Business Etiquette in Saudi Arabia: Mistakes Foreign Investors Make

The etiquette and working-culture mistakes that slow down foreign investors in Saudi Arabia, and what to do instead in meetings and negotiations.

Saudi business culture values relationships, respect and personal trust, and it has changed quickly with a younger, internationally educated generation in senior roles. Most etiquette mistakes are not dramatic; they are small signals of haste or disrespect that slow down a relationship. Knowing a few norms around meetings, hospitality, hierarchy and timing makes you easier to work with.

Why these keep happening

Foreign investors often bring the pace of their home market: short meetings, a quick move to terms, and email as the main channel. In the Kingdom, decisions frequently depend on trust built over several meetings, on the view of senior figures who may not be at the table, and on communication by phone and messaging as much as email. The mismatch shows up as delay, which investors then misread as disinterest.

1. Rushing to the deal

Investors push for terms in the first meeting.

• Avoid it by: Using first meetings to establish the relationship and the fit, and following up patiently.
• Proof it is closed: A second meeting requested by the other side.

What it costs you: A counterpart who feels pressured and slows down.

2. Declining hospitality abruptly

Coffee, dates or tea are offered and refused without thought.

• Avoid it by: Accepting at least a small cup, and following the lead of your host.
• Proof it is closed: Meetings that begin comfortably.

What it costs you: A small but real sign of coldness.

3. Misreading greetings

Foreign visitors are unsure how to greet, especially across genders.

• Avoid it by: Waiting to see whether a handshake is offered, especially with women, and using titles until invited not to.
• Proof it is closed: Greetings that follow the other person lead.

What it costs you: Awkwardness that could easily be avoided.

4. Ignoring prayer times and the week

Meetings are scheduled across prayer times or on Friday.

• Avoid it by: Scheduling Sunday to Thursday, checking prayer times and allowing flexibility around them.
• Proof it is closed: Meetings held as planned.

What it costs you: Cancelled or shortened meetings.

5. Relying only on email

Investors wait for email replies while counterparts prefer calls or messaging.

• Avoid it by: Asking how the other side prefers to communicate, and following up by phone where appropriate.
• Proof it is closed: Faster responses once the preferred channel is used.

What it costs you: Days lost waiting for responses that were never going to come by email.

6. Criticising publicly

Direct criticism of a person in front of others, common in some cultures, is taken badly.

• Avoid it by: Raising concerns privately and respectfully, focusing on the issue.
• Proof it is closed: Problems resolved without loss of goodwill.

What it costs you: Damage to a relationship that is hard to repair.

A short check before you sign

• Have I allowed time for relationship-building before pushing terms?
• Are meetings scheduled around the working week and prayer times?
• Do I know how each counterpart prefers to communicate?
• Is the right senior person involved on my side?
• Have I checked dress and greeting norms for the setting?

If it has already happened

If a relationship has cooled, ask a trusted local colleague or adviser what went wrong, since the other side may not tell you directly. A respectful follow-up, a visit in person and a senior person from your side can often reset things. Avoid pressing harder, which usually deepens the problem.

Domira works with foreign investors on the property side of entering Saudi Arabia: finding land or premises, due diligence, design, construction and asset management. For licensing, tax and legal steps, work with a licensed adviser; we coordinate with yours so the property decision fits the structure you choose.