Cultural Etiquette Dos and Don’ts for Businesses Moving to Riyadh

Moving your business to Saudi Arabia has its perks and benefits, and one of the biggest benefits is having amazing opportunities for scaling your business. There are many incredible business and work opportunities in Saudi Arabia, like the petrochemical industry, food and hospitality, the tourism sector, services and advisory, and so on. Especially cities like Riyadh and Dammam have many business opportunities in the marine industry.

Saudi Arabia swiftly gained popularity as a top business destination over time. The majority of people and residents are friendly and cooperative in the country. But remember that there are always regional traditions and customs one needs to be mindful of, no matter where you go. In this blog post, Kingdom International Movers, which is one of the best international movers in Saudi Arabia, will take you through some cultural etiquette and dos and don’ts of doing business in the country. So read till the end without skipping any part.

When moving aboard, Use these tips from Riyadh’s Best Movers to pack fragile items.

1. Avoid Pointing Fingers When Roaming Around

Any business moving abroad has to explore the local markets and do a little bit of surveying. While doing so, packers and movers in Saudi Arabia suggest avoiding using your fingers to indicate any direction when you are in Saudi Arabia, especially when pointing at other individuals. Alternatively, you can point in the direction you are referring to with your chin. It is crucial to observe this unwritten custom, as it is specific to the area. Therefore, attempt to break the behavior of pointing with your finger if you are used to doing so, especially when conversing with locals.

Here is a list of the top 10 movers and packers in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

2. Remove Shoes When Entering Others Premises

To conduct business initially, you will have to visit other businesses and sometimes even their houses. Whenever you visit other people’s premises, ensure you remove your footwear before entering. Saudi Arabians are renowned for being hospitable and open to sharing a meal or a cup of coffee with others. They usually extend an invitation to their business partners to their houses to make them feel at home and comfortable. As a courtesy to your hosts, if you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation, please remove your shoes before entering the house and business premises. But if the business premises are corporate, then you don’t need to remove shoes; you can go ahead as usual.

3. Don’t Use Left Hand Too Often

Some of the top movers and packers in Riyadh suggest that in Saudi Arabia, there are some situations where using your left hand is deemed disrespectful. This is due to the perception that the left hand, which is mostly used for using the restroom, is dirty. Therefore, it’s better to refrain from using your left hand for tasks like eating, giving and receiving goods, or shaking hands. It’s crucial to keep this unwritten cultural norm in mind when traveling and working in Saudi Arabia to ensure that you don’t insult anyone in any manner. When dining or exchanging something, think about bringing a handkerchief or tissue to show greater respect.

4. Don’t Show PDA (Public Display of Affection)

In Western countries, when conducting business, it is a gesture to hug and even kiss the cheeks of business partners. However, in Saudi Arabia, this comes under the category of PDA (public display of affection). It’s crucial to understand that public displays of love (PDA) are frowned upon and may even be construed as rude in Saudi Arabia. PDA can take the form of giving and receiving hugs, kisses, handshakes, and close-quarters seating with someone of the other sex. This law does have some exceptions, such as married couples who can express their devotion to one another in private. Even married couples, though, ought to refrain from PDAs in public settings like eateries and parks. By keeping this in mind and refraining from PDA, you may respect the local way of life and avoid drawing unwelcome attention from the public when conducting business in Saudi Arabia.

Related Read: What to Know Before Relocating Your Business to Riyadh

5. Before Clicking a Picture Always Take Permission

Moving companies in Saudi Arabia suggest that getting permission is essential if you want to snap photos of people or places in Saudi Arabia. This helps to clear up any confusion and demonstrates your respect for their traditions. Seeking permission enables you to capture the ideal photo and ensures that everyone is at ease in the circumstances. There are several locations in Saudi Arabia where taking photos is prohibited. These can include places that are deemed sensitive, military installations, private property, and government structures. Even if a location isn’t marked as restricted, it’s always a good idea to get permission before shooting pictures there. Especially if you are clicking pictures for your business, it is always a good idea to have proper written permissions before you begin.

6. Always Respect Elders and People Older Than You

Respecting the elderly is seen as a major cultural value in Saudi Arabia. The old are revered for their knowledge and experience, and their viewpoints are valued greatly. Respecting the elderly in Saudi Arabia can take many forms. Some of these include standing up when they enter a room, offering them your seat on public transportation, holding the door open for them, referring to them as “uncle” or “aunt” regardless of your relationship with them, not talking loudly or acting rudely around them, and being patient with them as you listen to their stories. When you follow these etiquette rules in business, you will be highly appreciated in the country, which suggests many movers in Riyadh.

7. Respect Local Business Hours

In Saudi Arabia, the typical workday is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one hour for lunch. Nonetheless, as Fridays and Saturdays are recognized as official rest days in Saudi Arabia, certain establishments might open earlier or later, and some might remain closed on those days. It is advisable to verify the business’s operation hours in advance if you intend to visit one in Saudi Arabia. If you are in some sort of doubt, you may talk to your hired moving company in Riyadh for additional suggestions and advice.

Do read our blog titled “What Are the Services Kingdom International Movers Offers in Saudi Arabia?”

Conclusion

These are a few cultural etiquettes and dos and don’ts experts at Kingdom International Movers in Saudi Arabia recommend you follow when conducting business in the country.