi Arabia.
What is “As-salāmu ʿalaykum”?
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum” is a classical Arabic phrase literally meaning “peace be upon you,” derived from the root S-L-M (س-ل-م), which carries the meanings of peace, safety, and wholeness and appears throughout the Qur’an and Islamic tradition as a standard greeting of peace.
This is the official religion of Saudi Arabia and strongly shapes business hours, holidays, and daily routines.
What is Islam?
The dominant religion in Saudi Arabia.
Before pushing for a final decision, it’s wise to confirm whether WHO is present, since Saudi companies often have clear status and rank.
The "leader" or "decision-maker".
Hierarchy is important in Saudi business because decisions and respect flow from the top down, so honoring rank is key to building trust and getting agreements approved.
In meetings, younger staff usually let the older or higher-ranking person speak and decide. This shows respect for these people.
What are "elders"?
In Saudi Arabia, elders are highly respected as sources of wisdom and authority, and honoring them is both a cultural norm and a religious duty.
It’s polite to accept at least a small amount of this hot drink, often served in tiny cups, when offered by your host.
What is Arabic coffee (qahwa)?
A symbol of hospitality in Saudi and Arab culture. When a host offers you a tiny cup, it’s respectful to accept at least a small amount because it shows you appreciate their welcome and are honoring the relationship.
This word, often heard in TV and movies, means “leader,” “elder,” or “chief,” and can be a title of respect.
What is sheikh (or shaykh)?
“Sheikh” (also spelled shaykh) basically means “elder” or “respected leader.” In some Gulf countries (like UAE, Qatar), a royal or ruling family member.
The five daily prayers can affect meeting times. This call, heard from mosques, signals that it’s prayer time.
What is the adhan (call to prayer)?
The Islamic call to prayer that is broadcast from mosques five times a day; in Saudi Arabia it signals that it’s time for one of the daily prayers, which can pause or shift business meetings around those times.
Visitors are recommended to dress how when visiting Saudi Arabia
What is modesty?
To build credibility in negotiations, visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave formally, reflecting this broader cultural value in Saudi business life.
What is considered an inappropriate or offensive gift in Saudi culture?
What is wine/alcohol?
Bringing wine (or any alcohol) as a gift in Saudi Arabia is considered inappropriate and offensive because alcohol is religiously prohibited.
When receiving or giving items, you should avoid using this hand alone, as it can be considered impolite.
What is the left hand?
In Saudi business settings, this is the side of the body you should use when offering a handshake.
What is the right hand?
In Saudi business culture, people greet with the right hand because, in Islamic tradition, the right hand is reserved for honorable actions and shows respect, while the left is linked to personal hygiene.
During this month of fasting, you should avoid scheduling lunch meetings and be respectful about eating or drinking in front of fasting colleagues.
What is Ramadan?
The Islamic month of fasting from dawn to sunset; during this time, Muslims don’t eat or drink in the daytime, so it’s important in business to avoid lunch meetings and be discreet about eating or drinking in front of fasting colleagues.
It's a good idea to avoid jokes about specifically what in Saudi Arabia
What is religion?
Religion (especially Islam) is sacred and central to life in Saudi Arabia. Humor is fine, but in business settings it should be light, respectful, and not sarcastic or offensive—avoid jokes about religion, politics, or family, and let your Saudi counterparts set the tone.
It is important to be p------, when negotiating in a Saudi business meeting.
What is patient?
Meetings may start late, run long, or be interrupted (especially by prayer times). Negotiations may take multiple rounds. Being visibly impatient can damage the relationship.
Conservative dress is common in Saudi Arabia. This piece of garment is well known to be by women; commonly worn in public.
What is an "abaya".
An abaya is a long, loose-fitting outer cloak worn by many Muslim women (especially in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf) over their regular clothes for modesty. Styled in modern ways, often combining different colors and styles.
In many Saudi and Arab workplaces, people may ask about your family or well-being before getting down to business. Why?
What is building a personal relationship (or rapport)?
Saudi and many Arab business cultures are relationship-oriented, not purely task-oriented. People often start meetings by asking about your family, health, or life because trust and personal rapport are seen as the foundation of doing business.
Many Saudis say this phrase meaning “God willing” when talking about future plans, showing both faith and uncertainty.
What is Inshallah?
Muslims say it about future plans because the Qur’an teaches that nothing happens unless God wills it, so you show both faith in God’s control and humility that the future is uncertain and not entirely in your hands.
Saudi Arabians are considered to be BLANK when dealing with foreigners (and their own)
What is generous?
Sharing food, time, and help is a virtue. You may see people insist you eat more, stay longer, or let them pay. Refusing too strongly can feel like rejecting their kindness.
Considered a good gift in Saudi Arabian culture
What are: High-quality sweets (dates, chocolates); something from your home city/country (coffee, books); good-quality office items (pen, stationary)
In Saudi Arabia, many business customs come from cultural BLANK and religious practices.
What is tradition?
Tradition is the set of customs and ways of behaving that are passed down from previous generations and still shape how people live and interact today.
This concept refers to using personal connections and networks to get things done or build trust in business.
What is wasta?
An Arabic term for using personal connections, influence, or networks to get things done. In business, wasta means knowing the “right people” who can open doors, speed up processes, or help build trust and credibility.
This weekly holy day, when many offices close or have reduced hours, is important to keep in mind when planning deadlines or visits.
What is Friday?
In Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries, Friday is the weekly holy day (Jumu’ah), when Muslims gather for special noon prayers, so many offices close or reduce hours to allow people to attend the sermon and prayer.
What are the top three most important things to Saudi-Arabians in a business setting?
Family first, Hospitality, and Respect for elders.
1. Family is central. You might hear talk about family during meetings.
2. Hospitality. It is vital for guests to feel welcome, comfortable, and well fed.
3. Respect for elders. Age and status matter. Elders and leaders are given a lot of respect. How you and your family are seen by others is very important.
How should you offer a gift in Saudi Arabian culture?
Offer it with your right hand or both hands- don’t be surprised if they don’t open it in front of you, that can be normal and polite in many contexts.
This word is used for things that are religiously forbidden, such as alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
What is "haram"?
Literally meaning "forbidden".