Introduction
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north; the Persian Gulf, Qatar, and the UAE to the east; Oman and Yemen to the south; and the Red Sea to the west. With a population of approximately 37 million (including roughly 13 million foreign residents), Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and the world’s largest oil exporter.
The country is undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, develop tourism, entertainment, and technology sectors, and modernize Saudi society. Since 2018, women have been permitted to drive, cinemas have reopened, mixed-gender entertainment events are now common, and the country is actively courting foreign investment and tourism. The business environment for international visitors has changed substantially and continues to evolve rapidly.
Despite these modernization efforts, Saudi Arabia remains governed by Islamic law (Sharia), and visitors must be aware that religious and cultural norms carry legal force. Alcohol is prohibited, public religious practice of non-Muslim faiths is restricted, and dress codes are enforced, though more relaxed than in previous decades.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia are subject to the same rigorous Islamic law as Saudis. It is not uncommon for Westerners to be imprisoned for possessing illegal substances such as alcohol, pornography, pork or narcotics. Thieves still have their hands amputated and capital crimes are punished by public beheadings.
Hofstede Analysis
Saudi Arabia scores very high on Power Distance (95), reflecting a society where hierarchical authority is absolute and expected. Leaders separate themselves from the group and issue directives; subordinates accept this as natural. Combined with high Uncertainty Avoidance (80), this produces an environment of strong central control with elaborate rules and procedures.
Individualism is very low (25), making Saudi Arabia a strongly Collectivist society. Family, tribe, and in-group loyalty are paramount, and business relationships are built on personal trust and mutual obligation rather than contractual formality. Masculinity (60) indicates a moderately competitive culture where status and achievement are valued.
Moderate Indulgence (52) reflects a society that is less restrained than might be expected — while public behavior is regulated by religious and social norms, private life and personal hospitality can be generous and warm. Low Long-Term Orientation (36) reflects the importance of tradition, established norms, and religious authority in guiding behavior.
Religion. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, and Islam is the official religion. Virtually the entire citizen population is Muslim, with the majority following the Sunni tradition (the Hanbali school of jurisprudence) and a Shia minority of approximately 10–15%, concentrated in the Eastern Province. The Kingdom is home to Islam’s two holiest cities — Mecca and Medina — and the Saudi government holds the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.” Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina. Public practice of religions other than Islam is prohibited, though private worship by non-Muslims is generally tolerated.
An Imam Explains Islam
By Imam Shamshad A. Nasir
Islam is the name of the religion that was founded 1,400 years ago by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, love and complete submission and obedience to God. There is no difference between Islam and Muslims. Islam is the religion that a Muslim follows, just as Christianity is the religion which a Christian follows.
A Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully obedient and submissive to the will of God.
Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world, promote love and make such examples of themselves that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.
The Holy Prophet of Islam has said that a true Muslim is one whose actions and words do not harm his fellow man.
Islamic Greetings. When Muslims greet each other, instead of saying “good morning” or “hello” they say “Assalamo Alaikum,” which means “May peace be upon you and may God’s blessings be with you.” This greeting makes a Muslim aware that he has to spread love and peace wherever he goes.
Attributes of God. There are many attributes of God, one being “AsSalam” meaning “the Bestower of peace and love.” Man has been created to fashion himself to the attributes of God and Muslims must try to adopt this attribute of God.
If someone calling himself a Muslim and a follower of the Holy Prophet does not promote peace and love in his actions and does not follow this teaching, he cannot be a true follower of the Holy Prophet.
A Muslim’s Prayers. Muslims pray five times a day, asking God for his love. They pray, “Oh God! You are Peace and from you, is Peace; Blessed are you, O Lord of Majesty and Bounty.”
The Religion of Islam. Islam is a religion from God for the whole of mankind and the name Islam was given to the Muslims by God himself in the Holy Quran. “This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion.” The Holy Quran has been sent for the guidance of mankind. It is full of wisdom and commands.
Appearance
body language
& gestures
- Never show bare shoulders, stomach, calves, or thighs.
- Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty; however, do not adopt native clothing. Traditional clothes on foreigners may be offensive.
- Despite the heat, most of the body must always remain covered.
- A jacket and tie are usually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt, preferably long-sleeved, buttoned up to the collar. Men should also avoid wearing visible jewelry, particularly around the neck.
- Women should always wear modest clothing in public. High necklines and sleeves at least to the elbows are expected. Hemlines, if not ankle-length, should be well below the knee. While dress requirements have relaxed somewhat since 2019, a look of modest concealment remains the expectation. A scarf should be kept handy, especially if entering a mosque.
Behavior
meetings &
general conduct
- It is common to remove your shoes before entering a building. Follow the lead of your host.
- Alcohol and pork are illegal.
- In the Muslim world, Friday is the day of rest.
- There are several styles of greetings used; it is best to wait for your counterpart to initiate the greeting. Men shake hands with other men. A businesswoman should wait for a man to offer his hand. A more traditional greeting between men involves grasping each other’s right hand, placing the left hand on the other’s right shoulder, and exchanging kisses on each cheek.
- The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for hygiene. Avoid gestures with the left hand. Do not point at another person and do not eat with the left hand.
- Men walking hand in hand is a sign of friendship.
- Try not to cross your legs when sitting. Never show the bottom of your feet.
- The “thumbs up” gesture is offensive.
- Gifts are not necessary, but appreciated. Avoid admiring an item too much — your host may feel obligated to give it to you. When offered a gift, it is impolite to refuse.
Communication
introductions &
conversation
- Do not discuss the subject of women in personal terms — not even to inquire about the health of a wife or daughter. The topic of Israel should also be avoided. Sports is an appropriate topic.
- Names are often confusing. It is best to get the names (in English) of those you will meet before arriving. Find out both their full names and how they are to be addressed in person.
- Communications occur at a slow pace. Do not feel obligated to speak during periods of silence. “Yes” usually means “possibly.”
- Your Saudi host may interrupt your meeting or conversation, leave the room and be gone for 15 to 20 minutes for the purpose of daily prayers.
- At a meeting, the person who asks the most questions is likely to be the least important. The decision maker is likely a silent observer.
- A customary greeting is salaam alaykum. Shaking hands and saying kaif halak comes next.
Resources
Government & Data
- Saudi Government PortalOfficial government services
- CIA World Factbook — Saudi ArabiaDemographics, economy, government
- U.S. Commercial Service — Saudi ArabiaTrade and market guidance
- Vision 2030Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan
News & Culture
- Arab NewsEnglish-language Saudi daily
- Al JazeeraRegional news coverage
- Visit SaudiOfficial tourism portal
Cultural Framework
- Cyborlink Hofstede ExplainerThe six-dimension model explained
- Hofstede Insights — Country ComparisonCompare Saudi Arabia scores with any nation
- Cyborlink Resource PageBooks, world press, language tools