Doing Business In Saudi Arabia - Bna

Language Return to top
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business
and some signs and notices. Most road signs are in Arabic, while major highways and
streets display road signs in both Arabic and English.
Health Return to top
The quality of health care is variable, ranging from excellent to poor depending on the
region, hospital, and specialty. Most Western expatriates find it adequate for routine
care and minor surgery. In recent years, however, medical care has evolved in Saudi
Arabia with all sorts of sophisticated treatments, such as open-heart surgery, kidney
transplants and cancer treatment, being undertaken. Only a few drugs available in the
U.S. are not available in Saudi Arabia. Many local hospitals and healthcare
companies are vying to tie up with U.S. healthcare providers. In 2005, the Cleveland
Clinic set up a joint venture medical center in Jeddah, the International Medical Center,
which will work on several joint initiatives including E-Health, Teleconferencing,
Consultations and Continuing Education programs.
The latest World Health Organization data reveal that Saudi Arabia’s per capita health
expenditures stood at $578 in 2003, while total healthcare expenditures represent
close to three percent of GDP at current prices in 2007. A yellow fever certificate is
required from travelers coming from infected countries. A Meningitis vaccine is also
required from incoming travelers, especially during the annual Pilgrimage ritual.
There is a Malaria risk throughout the year in most of the Southern Region and in
certain rural areas of the Western Region, except for Mecca and Medina.
Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays Return to top
Saudi Arabia’s time zone is GMT+03:00. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country that
requires strict adherence to Islamic principles. Five times a day Muslims are obliged to
pray in the direction of the holy city, Mecca. The prayer times are published in the
newspaper and come at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Stores and
restaurants close for approximately one-half hour at these times. When staging
promotional events or product demonstrations, one must anticipate these prayer
breaks.
Business hours vary in different parts of the country. Saudi companies usually close
for two hours in the afternoon and remain open throughout the early evening. Retail
stores close for the noon prayer and reopen around 4:00 P.M.
The normal workweek runs from Saturday through Wednesday, with many companies
also working a half or full day on Thursday. Friday is the Muslim holiday.
5/13/2008