Saudi Arabia Basic Guide For Business Traveller

Time: GMT +3.

Electricity: 125 volts, 50Hz, but 215 volts, 60Hz in some (more remote) areas.

Language: Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but English is widely understood.

Health: Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination certificate on arrival; a meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all travellers. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims during the Hajj season; Influenza vaccine is recommended for all pilgrims during the Hajj. Not compulsory, but definitely advisable, is vaccination against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving; an outbreak of cerebral malaria has occurred in Jizan. Rift Valley Fever has also occurred, mainly in the Jizan area. Dengue fever has been reported. An outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in April 2007; however the risk is low for travellers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels. Visitors should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive, therefore health insurance is strongly advised for all travellers.

Tipping: Service charge is usually included in bills at hotels. Elsewhere a tip of 10% can be offered for services rendered. Taxi drivers can be given 10% of the fare.

Safety: The US and British authorities believe terrorists may be planning further attacks against Westerners and in places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia following recent incidents in which foreign nationals were killed. Aviation interests remain a possible terrorist target. Attacks in the past have included kidnappings, targeted shootings and bombings of shopping areas, government offices and car bombs. Visitors who choose to risk entering the country should ensure they have individual security arrangements, remain vigilant, keep a low profile and avoid public gatherings. Visitors should be particularly alert in public places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels and in the desert outside Riyadh. Pilgrims are increasingly being targeted by pickpockets in Mecca and Medina and are advised to take care of personal possessions. In recent years pilgrims have died due to overcrowding and stampedes. Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these.

Customs: Saudi Arabia is a fundamentalist Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. No alcohol, pork products or religious books and artefacts not related to Islam are permitted in the country. There are no bars in Saudi Arabia, and alcohol is served nowhere to anyone of any religious persuasion. Dress should be conservative at all times, and women should take particular care not to offend. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with behaviour and dress codes before entering the country. Homosexual behaviour and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty. Photography of local people, government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed, and women are not permitted to drive. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The right hand should be used for everything, including eating and the giving and receiving of things, as the left is considered unclean. It is illegal to hold two passports, and second passports will be confiscated if discovered by immigration authorities.

Business: Business in Saudi Arabia is conducted in a very different manner to Western countries. Without an invitation to the country, it is impossible to gain entry. Islam was born in this country and permeates every level of society, even business. Men and women are expected to dress in a very conservative and formal manner, although it is unlikely that local women will be encountered in business due to the male-dominated nature of its society, and visiting businesswomen will undoubtedly be subjected to chauvinism. The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is advisable instead of 'Hello' and politeness helps to build strong relationships. Business cards are often exchanged and the visitor should print the details in both English and Arabic. Shaking hands is the norm between men. Business contacts should be addressed by their title followed by their first name. Always be punctual for any meeting even if the host is not, as it is quite normal for Saudi's to keep their hosts waiting, or even cancel meetings. Patience is necessary. Business engagements are often great social affairs as the Saudi's love to indulge their guests. It may take numerous visits to strengthen a relationship, as this is the core of any business dealing and trust needs to be developed. Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Gifts are not uncommon, and welcomed, and often reciprocated. Business hours are generally 7.30am to 2pm Saturday to Wednesday with breaks taken for prayers throughout the day. Often businesses and shops reopen after sunset. Friday is the day of rest.

Communications: Saudi Arabia has a good telephone network. The country code is +966 and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Riyadh. Two mobile telephone service providers operate GSM 900 networks and there are Internet facilities in most cities. Email is accessible from hotels and Internet cafes.

Duty Free: Travellers to Saudi Arabia do not have to pay duty on 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco; or perfume or cultured pearls for personal use. Duty is payable on cameras and other electronic goods, and refunds on these are available if the articles are re-exported within 90 days. Strictly prohibited are food products and carbonated water, animals and birds and palm trees or derivatives thereof. Other prohibited items include alcohol, firearms, drugs, pork products and natural pearls.