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Higher Education in Qatar  

The education system in Qatar is managed by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE).   

The academic year is divided into two semesters, with the Autumn semester from September to November and the Spring semester from January to April, with exams in December and May. 

English is the taught language in most universities and international students must show a high level of English to be accepted into the programme.   

Universities in Qatar charge tuition fees, which vary depending on the institution and course. The Qatar Foundation is the main source of student loans and scholarship funding, although some students now choose to take out a private education loan. 

Regarding scholarships, some are only available to Qatari nationals, but private universities and scholarship funds can offer support to international students.

Qatar University is the top local higher education institute, with several colleges in law, medicine, science, and engineering to name a few.      

International students can also work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, but this is limited to on-campus work, as to work off-campus you need a separate visa which can be hard to obtain.   

In Al Rayyan, Education City was launched in 2003, under the umbrella of the not-for-profit Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development organisation.

It is a vast campus hosting the country’s international university branch campuses, along with research facilities, housing and more.

Offering study in branch campuses from America, England, and France, such as Cornell University, Georgetown University, Carnegie Mellon, University College London and HEC Paris.   

Courses 

Qatar University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses within its 7 colleges. The various international universities offer a range of programs including degrees, diplomas and short course qualifications between them; however, some specialise in a particular area of study or type of course.

Detailed information is available through the universities’ websites. 

Research 

As well as being committed to improving education standards, part of the Qatar Foundation’s vision is the development of world-class research facilities.

The Foundation helps to support the Qatar National Research Fund, which administers several funding programmes and grants for academics and is a very useful resource for people seeking research opportunities in Qatar. 

PhD Programmes in Qatar  

There are a select number of PhD offered in Qatar by the local universities such as medicine, humanities, philosophy and science. The cost of a PhD programme depends on the university as well as the specific course but expect to pay between QAR1,800 and QAR6,000 per credit hour.   

Admission requirements are similar to undergraduate degrees regarding proficiency in the English language, with the added requisite of a strong academic record and a master’s degree.

Research experience is also preferred.   

Geographical variation

The standard of living is reputedly very high in Qatar, and with extremely low unemployment rates it’s believed that virtually none of the population lives below the poverty line.

Doha is considered to be one of the richest and most modern cities in the world but the cost of living there is relatively modest compared to similar cities around the world.

This is not necessarily because prices are low, but because the lack of taxation and generous utility subsidies mean that people have more disposable income and better purchasing power.

Accommodation costs can be significantly higher in Doha compared to other cities in Qatar.

Accommodation

Foreign nationals have only recently been allowed to purchase property in Qatar, and there are still restrictions on where expats are allowed to buy. As a result, most foreigners continue to rent property instead, with rents estimated to account for around a third of expat expenditure.

The most desirable properties tend to be on secure compounds which have shared communal facilities and public spaces. It is fairly common for companies to arrange accommodation for their international employees, but if you are renting privately you will find that Qatari law offers good regulation of the landlord-tenant relationship.

Rents are capped, but you often have to pay estate agent fees on top.

Rental Deposit

Deposits in Qatar are typically one month’s rent and are usually returned at the end of the lease providing that there has been no damage to the property. Some expats are alarmed to find that landlords ask for a whole year’s rent up front in the form of post-dated cheques, but this is a very common system in Qatar as banks will usually refuse to cash cheques before their date.

Property tax

There are no property rates or taxes to pay in Qatar.

Utilities

Electricity and water supply are provided by the state-run Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, better known as Kahramaa. Tariffs are subsidised so they appear very cheap compared to many countries, but remember that air-conditioning in summer months will soon increase your electricity bill.

Telephone, internet and pay TV packages are provided by Ooredoo, which also offers mobile phone services in competition with Vodafone.

TV licence

There is no fee for owning a TV in Qatar, and television programming is available in several languages. However, most expats pay extra to access more channels in their native language.

Healthcare and medical costs

Non-Qataris who hold residency status in the country are entitled to apply for a health card. The card costs QR100 (≈£21.34), but it allows you to access subsidised healthcare and prescriptions through state-run medical facilities, so it can be excellent value for money.

The quality of care is generally very good but service can be slow, so some expats prefer to use private medical centres. This is a growing service area in Qatar and can be very expensive, but many employers offer private medical insurance as part of their benefits package.

Shopping

Doha has a great selection of shopping malls and obtaining designer goods and branded products is not usually a problem. However, as almost everything is imported, the price of goods can be very expensive.

This includes food and grocery shopping, with just a small choice of local produce available at lower prices. Alcohol is also very expensive.

VAT

There is no value-added tax charged in Qatar. The only tax levied on services is the 10% service tax and 5% government levy on restaurant and hotel bills, while goods imported for resale are subject to import tax.

Price guide

• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre – QR6,577.50 (≈£1,403.64) per month
• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre – QR3,998.68 (≈£853.32) per month
• Price of apartment in city centre – QR17,214.29 (≈£3,673.53) per square metre
• Price of apartment outside city centre – QR 13,785.71 (≈£2,941.87) per square metre
• Loaf of bread – QR5.37 (≈£1.15)
• Milk (1 litre) – QR7.30 (≈£1.56)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – QR1.93 (≈£0.41)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – QR50.00 (≈£10.67)
• Packet of cigarettes – QR24.00 (≈£5.12)
• Petrol (1 litre) – QR2.06 (≈£0.44)
• Cinema ticket – QR45.00 (≈£9.60)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed July 2023)

Driving

Qatar has a good system of modern roads and well-maintained highways, and the extraordinarily cheap price of fuel makes driving a very attractive option. However, driving standards can be erratic, so drivers who are new to Qatar are advised to be cautious.

In Qatar, you can learn to drive at the age of 18 and you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Unlike some countries in the Middle East, there are no restrictions on women driving.

Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy in relation to drinking and driving, and if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol you are likely to be arrested, fined and banned immediately. Driving without insurance is also illegal.

For short visits, foreign nationals may be allowed to drive on a valid licence issued in their home country or apply for a temporary Qatari licence for up to three months.

People who hold an international driving permit can drive on it for up to six months, but if you intend to stay for longer or take up permanent residency you must apply for a Qatari driving licence and will usually have to take the country’s driving test.

If you want to take your car with you to Qatar, be aware that any motor vehicle that is over five years old cannot be imported to the country.

Many expats choose to buy cars in Qatar, and the large transient workforce in the country means there can be some really good deals on used cars as people leaving the country sell theirs on.

If you buy a new or used car, you will need to register your ownership and renew it on an annual basis.

Taxis and limousines

The state-owned public transport operator Mowasalat operates a fleet of distinctive turquoise-coloured taxis across Qatar under the brand name ‘Karwa’.

These reasonably-priced metered taxis can be pre-booked, hailed in the street or found at taxi ranks in all the main towns, or for a more luxurious experience, the same company also offers a limousine service.

Tipping is considered optional in Qatar.

Buses

Mowasalat is also responsible for the bus network that was introduced in 2005. Providing public routes and school services, the air-conditioned buses are very modern and comfortable to travel in.

Bus services now connect most towns and offer a cheap and convenient way of getting around, with the Faresaver card a popular option for regular travellers.

Trains

Qatar currently has no rail infrastructure. Early development work is in progress for the construction of a railway network, with the first phases scheduled for completion in 2019.

Underground rail

Although there is no underground railway in operation at the moment, the ambitious Doha Metro project aims to give Qatar’s capital a four-line underground metro system in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Air travel

Qatar has two international airports: Doha International Airport and the new Hamad International Airport. Hamad International opened in 2014 and most major airlines serving Qatar are in the process of transferring their services to this modern new hub.

Good connections are available to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia, but Qatar’s small size and lack of domestic airfields mean there are no internal commercial flights within the country.

Other ways to get around

Water taxis offer an alternative way to travel in Qatar’s coastal areas and out to its island territories. Although not a primary form of transport, they are a novel way to miss the traffic in Doha and provide a different way to see The Pearl-Qatar artificial island. Mowasalat plans to expand its water taxi operation over the next few years.

Working in Qatar  

The working week in Qatar is Sunday to Thursday, but the times worked vary. Office-based companies normally work from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, but banks and schools often start and finish earlier, while shops have a break in the middle of the day.

Under Qatari labour laws, the maximum working time allowed each week without overtime pay is 48 hours and employees are entitled to at least one day off – usually Friday or Saturday. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, hours are reduced to 36 per week.  

Arabic is the main language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken as the international language of Qatar’s cosmopolitan business community. When doing business, it is useful to have your documentation printed in both Arabic and English and learning a few phrases of Arabic always gives a good impression even if your contacts speak fluent English.    

Holidays in Qatar

Full-time workers are legally entitled to paid annual leave after one year of continuous service. The minimum allowed is three weeks of leave, rising to four weeks after five years of service, although there are more restrictions on when you can take your holiday than in some countries.

Paid sick leave and maternity leave are also defined within the law and may be granted depending on your length of service. Muslims are also entitled to take two weeks of unpaid pilgrimage leave once in their working life to observe the Hajj.

Public holidays in Qatar

The main public holidays in Qatar are the religious festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the dates of which depend on sightings of the moon. Other public holidays may also be granted on a local level, so it’s best to check with your employer.

Business Etiquette in Qatar  

Status and wealth are very important in Qatari culture, with senior managers commanding a high level of authority and respect. This is reflected in the typically hierarchical structure of Qatari-owned businesses, where decision-making is usually top-down.

However, some international businesses operating in Qatar may operate a flatter organisational structure.  

Management in Qatar can appear quite dictatorial because of the tendency to defer to senior people. Although they may be asked to contribute an opinion or idea, once a decision is made employees are given clear instructions and expected to follow them to the letter.

The pace of decision-making may sometimes be slower than in other countries, but efficiency is valued in the workplace.  

Qataris can be quite formal, so you will be addressed by title before moving to a first-name basis. Some visitors find the use of given names, ancestral names and family names confusing to begin with, so if in doubt ask what the person prefers to be known as.

With high-profile contacts, it may be appropriate to use their Arabic titles such as ‘Sheikh’ or ‘Hajji’. If you are offered a business card, show your respect by looking at it carefully then either keeping hold of it or placing it on the table in front of you rather than putting it away.  

Enthusiastic greetings are important to Qataris, so take the time to make a good impression. Greet the most senior person first, and always use your right hand to shake hands.

Handshakes can last longer than usual as Qataris are generally quite tactile. When greeting a Muslim woman, wait to see if you are offered a handshake rather than initiating physical contact yourself.  

Strong relationships are central to Qatari business culture, so take the time to get to know the people you meet. Don’t expect to talk business at the first meeting – initial contacts often feel more like a social occasion than a business event, but the purpose will be relationship development.

It is common practice to give a gift when meeting a contact for the first time, chocolate, sweet or perfume is a suitable gift, avoid alcohol or anything related to pigs.   

While some businesspeople in Qatar wear traditional Arab business dress, the high proportion of international businesses operating there means most wear Western clothing.

However, both men and women need to dress conservatively in respect of Islamic customs.  

Qataris are quite relaxed on punctuality, so while it’s best to turn up on time for meetings, don’t necessarily expect the same from your contacts.

If someone arrives late it should not be taken as a sign of disrespect or disinterest as it will not be intended as such.   

Qatar is liberal compared with other countries in the Middle East, but you should still be respectful of local culture and beliefs.

Be aware of your body language as pointing with your finger and showing the soles of your shoes can both be considered rude.  

Eligibility to Work in Qatar  

With large numbers of foreign nationals working in Qatar, there is a comprehensive system of visas and work permits in place.

To live and work in the country you will need to apply for a residency permit with the support of a sponsor. Once you have a job offer, your employer will usually sponsor your application.

If you want to move jobs your sponsor will need to give their consent, and they will also have control over your transit in and out of the country.  

To find out more about visas, see the Ministry of Interior’s website.   

System structure

Educational reform has been encouraged by the Saudi government as part of their Saudization employment initiative. Public education is free to all Saudi citizens through school (administered by the Ministry of Education) and university (the Ministry of Higher Education). The state school system is not usually accessible to foreign nationals, leading many parents to place their children at private international schools.

Academic year

The school year in Saudi Arabia typically runs from September through to June and consists of either two or three terms depending on the type of school. The day usually begins early and ends early, so working parents may need to make childcare arrangements for the afternoons.

Higher education

As the standards of education in Saudi schools have increased, so has the demand for university places and in response the Saudi Arabian government has opened a number of new establishments in recent years. The creation of private universities has also been encouraged to take some of the pressure off government universities. International students are welcome at Saudi universities, but it is fairly rare for the children of expats to continue into higher education in the country, particularly given that when boys turn 18 they are no longer covered by their father’s Iqama.

Funding

While Saudis are funded through university, foreign nationals must pay their way. The government does offer some scholarships to non-Saudis, although some of these offers may be subject to the student passing an Arabic exam.

Courses

Universities in Saudi Arabia typically offer associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates. Courses last for different lengths of time depending on the qualification level and subject. Undergraduate courses usually last four years, but some subjects may take up to six years. Although many institutions are segregated and there are some limitations on the types of course that women can take, enrolment rates for females are high and there are now some mixed universities.

Research

Research is a growing area for Saudi universities and is attracting considerable investment. For most information, consult the relevant university directly.

School education

State primary education begins at the age of 6 and lasts for six years, before three years of intermediate education and three years at secondary school. The curriculum is religious with teaching almost entirely conducted in Arabic and schools are segregated by gender. Exams are taken every two years to monitor progress. At secondary level, children have the option to go down a general educational route or to attend a more technical or vocational establishment. International schools tend to follow the structure of their home curriculum and offer qualifications to the same framework.

Preschool and childcare options

Preschool education is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia, but it is popular with Saudi families and expats alike and is increasingly viewed as an important period in a child’s development. Some employers provide dedicated pre-schools or crèches for the children of their employees as private enrolment can be very expensive. Alternatively, some families chose to hire a full-time nanny as labour rates are low and this can sometimes be the most cost-effective form of childcare.

Geographical variation

Typically the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is more expensive in the cities and suburbs. Although the country is reputed to have a low cost of living, prices for most goods are not really as low as they seem (with fuel being the notable exception). While locally-sourced produce is cheap, imported goods can be quite expensive. However, with low taxes, less entertainment facilities to spend money on and employers often subsidising housing or living costs, foreign nationals typically find their spending power goes up considerably compared to home.

Accommodation

The majority of foreigners in Saudi Arabia live in expat compounds, but this is not compulsory. Although foreign nationals are no longer banned from buying property in Saudi Arabia, it is not common practice as various permits are required and renting is usually a more cost-efficient option. Because most foreign workers are sponsored by their employer, many companies will arrange accommodation as part of the employment package, at least on a short-term basis. If not, a relocation allowance or the services of a relocation consultant may be offered instead. The transient nature of the expat population means some landlords will only deal with a local contact, so speak to your sponsor before searching for your own accommodation.

Rental deposit

A deposit of one month’s rent is usually requested as security in addition to the first monthly payment. However, some landlords will ask for advance payment of six months’ or even a year’s rent. In these situations, employers will normally cover the cost and enable you to pay monthly rent back to them.

Property tax

In some regions there is a local tax imposed on property. The baladiya covers the cost of local services like road maintenance and refuse collection. Some landlords include it in the rent while others leave it to the tenant, so make sure you ask ahead of signing a contract.

Utilities

In Saudi Arabia, utility costs are subsidised by the regional authorities through state-owned suppliers. Water is provided through the National Water Company and electricity through the Saudi Electricity Company. There is no mains gas supply, but bottled gas can be purchased fairly cheaply. Watch the electricity bill in summer though – air-conditioning costs can really add to your expenditure. The telephone, mobile phone, internet and TV service markets are more competitive, with state provider Saudi Telecom Company aiming to keep prices low and encourage investment.

TV licence

Saudi Arabia does not have a TV licensing system, but the state broadcaster only runs one English-language channel. However, paid and free-to-air services are available through companies like Nilesat and Arabsat, offering a greater choice of language services for expats.

Healthcare and medical costs

A good standard of healthcare is provided to Saudi citizens free of charge by the Ministry of Health. While expats are allowed to access the same healthcare facilities, they must pay for treatment which can be very expensive. As a result it is now compulsory for foreign nationals living in Saudi Arabia to have health insurance, but many employers will provide this as part of their proposition.

Shopping

Shopping choice is extensive in Saudi Arabia, with everything from the bargains of local souqs to practical supermarkets and high-end designer stores. Grocery shopping can be fairly cheap, as can white goods which have fairly low import duties. However, clothing can be expensive, and while they have a great choice, the top malls are not the place to go if you are looking for value for money.

VAT

In line with its low-tax policies, Saudi Arabia does not charge value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services.

Price guide

• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – SAR3,674.73 (≈£761.77) per month
• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – SAR2,359.68 (≈£489.16) per month
• Loaf of bread – SAR3.49 (≈£0.72)
• Milk (1 litre) – SAR6.61 (≈£1.37)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – SAR2.18 (≈£0.45)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – SAR22.00 (≈£4.56)
• Packet of cigarettes – SAR28.00 (≈£5.80)
• Petrol (1 litre) – SAR2.27 (≈£0.47)
• Cinema ticket – SAR65.00 (≈£13.47)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed July 2023)

Driving

With extraordinarily low fuel prices, road transport is the primary form of travel in Saudi Arabia and the country has an extensive road network. Most is relatively new and well-maintained, although in more remote areas of the desert the road quality drops significantly. Road signs are usually in both Arabic and English, although again this is less common in remote areas. However, the country has notoriously high accident rates and many expats avoid driving altogether.

Should you choose to take to the road, the minimum age to drive in Saudi Arabia is 18 and cars are driven on the right. It remains illegal for women to drive, although there are plans to relax this law over the next few years. Depending on their nationality, some expats may be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia on their home licence or on an international driving permit for up to three months. Once an expat has obtained an Iqama (residence permit), they must hold a Saudi licence to drive, so most long-term residents opt to switch shortly after arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Driving laws are strict in Saudi Arabia and you must carry your licence, Iqama, insurance documents, registration documents and proof of vehicle ownership at all times. Cars must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare tyre kit and a warning triangle. As alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, there is no maximum blood-alcohol limit. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries heavy penalties.

Taxis

Taxis are a popular means of transport, particularly for women who are unable to drive in Saudi Arabia. Fares are based on distance travelled and should be agreed before the journey commences. As of 2012 you are not allowed to hail a cab in the street – everything must be prebooked. As a result, taxi booking apps are very popular in Saudi Arabia, so use these to compare prices.

Buses and coaches

The low fuel prices in Saudi Arabia mean that buses are cheap and therefore an important part of the transport infrastructure. Commuter services make regular trips to city locations while tourist-orientated buses run regularly between airports and city centres. Some hotels and residence compounds run private bus services. For intercity travel, coach services are available through companies like the Saudi Public Transport Company(SAPTCO). Although they take longer, they are significantly cheaper than domestic flights. Be aware that men and women must sit in separate areas of buses or coaches, and some services may be restricted to men only.

Trains

The railway network in Saudi Arabia is run by the Saudi Railways Organisation, but it is not as extensive as might be expected. The only operational line runs from Riyadh to Dammam, but there are plans for new railways lines, including a high-speed link from Jeddah to Mecca and Medina. To travel on the trains, you need to show your passport or Iqama when you buy your ticket.

Metro

Although there are no operational metro lines in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh has begun construction of one and other major cities look set to follow suit.

Air travel

Saudi Arabia has a number of international airports, with King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh the two busiest hubs. Despite this capacity, Saudi Arabia’s tight immigration controls mean it handles less transfer traffic than the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. However, there is also a growing market for domestic flights as people are willing to spend more to save time compared to a lengthy bus trip. The national carrier, Saudi Airlines, has the largest share of this market, but budget carriers like Flynas are also starting to emerge.

Other ways to get around

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports of Jeddah and Duba offer ferry services to other major harbours including Suez and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan. There are also ferries to southern destinations, but the unstable maritime situation in the region means these are rarely used by international travellers.

Working hours

The typical working week in Saudi Arabia is five or six working days and hours range from 40 to a maximum of 48 per week, although this is reduced during Ramadan. With Friday being the Muslim day of rest, the weekend is officially Friday and Saturday, although some private or international businesses and schools take Thursday as a day off instead of Saturday. Working hours can vary immensely, but government offices and banks tend to open early and close early.

Holidays

Saudi labour law grants a minimum paid leave entitlement of 21 days a year, rising to 30 days a year after five years of service. However, many employers will offer discretionary increases on this minimum, particularly when trying to attract employees from overseas. After two years of service, employees are also entitled to additional paid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Public holidays

Apart from Saudi National Day, which always falls on 23rd September, public holidays in Saudi Arabia are taken according to the major festivals of the Islamic calendar. Dates are announced by the government according to lunar observances, and public sector workers generally receive more leave for these festivals than those in the private sector, so ensure you check with your employer before making plans around them.

Public holiday dates 

• Eid al-Fitr: 10-13th June
• Saudi National Day: 23rd September
• Eid al-Adha: 16-18th June

Visas and eligibility to work

Although foreign workers are usually welcomed by businesses in Saudi Arabia, the Interior Ministry imposes strict controls on the movement of foreign nationals and the Saudization policy actively promotes the employment of Saudis over foreigners. All visitors to Saudi Arabia, even those just passing through on connecting flights, require a visa to enter and exit permits to leave. Fines are imposed for even minor infringements so documentation must be vigilantly kept up to date. In some circumstances, business visas or other forms of visa may be available. These are simpler to obtain for short visits to the country and can also cover multiple entries.

It is very rare for foreigners to be granted Saudi citizenship, so many expats work there on a long-term temporary basis. To work in Saudi Arabia, you need a work visa and a residence permit (Iqama). To obtain these, a sponsor (usually your employer) must apply for a work visa on your behalf, so it is vital to find work and agree a contract before moving. Your employer will send you a contract of employment and an authorisation number for you to take to the Saudi Embassy in your home country when you make your visa application. You will also be asked for several other documents including various forms of identification, medical certificates and security clearances. Once you have travelled to Saudi Arabia, your residence permit provides a form of photographic identification and must be carried at all times.

Tax

Saudi Arabia is a famously low-tax country, and foreign nationals can live and work in the country paying little or no tax to the government. There is no employment tax and no social security deductions from wages, but those who are self-employed may be taxed on their income. Foreign nationals working in the country should always check the tax relationship between Saudi Arabia and their home country as some may require you to pay tax on foreign income.

Pensions

Saudi Arabia does not currently have a state pension scheme which is accessible to expats. Most foreign nationals living in the country either choose to continue paying into a state pension fund in their home country or take up a personal pension plan. Some employers will offer access to a pension scheme as part of their employment package, while other expats make their own pension arrangements, with many companies offering schemes to help foreign nationals maximise their low-tax salaries.

Benefits

The relatively small population and high GDP in Saudi Arabia enable the government to operate a number of welfare schemes without the need to tax workers in the country. However, like pensions, social security in Saudi Arabia is largely restricted to Saudi nationals, so expats will need to pay for any services used. It is compulsory for foreign nationals to have medical insurance. Be aware that the trade unions are illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Disability

Historically Saudi Arabia had very little legal provision to protect the rights of disabled workers. Recently there have been new initiatives to end discrimination on the basis of disability, including employer incentive schemes, but their impact is yet to be fully realised. Foreign nationals are not entitled to any kind of disability benefits in Saudi Arabia.

Organisational structure

Although some of the multinational corporations in Saudi Arabia may have a more international culture to them, business operations are usually very conservative and hierarchical. Showing respect for family and elders is paramount, so you will need to maintain the correct degree of formality. Older people and those in senior positions are treated with the utmost respect and their decisions are rarely questioned. The decision-making process can be very prolonged as Saudis like to take time to weigh up options and get to know people before accepting a proposition.

Management style

In Saudi Arabia there tends to be some distance between managers and subordinate staff. Managers reach decisions after lengthy discussions with major stakeholders, but once that decision is made, junior employees are expected to implement it without question. In general, Saudis tend to be quite risk averse and changes may take a long time to implement. Failure is seen as a reflection on both the individual and the group, which goes some way towards explaining the frequently lengthy deliberations.

Formality

Civility and manners are important in Saudi Arabia, so adopt a formal approach to make the right impression. Avoid abbreviating people’s names without invitation as this may cause offence. Before meeting a new contact, try to find out the correct form of address for them, particularly if they hold a title such as ‘Sheikh’, meaning ‘chief’. If in doubt, the usual form of generic address is ‘Sayyed’, meaning ‘Sir’ for a man or ‘Sayeeda’, meaning ‘madame’ for a woman, followed by their full name.

Relationships

Business in Saudi Arabia is a very personal affair. Face-to-face meetings are essential to developing the relationships you need to succeed there. Your sponsor may be able to help with introductions, but patience will be your best friend. Put aside plenty of time for meetings and social occasions as both are frequently interrupted. That said, Saudis enjoy taking the time to get to know you, and even though you may need to make several visits to achieve positive outcomes the effort will be appreciated.

Dress code

There is a tendency amongst Saudis to judge people on appearances, so it’s important to look the part. Wearing good-quality, conservative clothes will make a good impression. Most Saudi businessmen wear variants on the traditional thobe and keffiyeh for both business and leisure, although some choose Western attire. Male visitors are not expected to wear traditional Saudi business attire, but it’s important to respect the conservative nature of society, so men should wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt if not a suit and tie. Saudi women wear the abaya in public, although many now choose Western clothing at home. Women visiting the country must dress modestly, covering their shoulders, arms and legs at all times. They should also wear a headscarf in public as the police may stop women whose hair is not covered.

Greetings

The typical business greeting between two men in Saudi Arabia is a handshake. Two women may hug, but men and women who are not acquainted must not greet each other in public. Social situations will most likely be single-sex or segregated, however, don’t be surprised if people stand very close to you as the concept of personal space is different in the region.

Punctuality

Appointment times are usually considered guides in Saudi Arabia as the culture is very fluid in timings. That said, you will most likely be expected to arrive on time even if your contacts are not! If you are working to strict deadlines, you will need to continually reiterate the timescales to have any chance of sticking to them.

Meetings

Small talk is common prior to meetings but you should always avoid personal questions such as enquiring about wives or children. Saudis are tough negotiators and will often start with an excessively low or high price in their own favour. Everything is considered negotiable, but high-pressure tactics are not welcome. Instead, repeat your main points as this will signify that they are true. There is a tendency for Saudis to avoid giving negative answers, so a verbal ‘yes’ may in fact only mean ‘maybe’ and decisions are easily overturned.

Cultural sensitivity

The Islamic faith is culturally bound to the Saudi nation and religion has a great impact on day-to-day life. Friday is the Muslim holy day and no business activities take place then. Muslims also pray five times a day, so be considerate of this when scheduling appointments. Although Western visitors are not expected to fast during Ramadan, be respectful and avoid eating or drinking in public places during this holy month. Also, be aware that Saudi society places numerous restrictions on the rights of women, so it is essential to understand the expectations of your hosts.

Business language

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken, particularly in a business environment. As it is a compulsory second language in schools, many Saudis have at least a basic knowledge of English, but it’s still worth getting presentation materials professionally translated. Business cards are usually exchanged during meetings, so it’s useful to have one side of yours printed in Arabic.