Saudi workplace culture: what international hires should know

Hierarchy and decision-making

Saudi workplaces are hierarchical, but the hierarchy is personal rather than purely organisational. Decisions are made at the top, often by a single senior figure, and they are rarely challenged in open meetings. Your manager may need to consult a more senior person before agreeing to something that seems routine to you. This is not indecision; it is how authority works.

What this means in practice:

• Address senior colleagues by title and first name (e.g. “Dr Ahmed”, “Engineer Sara”) until invited to do otherwise.
• Do not expect a flat structure. Even in modern giga-projects, the chain of command matters.
• If you need a decision, ask your direct manager first. Going around them to a higher level will damage trust.
• Written confirmation is valued. After a meeting, send a short summary of what was agreed and who will do what.

In government-linked entities, decision-making can be slower because of multiple layers of approval. In private companies, especially family-owned ones, the owner or a close relative often has the final say. Giga-projects tend to blend international management practices with Saudi expectations, so you may find more delegated authority but still a strong respect for seniority.

Meetings and relationship-building

Meetings are for alignment and relationship-building as much as for decisions. They often start with personal conversation—family, health, travel—before business. Do not rush this. It is how trust is built.

• Punctuality is expected from expats, but senior Saudi colleagues may arrive late. Wait patiently.
• Agendas are often loose. Be prepared for the meeting to go in a different direction.
• Interruptions are common. People may take phone calls or speak to others during a meeting. This is not rudeness.
• Decisions may be made outside the meeting, in one-to-one conversations before or after. The meeting itself may simply confirm what has already been agreed.

Build relationships deliberately. Accept invitations to coffee or lunch. In Saudi culture, business is personal. A colleague who knows you and likes you will be far more helpful than one who only knows your job title. This is especially important in government-linked entities and family businesses, where personal networks carry weight.

Communication style

Saudi communication is indirect and polite. People avoid saying “no” directly, especially in front of others. “Inshallah” (God willing) can mean yes, maybe, or no—you need to read the context. “We will see” often means no. “I will try” may mean it will not happen.

• Do not push for a direct yes or no in a group setting. It will embarrass the other person.
• If you need a firm answer, ask privately and frame it as seeking advice: “What do you think is the best way forward?”
• Written communication is more direct than spoken. Use email or WhatsApp to confirm details.
• Criticism should be given privately and gently. Public criticism causes loss of face and will damage your relationship permanently.
• Humour is appreciated, but avoid sarcasm and jokes about religion, politics or the royal family.

English is widely used in business, especially in giga-projects and international companies. In government-linked entities, Arabic may be more common. Learning a few Arabic greetings and phrases will earn you respect.

The Friday–Saturday weekend

Saudi Arabia’s weekend is Friday and Saturday. Sunday is the first working day. This affects everything from banking to government services to your social life.

• Most offices work Sunday to Thursday. Some private companies may work a half-day on Thursday.
• Friday is the holy day. The main prayer is around midday, and many businesses close for several hours. Shops and restaurants may open after the prayer.
• Government offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. Plan any visa, iqama or licence matters for Sunday to Thursday.
• If you work with international teams, expect a mismatch. Your Sunday is their Monday, but your Friday is their weekend. Meetings often happen on Sunday to Wednesday to accommodate both.

Check your contract for the exact working days and hours. Some giga-projects and international companies offer flexible arrangements, but the legal weekend remains Friday and Saturday.

Prayer times at work

Muslims pray five times a day, and prayer times shift slightly each day with the sun. In Saudi Arabia, businesses close briefly for each prayer, typically 15–30 minutes. This is normal and expected.

• You are not required to pray, but you must respect those who do. Do not schedule meetings during prayer times if you can avoid it.
• Many offices have a prayer room. Some staff will leave to go to a nearby mosque.
• Shops and restaurants close for prayer. If you are out, you may need to wait outside until they reopen.
• The midday prayer on Friday is the longest closure. Most businesses close for at least an hour, often longer.

Prayer times are published daily. You can find them on your phone or on the Ministry of Islamic Affairs website. In practice, most people use an app or a local timetable. If you are unsure, ask a colleague.

Dress norms in offices

Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code in recent years, but offices remain conservative. For men, a suit or smart trousers and a shirt are standard. Ties are optional. In summer, many men wear a thobe (the traditional white robe) to work, especially in government-linked entities. Expats are not expected to wear a thobe, but it is acceptable if you choose to.

For women, the abaya (a loose black cloak) is no longer legally required for expats, but many women still wear it, especially in government offices and more traditional workplaces. In giga-projects and international companies, business attire is common: modest dresses, trousers, or skirts below the knee, with shoulders covered. Avoid tight or revealing clothing.

• Always err on the side of modesty, especially in your first weeks.
• Observe what your colleagues wear and follow suit.
• In government-linked entities, dress is more formal and traditional. In giga-projects, it is closer to international business casual.
• For site visits, follow the safety dress code: long sleeves, trousers, and closed shoes are usually required.

How expectations differ by employer type

Government-linked entities (ministries, authorities, state-owned companies):

• Strong hierarchy, formal communication, slower decision-making.
• Arabic is more common, though English is used in technical roles.
• Dress is more traditional. The thobe and abaya are common.
• Working hours are strictly Sunday to Thursday, with prayer breaks observed.
• Relationships and wasta (connections) matter. Build a network.

Giga-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, Qiddiya):

• International management style, with many expats in leadership.
• English is the working language.
• More delegated authority, but still respect for seniority.
• Dress is business casual, but modest.
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven. Expect long hours at times.
• You may work with a mix of Saudi and international colleagues, so cultural awareness is still essential.

Private companies (family-owned, SMEs, local branches of multinationals):

• Varies widely. Family businesses can be very hierarchical, with the owner making all decisions.
• Multinationals often blend Saudi and international practices.
• Dress is usually smart casual to business formal.
• Decision-making can be quick if the owner is involved, slow if not.
• Personal relationships with the owner or senior managers are crucial.

Before accepting a job, ask about the working culture. Speak to current or former employees if you can. Check the company’s profile on our Saudi Arabia jobs page and read our guide to negotiating a Saudi job offer for questions to ask.

Practical tips for your first weeks

• Arrive early. Punctuality shows respect, even if others are late.
• Learn the names and titles of your immediate team and senior leaders.
• Ask your HR contact about prayer times, dress expectations, and any unwritten rules.
• Do not schedule meetings on Friday or during prayer times.
• Accept invitations to coffee or lunch. It is an investment in your working relationships.
• Be patient with processes. Things may take longer than you expect, especially in government-linked entities.
• Keep your documents in order. Your iqama, work permit and other paperwork are your responsibility. See our iqama guide and work visa guide for details.
• If you are unsure about a cultural point, ask a trusted colleague privately. Saudis are generally happy to explain their culture.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.