Business in Saudi Arabia

Business

Here is a very extensive article with much information about visiting Saudi, I've added a few of his pointers:

A Practical Guide to Business and Social Survival
- You will never travel to Saudi Arabia as a casual tourist, or make a simple exploratory business trip to Saudi Arabia to just “check things out.” Why? Simply because you may not enter Saudi Arabia without being invited to do so.
- Once you enter the country, it's important to understand that you are beyond the protection of your government. You are subject to Saudi Islamic law, so it is essential that you study the rules for acceptable behavior carefully. Also, be aware that you cannot leave Saudi Arabia without an exit permit, regardless of the emergency.
- Saudi businesspeople are used to dealing with foreigners and readily forgive many of their social blunders. It is essential, however, that you avoid saying or doing anything that will be perceived as insulting or derogatory. These serious mistakes include using alcohol, dressing inappropriately, becoming overly familiar with the few women they allow you to meet, and challenging the basic concepts of Islam.
- Saudis tend to have a relaxed attitude toward time. Social occasions or business meetings do not necessarily require fixed beginnings or endings.
-Women with skirts that are too short can expect to have their legs whipped if they happen to pass by the Matawan (religious police who are responsible for enforcing modesty of dress in public).
- When Arabs receive gifts, it is a custom not to open it in front of the giver.
- When coffee is served and incense lit, this is often a signal that the meeting is about to conclude.
www.unlv.edu/programs/piet/Profile%20-%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf

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Arabian Business (magazine): Feb. 6-12, 2005 / The World's 50 most powerful Arabs:

(All these are from Saudi Arabia)

#02: Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud/ Businessman
#03: Saleh Kamel/ Businessman
#04: Lubna Olayan/ Businesswoman
#08: Abdul Rahman Al Rashin/ Journalist
#12: Baker Bin Ladin/ Businessman
#18: Mohamed AlJaber/ Businessman
#22: Sulaiman Bin Abdul Al Rajhi/ Banker
#24: Adnan Khashoggi/ Arms Dealer
#25: Wafic Said/ Arms Dealer
#27: Abdul Rahman Al Zamil/ Businessman
#41: Mohamed Al Amoudi/ Businessman
#43: Mai Yamani/ Female Academic
#45: Abdallah Jumah/ Businessman
#49: Sheikh Abdykragnab Ali Al Turki/ Businessman

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Finance and Banking: The largest Saudi commercial bank is the National Commercial Bank (NCB). The Al Rajhi Banking and Investment Company is run on Islamic principles which outlaw payments of interest. Saudi Arabia is not a cheap place, but it's possible to travel relatively inexpensively if you put your mind to it.
If you're on a rock-bottom budget, expect to spend around US$25 a day (more like $75!). If you'd prefer a little comfort, double that amount (now $150). If you want luxury, Double it again (Ah, I say it should be more like $500 not the $100 he is saying!). www.awo.net/country/overview/crsau.asp

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Business hours: Government office hours are Saturday to Wednesday 0830 to 1430. Office hours kept by commercial organizations vary but there are two main patterns: 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 1800, or 0800 to 1500 and 1800 to 2100. www.britishcouncil.org/saudiarabia/contact/sauvisit.htm