When you decide to pursue foreign business, travel will become a regular routine. If your next corporate travel location is Saudi Arabia, you need to be prepared for a profitable and effective trip. That requires some knowledge of the subject.
Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of commercial options. Therefore, you may have had many compelling reasons to pick this location for your company’s growth operations. So, before you make your business trip to Saudi Arabia, you may want to receive some recommendations.
Saudi Travel Regulatory Frame Work
Have you arranged for an e-visa and prepared all of the necessary documents? You must consider other crucial travel restrictions before embarking on your visit to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia adheres to traditional Islamic customs. This requires you to wear gently, with clothes that cover your head, arms, and legs properly. If you’re visiting Saudi with your partner, prevent public displays of romance since it’s not permitted. You’ll also need to follow local conventions and traditions, such as not criticizing the royal family and honoring prayer hours. We’ll go into more depth about these things later.
The most essential aspect is to consider your travel insurance for safe traveling. It’s not a liability but it ensures security when visiting a new location. This travel insurance coverage provides accidental and medical coverage and gives you confidence while traveling.
Make sure that you have taken proper vaccinations before traveling to avoid inconvenience for health issues.
Consider Your Travel Plans, Budget, and Currency Exchange
Stay informed of currency exchange rates prior to booking a business trip to Saudi Arabia. You have to see what your cash is worth in Saudi Riyals.
Advance research for budget planning is effective, such as hotel prices, transit options, meals, sightseeing spots, shopping expenses, and more. Calculate and make an itinerary according to your interests and budget. Don’t worry about overspending on the trip. You may opt for lower-price options and buy souvenirs for gifts from local streets and open markets to save more.
All of this can be quite readily obtained in Saudi Arabia, supposing you possess an interest in moving out and indulging in additional spending; you may dwell in five-star hotels, eat at gourmet restaurants, buy high-end goods, arrange private excursions, or rent a luxury automobile for a tailored vacation experience.
Consider Your Dressing Style According to Saudi Cultural Values
Saudi Arabia is the hub of Islam and possesses strict Islamic regulations in the region. You need to recognize the local rules and cultural norms to avoid inconvenience. Dressing properly and covering heads, arms, legs, and shoulders is mandatory in the country. Non-Muslims may not need to wear dresses like others but must cover their heads and legs and respect local traditions. Men and women must be dressed adequately and avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and exposing their body parts in public, showing disrespect.
But what then about swimsuits? It is generally acceptable to don swimsuits at private hotel pools or beaches; however, dressing in revealing swimsuits outdoors is absolutely not acceptable in Saudi Arabia. Opt for more modest swimsuit options wherever possible.
Note that the degree to which dress codes are practiced is location-dependent. To avoid inconvenience, dress modestly and obey the regional dress code requirements for Saudi Arabian business trips.
Consider Basic Arabic Language for Smooth Communication
Although English is commonly spoken in Saudi Arabia, making an effort to learn and utilize simple Arabic phrases. It will help you connect more effectively and show respect for the local culture throughout your stay. Learning basic Arabic phrases and terms will help you establish great relationships with the locals. You should also strive to master figures since they are useful in daily transactions if you want to purchase in Saudi Arabia and require bargaining on costs. It’s also an excellent idea to study the names of the places you want to visit and the landmarks you want to see!
Polite and Respectful Attitude to Meet the Social Values
In Saudi Arabia, it is a local custom to meet people gently and pleasantly. When greeting someone, use the proper response for the time of day. Address persons with titles and suitable titles. When talking with Saudi Arabians, be aware of nonverbal signs. However, avoid lengthy eye contact between completely unrelated men and women since this may be deemed improper. Maintain a comfortable and welcoming tone during interactions.
Avoid employing hand gestures while speaking, particularly those that are unknown or possibly objectionable to the local culture. Thumbs up and peace gestures are widely understood. However, verbal communication is preferred whenever feasible.
Learning the Arabic language can be difficult for foreigners. You may approach dialogues with a polite attitude, particularly when talking about your considerations or understanding others. Adopting the Arabic language will make your trip more convenient and memorable!
In addition to wearing gently, there are a few do’s and don’ts to observe for a successful business trip to Saudi Arabia:
Avoid public demonstrations of romance. This is deemed improper and offensive. Unrelated men and women should avoid making physical contact in public.
Avoid criticizing Islam or the royal family, as it’s considered an unlawful act in the Kingdom.
Respect religious customs. Saudi Arabia is the home of Islam; observe prayer hours, prevent disturbances at mosques, and do not approach prayer areas unless you are Muslim.
Respect gender isolation according to religious rules in KSA. Most public facilities in Saudi Arabia have distinct zones for men and women. You must respect the specified places and follow any gender division standards.
Non-Muslims must beware during the holy month of Ramadan and avoid eating and drinking in public places.
Avoid taking pictures of sensitive places, unrelated women, and government buildings. You can acquire special permissions for photography if required.
Avoid scheduling business events or conferences on Fridays, as it’s the holy day for Jumma prayers in the region.
While traveling to Saudi Arabia for business, you may consider these precautions and show a respectful attitude towards religious concerns and local customs for a smooth trip.
Conclusion
To conclude, traveling to Saudi Arabia requires a careful mix of preparation and respect for the country’s unique cultural and traditional values. Navigating the visa procedure, adopting local traditions, dressing carefully, and successfully communicating via gestures and conversation are all necessary for a rewarding trip experience in Saudi Arabia. Indulging yourself in the natural splendor of the terrain and connecting with the kindness of its people will allow you to make lasting memories while also promoting an ongoing dialogue of appreciation and comprehension.