Saudi Arabia

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Country guide

Saudi Arabia Business etiquette and meeting customs

Asia/Riyadh

What kind of meeting?

Moderate punctuality

A few minutes late is tolerated, but let people know if you'll be later.

Meeting Culture

Recommended duration60+ min
Communication StyleFormal, hierarchical
Greeting StyleSalaam and handshake (same gender)

Daily Schedule

Work Hours08:00 – 17:00
Breakfast07:00 – 08:00
Lunch12:00 – 13:30
Dinner21:00 – 23:00
Sleep23:00 – 06:00

Tips for Meetings

For the kind of meeting you chose above.

Dress Code

Business formal, thobe/kandura accepted

Tone

Formal, hierarchical, patient

  • ·Respect prayer times — meetings pause for salat
  • ·Arabic coffee and dates are a traditional meeting ritual
  • ·Weekend is Friday-Saturday — avoid scheduling then
  • ·Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing objects — the left hand is considered impolite

General Tips

  • ·Meetings may start late — but arrive on time yourself
  • ·Respect prayer times strictly
  • ·Business over Arabic coffee and dates is traditional
  • ·Weekend is Friday-Saturday

Cultural Notes

  • ·Weekend is Friday-Saturday
  • ·Prayer times affect schedule

Meeting someone from Saudi Arabia?

Find the best time

Cultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.

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