Working in Saudi Arabia
Over the past 21 years CCL Recruitment International has provided thousands of candidates to Saudi Arabia. This page is designed to give some basic information on what it is like to live and work in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate.
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 Facts and Statistics Location: The Middle East |
Saudi Arabian Business Culture
- Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.
- Men and women would not greet each other in public if from outside the family.
- When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
- 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.
- 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.
- Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in advance if at all possible.
- 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.
Housing in Saudi Arabia for Expatriates
The majority of our opportunities in Saudi include housing in the remuneration package, or a housing allowance. Expatriates live together in various villages or communities. The pictures above are an example of such a village.
