Intercultural Business Etiquette

Saudi Arabia
Note:
• If you are not a Muslim, you may not enter Saudi Arabia without an
invitation and you may not leave without an exit permit.
• 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.
• The country uses capital and corporal punishment: thieves still have
their hands amputated and capital crimes are punished by public
beheadings.
• Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty. Never
show bare shoulders, arms, stomach, calves or thighs. Men should
wear long pants and a shirt buttoned up to the collar. Men should
also avoid wearing visible jewelry, particularly around the neck.
Women should always wear modest clothing. High necklines, sleeves
at least to the elbows, and hemlines well below the knees are
required. A look of baggy concealment is the goal. Pants/ pant suits
are not recommended. It is a good idea to keep a scarf handy.
• According to Saudi law, when in public all women must wear a long
cloak called an abaya (burkha) which covers the whole body and
head. In addition they must wear a head scarf which covers the hair
completely. Foreign women are expected to obey this law.
• Women in Saudi Arabia are not permitted to drive vehicles.