Saudi Arabia
Men should wear suits for business meetings and formal social occasions. Appointments are necessary. Visiting cards printed in English with an Arab translation are usually exchanged. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and on signs and notices, making it easy for the non-Arabic speaker to live and work in the Kingdom. Modern Saudi Arabia has adopted many of the business methods and styles of the West, but some differences remain. Most important is that business will only be conducted after a degree of trust and familiarity has been established. Considerable time may be spent exchanging courtesies, and several visits may be needed to secure business. Business visitors should arrange their itineraries to allow for long meetings, as traditional Saudis often maintain an "open office" in which they will sign papers, take telephone calls, and converse with friends or colleagues who drop by. Tea, soft drinks, and traditional Saudi coffee are usually offered. One to three cups of Saudi coffee should be taken for politeness, after which the cup should be wiggled between thumb and forefinger when returning it to the server to indicate that you have finished.
Office hours are typically 0900-1300 and 1630-2000 Saturday to Thursday (Ramadan 2000-0100), with some regional variation (eg Dhahran offices: 0700-1130 and 1300-1430 Saturday to Wednesday). Government office hours are 0730-1430 Saturday to Wednesday. Saudi companies usually close for two hours in the afternoon and remain open through the early evening.
Note: Prior to the execution of a final contract, some business persons and contract employees of Saudi companies have obtained an independent translation of the Arabic-language contract, to ensure a full understanding of all terms, limits and agreements, because the Arabic version usually governs under Saudi law. Settlement of disputes depends on the type of agreement and the agency involved. If the Saudi party in a business dispute files a complaint with the Saudi authorities, Saudi law permits barring the exit of the foreign party from the country until the dispute is settled.
Travelers to Saudi Arabia should note that there is evidence that hotel rooms have been monitored in Saudi Arabia and should be discreet in discussing sensitive business matters.
Crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Saudi Arabia. However, private Saudi citizens who perceive that conservative standards of conduct are not being observed by a foreigner may harass, pursue, or assault the person. The occasional burglary is the only common criminal activity that occurs in the kingdom that is likely to affect expatriates, and is usually traced back to household help or temporary workers who have been in the house recently. Assault and robberies are extremely rare. Nevertheless, serious crime in Saudi Arabia does occur from time to time as Saudis and foreign workers have been beheaded for rape and other major crimes. Civil unrest and disorder in this tightly regulated society are virtually unknown.
If you should need to contact the police, they can be reached at 999. However, the caller should have an Arabic speaker available to translate, as English skills among the rank and file police officers are rare.
Four and five star hotel accommodations are readily available in the major business centers, and many of the better restaurants are located in the hotels. Accommodation is generally easy to find, except during the pilgrim season when advance reservations are recommended.
Housing for expatriate employees residing in the Kingdom is usually provided by the employer or through a housing allowance given to the employee. The major cities offer a wide variety of houses and apartments for rents considered high by U.S. metropolitan standards. Most Western expatriates live in housing compounds that provide additional services such as cable television, recreation facilities, childcare, limousine services for women (who are not allowed to drive in the Kingdom), and security.
A sophisticated telecommunications network and satellite, microwave and cable systems span the country. Full telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 966 and the outgoing international code is 00. Major hotels provide fax facilities. Modern communication facilities are available including telephone, fax, telex, and courier services. In addition, a number of agreements have already been signed between various U.S. Internet service providers and Saudi companies to launch the service in Saudi Arabia. Use of private satellite communication transponders is not allowed. Facsimile machines are heavily utilized in the conduct of business. A cellular phone system based on the GSM standard is operational, while radiophones are restricted. The Government is embarking on a large-scale telecommunication upgrade program, and the shortage is expected to be resolved by the end of 2002.
Electricity is 125/215 volts AC, 50/60Hz.
127/220 volts AC, 60Hz.
A,B,C,G
Local food is often strongly flavored and spicy. The most common meats are lamb and chicken, beef is rare and pork is proscribed under Islamic law. The main meat meal of the day is lunch. Foreign cooking is on offer in larger towns and the whole range of international cuisine, including fast food, is available in the oil-producing Eastern Province and in Jeddah.
Things to know: Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan will incur strict penalties. Restaurants have table service. There are no bars. Alcohol is forbidden by law, and there are severe
penalties for infringement; it is important to note that this applies to all nationals regardless of religion. National specialties:
• The staple diet is pitta bread (flat, unleavened bread) which accompanies every dish.
• Rice, lentils, chick peas (hummus) and cracked wheat (burghul) are also common.
• Kultra (chicken or lamb on skewers) is popular for lunch.
• Kebabs served with soup and vegetables.
• Mezze, the equivalent of hôrs d’oeuvres, may include up to 40 dishes.
• Arabic cakes, cream desserts and rice pudding (muhalabia).National drinks:
• Arabic coffee and fruit drinks are popular alternatives to alcohol.
• Alcohol-free beers and cocktails are served in hotel bars. Tipping:
The practice of tipping is becoming much more common and waiters, hotel porters and taxi drivers should be given 10 per cent.Nightlife
Apart from restaurants and hotels there is no nightlife in the Western sense.
