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Saudi Arabia - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
(taken from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/saudi-arabia-country-profile.html)
Facts and
Statistics
Location: The Middle East, bordering Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km,
Oman 676 km,
Qatar 60 km,
UAE 457 km,
Yemen 1,458 km
Capital: Riyadh
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature
extremes
Population: 25,795,938 including 5,576,076 non-nationals
(July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Religions: Muslim 100%
Government: monarchy
Language in Saudi Arabia
Arabic is
the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken. It is used
in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Saudi
population, many people speak Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, and
other Asian languages such as Farsi and Turkish.
Arabic is
spoken by almost 200 million people in more than 22 countries. It is the language
of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, and of Arab poetry and literature. While
spoken Arabic varies from country to country, classical Arabic has remained
unchanged for centuries. In Saudi, there are differences between the dialects
spoken in urban areas and those spoken in rural areas.
Saudi Society & Culture
Islam
Islam is practised by all Saudis and governs their personal, political,
economic and legal lives. Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and thus is visited by
millions of Muslims every year. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of
God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to
bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for
the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought
the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The
Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all
guidance in the religion.
Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn,
noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local
newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many
companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and
are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating,
drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to
fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the
breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the
night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses
operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.
Family Values
. The family and tribe are the basis of the social structure.
. As is seen in their naming conventions, Saudis are cognizant of their
heritage, their clan, and their extended family, as well as their nuclear
family.
. Saudis take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
. Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need
from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing
people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
Etiquette and Customs in Saudi
Meeting
Etiquette
. Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and
a kiss on each cheek.
. Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
. Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the
family.
. When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about
general things.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.
. If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank
you.
. Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give
them to her hostess.
. Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when
entertaining expatriates whom they do not know well. After some time you will
be invited to the home.
. Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are
included, they will be in separate rooms.
If you are invited to a Saudi's house:
. You would usually remove your shoes.
. Dress conservatively.
. Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not
crucial.
. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
. Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally
drink coffee.
. If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great
deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served.
Table manners
. If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one
knee..
. Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.
. Try a bit of everything that is served.
. Meals are generally served family-style.
. Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a
sheep's head so be prepared!
. There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and
generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
. There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the
food.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Relationships &
Communication
. You will need a Saudi sponsor (wakeel) to enter the country. The sponsor
acts as an intermediary and arranges appointments with appropriate
individuals.
. Saudis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures.
As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if
your personal space has been violated.
. Saudis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a
great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship
building.
. You must be patient.
. Since Saudis will most likely judge you on appearances, dress and
present yourself well.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month
in advance if at all possible.
. When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled
upon until you are physically in the country.
. Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
. You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom
to keep foreigners waiting.
. It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
. Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust
has been developed. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others
may wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but
do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new
person leaves.
. Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family,
etc. Never inquire about a Saudi's wife.
Business Negotiating
. Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.
. The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several
layers of approval. It takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
. Saudis are tough negotiators.
. Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking
person.
. Repeat your main points since it will be interpreted as meaning you are
telling the truth.
. Do not use high-pressure tactics.
. Decisions are easily overturned.
. When discussing price, Saudis will often make an initial offer that is
extremely low when they are buying. Conversely, when they are selling, their
initial offer will be extremely high.
. You may need to compromise on a point if someone's dignity is at
stake.
. There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive
acceptances, which may only mean 'perhaps'.
Dress Etiquette
. Most Saudis wear long white thobes. You would be expected to wear a
suit.
. Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
. Business women should make certain that their collarbones and knees are
covered and that their clothes are not form-fitting.
Business Cards
. Business cards are given to everyone you meet,
although it may be an idea to be selective if you have few in your possession.
. Have one side of your card translated into Arabic. Be sure to check the
translation carefully as there is often confusion with the order of western
names.
Useful Information and Links about Saudi Arabia
* Currency - the currency of Saudi is known as the Riyal.
Use the free currency
converter to compare to dollars, GBP or Euro.
* Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for Saudi.
* Translation Services - do you need an Arabic
Translation Service?
* News - check out all the latest Google
news on Saudi.
* Intercultural Know-how - use the Intercultural
Business Communication tool for tips on doing business in Saudi.
* Dialling Code - the international dialling code is +966.
* Time - Saudi is +3 hours GMT.
* History - read about the long and rich history of Saudi
Arabia.
* Management - for information about being a manager in Saudi
visit the free Management
in Saudi Arabia guide.
* Hotels - for accomodation see Hotels Reservations
in Saudi Arabia.
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