Saudi Arabia

A presentation highlighting key cultural aspects of Saudi Arabia to consider from a business standpoint.

Transcript

1. S AU D I A R A B I A Blake Doman
2. OV E RV I E W • Population – 36.95 million • Capital – Riyadh • Language – Arabic • Religion – Islam
3. G E O G R A P H Y • Largest country in the Middle East, located on the Arabian Peninsula • Borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Yemen • Red Sea and Persian Gulf • Mainly desert terrain with some mountains and plains • Climate is extremely hot and dry • There are 13 provinces • Capital city Riyadh in the Al Riyadh province
4. E C O N O M Y • Oil-based market economy • GDP – 1.068 trillion USD • Currency – Saudi Riyal • Imports – machinery, cars, gold • Exports – oil, plastics, metals • Trade Partners – China, India, Japan, South Korea, United States
5. P O L I T I C S • Operates under an absolute monarchy • Current leader is Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (pictured) • Prime minister and crown prince • Lacks a separate legislation • Threats of terrorism depending on location • Stemming from conflict with Yemen • Ongoing proxy conflict with Iran
6. C U LT U R E • Heavily influenced by Islam • Traditional values and family-oriented • Modernized and industrialized • Conservative dress code • Pork and alcohol are avoided • Popular dishes are shawarma and kebabs • Coffee is a common beverage
7. B U S I N E S S E T I Q U E T T E • Hierarchical society • Respect for elders and authority • Greet with a handshake, eye contact and a smile • Wait for women to initiate contact • Attire should be modest • Importance of business cards • Uncommon to exchange gifts
8. B U S I N E S S E T I Q U E T T E I I • Meetings are somewhat laid back • Polychronic time • Planning should occur about a month in advance • Greet colleagues in hierarchical order • Avoid aggressiveness during negotiations • Saudis are generally more direct • Repeat your arguments • Follow up and accept social invitations
9. T H A N K YO U ! Q U E S T I O N S ?
10. S O U RC E S • https://www.britannica.com/place/Saudi-Arabia/Economy • https://www.saudiembassy.net/economy-global- trade#:~:text=Saudi%20Arabia%20exports%20petrochemicals%2C%20plastics,cities%20in%20major%20urban %20centers • https://oec.world/en/profile/country/sau%23%3A~%3Atext%3DTrade%2520In%2520February%25202023% 252C%2520the%2C87B • https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/saudi-arabian-culture/saudi-arabian-culture-core- concepts#:~:text=The%20Saudi%20people%20generally%20share,also%20highly%20modernised%20and%20in dustrialised • https://www.britannica.com/place/Saudi-Arabia/Daily-life-and-social-customs • https://cibtvisas.com/blog/business-etiquette-saudi-arabia