Traditional Saudi Arabia

By: Alisha Duncan

Introduction• Saudi Arabia is located in

Asia• Monarchy headed by: King

Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz • Leading producer of oil

and natural gas• It is the birthplace of

Islam

Saudi Arabia Greetings• Arabs get very offended if not approached

formally• Most of the time, Arabs greet each other by

shaking hands. Greetin

g:

Ahlan wa sahlan

Sabah al-khayr

Masa al-khayr

Meaning:

Hello

Good morning/afternoo

n

Good evening

Reply:

Ahlan bik

Sabah an-nur

Masa an-nur

Saudi Arabia Dress• Men and boys wear the

thawb ▫ Long white dress that fits

loosely• The ghutra an iqal is a

headpiece

• Ladies wear the jallabia▫ Long dress with long

sleeves▫ Comes in different colors

• No skin shows except face and hands

Saudi’s Business Cards• Business cards exchanged

are usually printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other.

Saudi’s Business Introductions

•In Arabic, an individual is addressed by his or her first name, and any title they possess.

•Proper attire at business meetings is essential, as it is a sign of respect for the person with whom you are meeting.

•Business executives have little meetings to get to know each other before real business meetings.

Saudi Arabia Etiquette

•If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee.

•Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.

•Try everything•There is little conversation during meals

so that diners may relish the food •There is an abundance of food

Saudi’s gift giving Etiquette

•If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.

•Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.

•Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.

•Gifts are not opened when received.

Conclusion

•Saudi Arabia is very traditional in government, culture, customs, and more.

•Arabs are still more conservative today with dress and etiquette as in the past.

•Be very careful when visiting there so no one will be offended.

Arab fl

ag

Sources• www.studyabroad.com/saudi-arabia/map.html • https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-fact

book/geos/sa.html

• http://www.the-saudi.net/saudi-arabia/government.htm • http://www.topics-mag.com/internatl/dress-saudi-ar.ht

m•

http://www.justlanded.com/english/Saudi-Arabia/Saudi-Arabia-Guide/Culture/Social-Customs

• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/saudi-arabia-country-profile.html

• http://www.the-saudi.net/business-center/business-etiquette.htm