The Saudi Arabia Business Travel Guide provides travellers with resources and tools to assist them on their business trips. The travel guide contains facts on Saudi Arabia, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. A good understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Saudi Arabia Guide
Quick Facts on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Saudi Arabia Map
Saudi Arabia Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Saudi Arabia Flights
Travel Insurance
Quick Facts on Saudi Arabia
Country: Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Capital: Riyadh
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SRIs)
Population: 24.5 Million
Area total: 2,000,000 sq km
Languages: Arabic (Official), English (business)
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Electricity: 110-220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 966
GDP: USD 443.6bn (2010)
Religion: Predominately Muslim
Political System: Monarchy
Internet Domain: .sa
Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Saudi Arabia. You can find more information on entry requirements for Saudi Arabia, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia. The information is updated on an ongoing basis making it a good resource for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest travel advice and information on Saudi Arabia. For more information please see: Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
All visitors apart from citizens from the GCC states are required to have a valid visa before they enter the country. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is conservative, it is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively. The usual greeting for meetings is with a handshake, business cards are exchanged afterwards, given they are usually given to all at the meeting make sure you have plentiful supply. Punctuality is important for meetings but do not be surprised if the hosts are running late, when in the meeting there may be interruptions. Business is done with people that are trusted and with whom a good business relationship has been established, this can take time to build up.
Meetings may involve a lot of small talk about one's family and general chat before getting done to business matters. There may be some tough negotiations before arriving at the agreed price. Businesses are on the whole run in hierarchical structures and quite bureaucratic thus it can take a long time to reach decisions, patience will be needed here. Personal space is deemed as less important than is the norm in most western countries, do not be alarmed if you feel people in your personal space.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Saudi Arabia each year for both business visitors and tourists go ahead without incident. Saudi Arabia has a relatively low crime rate, on the whole it is a safe place to visit. However you should be aware of petty theft and robbery especially in crowded areas, ensure that your valuables are put away from public view. There have been isolated attacks on foreigners and you should exercise caution bearing in mind the political and social situations in the country and region.
You should remain vigilant at all times and be aware of your surroundings and environment. It is advisable to be aware of public holidays and religious ones, businesses may be closed or operate for lesser hours during these periods. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, chewing and smoking in public are not permitted.
Travel Checklist: See our Holiday & Travel Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended to check with your GP to get the latest travel health advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.30 to 12.00 then 14.30 to 19.30 Saturday to Wednesday
For Shops
08.00/08.30 to 12.00 then 16.30 to 21.00/22.00 Saturday to Thursday (closed Friday, some may open in late afternoon).
For Banks:
08.30 to 12.00 then 17.00 to 19.00 Summer
08.30 to 12.00 then 16.30 to 16.30 Winter
NOTE: During Ramadan opening hours are subject to change. Opening times are subject to variation based on season and location in the country.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
August 19: Eid Al Fitr
September 23: National Day
November 26: Eid al Ada
NOTE: During Religious festivals government offices and businesses may be closed for up to 10 days.
Saudi Arabia Map
View Larger Map
Related Resources
Saudi Arabia Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
