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Saudi Arabia, officially known as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the largest Arab country in West Asia with the largest land area, accounting for the majority of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is also the second‑largest country in the Arab world（after Algeria）. Saudi Arabia has an area of approximately （大约）2, 250, 000 square kilometers.
Petroleum is an integral part of the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of oil. This facilitates the creation of a welfare state, although the share of the non‑oil economy has been growing recently. It has the world's sixth‑largest natural gas reserves （储备）. The energy sector is the backbone of the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia is also developing its additional energy resources—natural gas that was once flared off from oil wells is now being collected and used, and the Kingdom has become a producer of refined oil products and petrochemicals such as kerosene, diesel oil and gasoline.
Saudi Arabia features a diverse landscape, encompassing forests, grasslands, mountainous terrain, and deserts. The climate of Saudi Arabia varies from one region to another because of its diverse topographical features. As a result of a subtropical high‑pressure system, the Kingdom is generally hot in summer and cold in winter. Moderate climate is seen in the western and southwestern parts of the Kingdom; dry, hot summers and cold winters in the interior parts; and high temperatures and humidity in the coastal areas. Saudi Arabia gets very little rain, only about four inches a year on average.
The education system has gone through an astonishing transformation. When the Kingdom was established in 1932, education was available to few people, mostly the children of wealthy families living in the major cities. Nowadays, Arabic education at all levels is free. Girls can go to school, but fewer girls go to school than boys. This imbalance is reflected in the literacy rate. Classes are divided by gender. Higher education has developed rapidly, with a large number of universities and colleges established, especially since 2000. Higher education institutions include the country's first university—the King's University of Saudi Arabia established in 1957; the Islamic University of Medina established in 1961; and the King's University of Jeddah Abdulaziz established in 1967. Additionally, there are other institutions that focus on science and technology, military research, religion, and medical studies. Women typically pursue university education at institutions that are segregated by gender.
True or False Statements
1.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the official name of Saudi Arabia.（True/False）
2.The western and southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia experience a moderate climate.（True/False）
3.Saudi Arabia has the world's largest natural gas reserves.（True/False）
4.Education at all levels in Saudi Arabia is free.（True/False）
5.Girls in Saudi Arabia have the same school enrollment rate as boys.（True/False）
Naming Conventions（命名约定）： Names carry significant meaning regarding individuals' lineage （血统）and origins in Saudi Arabia. The people in this culture highly value their names. The naming structure typically includes the individual's first name followed by“son/daughter of father's name,”then“son/daughter of grandfather's name,”and concludes with the family, tribal or dynastic name.
Family （家庭）: The family and tribe form the foundation of Saudi social structure. This is evident in their naming conventions, which reflect a deep sense of heritage, clan identity, extended family connections, and nuclear family bonds. Saudis are deeply committed to their family responsibilities. Typically, Saudi families are large, and the extended family maintains close relationships. Individuals rely on their families for social support and assistance.
Social Stratification （社会分层）: Social stratification in Saudi society is primarily characterized by divisions between locals and foreign expatriates （外派人员）. Saudis hold the highest position in the social hierarchy, followed by other Arabs, European expatriates, and Asian expatriates, who often perform manual labor. Among Saudis, there are nuanced differences based on tribal loyalties, Sunni/Shia affiliations, rural versus urban residency, and levels of education. Those with connections to the royal family are commonly perceived as powerful and influential. Despite economic disparities, there is a commonality of attitudes, beliefs, and practices that cut across these divides. Furthermore, kinship and religious ties serve to bridge these gaps in society.
Gender Segregation（性别隔离）： Strict gender segregation is sanctioned by the state and society. In Saudi society, men and women typically appear together only within the confines of the family. Women may hold jobs, but often only within gender‑segregated environments like schools, universities, or specific government departments. A significant portion of Saudi women do not participate in the workforce. Legally, men enjoy more rights than women. Prior to 2018, women were prohibited from driving and required permission or the presence of a male guardian to travel.
However, women have the ability to own property in their own names and to invest their own funds in business ventures. Within the family unit, the status of women is comparatively higher—they are regarded as the caregivers and the emotional foundation of the family.
Gap Filling
1.The people in Saudi Arabia highly value their_________.
2.In Saudi culture, the family and_________are considered important.
3.Saudis with links to the_________family are regarded as powerful.
4.Legally, men have more_________than women in Saudi Arabia.
5.Within the family unit, the status of women is comparatively_________.
Greetings
In Saudi Arabia, men customarily shake hands. Close friends may initiate the greeting with a handshake followed by a kiss on each cheek. It is common to maintain the handshake for a duration longer than what is customary in Western cultures. Women, on the other hand, typically embrace and kiss friends affectionately （深情地）, and in a business context, they may shake hands or place their hands on their hearts. Public greetings between men and women who are not related are rare, though this rule does not apply to interactions with foreigners. When Saudis greet one another, they take their time and engage in casual conversations.
Communication Style
Saudi communication is heavily influenced by body language and nonverbal cues, such as intonation and the use of silence. Silence in Saudi culture signifies contemplation, so when Saudi individuals do not respond, it is advisable not to interrupt.
The Saudi communication style is influenced by the importance of maintaining face, honor, and adherence to the Sunnah. Rudeness, causing offense, or appearing ungraceful is considered more severe than death in Saudi culture, leading individuals to always seek to save face, whether it's their own or someone else's. Consequently, Saudi communication is often friendly, relaxed, and indirect.
Saudis often respond with affirmative （肯定的）nods or agreements, especially when dealing with foreigners, and tend to avoid direct rejections. However, when interacting with equals or those lower in the social hierarchy, they can be more straightforward.
Emotional displays are unusual in Saudi culture and indicate significant issues when they do occur. Among close friends or colleagues, heated arguments with intense body language are not uncommon and are perceived as passionate involvement in the discussion, with all parties understanding that it is an act.
Saudis enjoy complimenting guests, which should be received in a positive and friendly manner. If appropriate, offering compliments in return is appreciated. Inquirers may ask personal questions about one's family or lifestyle; this is not considered nosy but rather a reflection of Saudi curiosity and interest.
Dining Etiquette
The culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia are reflected in the dining etiquette. Men and women are not allowed to dine together. Women can only eat with their children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Due to the habit of eating with their hands, locals wash their hands before and after meals. They usually eat with their right hands, and it is not allowed to put their left hands on the table, and it is also not allowed to pass food with their left hands.
Saudi Arabia enforces a strict ban on alcohol consumption. Individuals caught drinking alcohol may face public reprimand （谴责）. Those who manufacture alcohol illegally, purchase it, or drive under the influence are subject to severe penalties, including public humiliation. In Saudi Arabia, all restaurants refrain from serving alcoholic beverages. Additionally, Saudis observe a dietary prohibition against consuming the meat of pigs, dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, snakes, as well as birds of prey and predatory animals. They avoid any contact with pigs, the sight of pigs and pork, and even the mention of the word“pig”.
Gift‑Giving
In Saudi Arabia, presenting gifts is a dignified tradition that enriches both personal and business relationships. However, it's important to avoid giving a gift on the first encounter to prevent misunderstanding as bribery （贿赂）. Arabs place significant emphasis on the brand and appearance of gifts. They tend to favor high‑end products, especially those that are intricate and distinctive, while items of purely practical value are less appealing. When selecting gifts for Arabs, it's beneficial to prominently display the brand name and logo to convey the quality of the chosen items. Generally, offering gifts to the elderly and children is well‑received and often brings joy. But when presenting a gift to someone's wife, it's crucial to consider the nature of your relationship and any potential taboos.
Do not use your left hand to deliver gifts. Only use your right hand when delivering or receiving gifts. Because in the traditional Arab concept, the left hand is unclean. Here are some taboos for gift‑giving. Firstly, do not give alcoholic beverages as this country strictly prohibits alcohol. Secondly, do not give gifts to the hostess unless you are already very familiar with her family. Thirdly, it is forbidden to give handicrafts depicting women's images.
Time and Priorities
Cultural awareness is important when thinking about the approach to time, deadlines and timelines in Saudi Arabia. Saudis tend to prioritize people rather than plans and punctuality. Time is seen as something to be controlled, not controlled by. When working with people from Saudi Arabia, it's advisable to reinforce the importance of the agreed‑upon deadlines. If you are worried about timelines, then it's a good idea to add extra touch points with your employees in order to assess progress.
Respect for Hierarchy
Dignity and respect are the core values of Saudi culture. In Saudi Arabia, young people should show respect to their elders, use appropriate titles to address each other, and demonstrate an appropriate level of compliance. This hierarchical system also applies to the business world. In Saudi companies, only senior executives typically have decision‑making power. Therefore, Chinese companies must respect Saudi business etiquette and first approach and address the most senior individuals.
True or False Statements
1.Men and women in Saudi Arabia can greet each other in public regardless of their family ties.（True/False）
2.The Saudis tend to be very direct and blunt when communicating with foreigners.（True/False）
3.Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol, and violators can face severe punishment.（True/False）
4.When giving gifts in Saudi Arabia, it is important to display the brand name and trademark of the item.（True/False）
5.When it comes to time and punctuality, Saudis prioritize plans over people.（True/False）
Meetings
Arranging appointments in advance is a necessary practice and should be made several weeks to a month ahead. It's important to avoid scheduling a meeting until you are physically present in the country. It's customary to try to schedule morning meetings, and punctuality is expected. However, it's not considered impolite to politely decline an invitation.
Dress Code
Men should wear suits and ties when meeting government officials or in a professional capacity. Smartness is expected, and colors should be neutral. Women should wear conservative business attire, preferably with a light pashmina‑type scarf. Other than the hands and face, the skin should not be visible. Foreigners are not expected to wear traditional Saudi dress to business meetings, as this would look bizarre （奇怪的）.
Working Style
Saudis are typically multi‑active, which means they often engage in several tasks simultaneously. They don't plan step by step but prefer to react flexibly and improvise when necessary. In Saudi Arabia, things happen slowly, and an 8‑hour workday is considered equivalent to 3 or 4 hours of productivity. It's important not to give a task to someone and expect it to be completed immediately. Instead, you should be prepared to follow up and gently ask about tasks in a polite manner.
Business Meals
Accepting business dinner invitations should be done cautiously and gratefully. It's advisable to decline invitations politely, if necessary, without causing any inconvenience. Avoid talking about work at these dinners and instead focus on personal interests such as sports, cars, travel, or films. Family topics are also welcome. It's important to avoid discussing politics or any controversial topics related to religion.
Business Negotiation
It's common for Saudis to raise their voice considerably to show passion and commitment. However, this is not intended to be disrespectful, and you should maintain a calm and pleasant demeanor （举止）throughout the negotiation. It's crucial to be aware of any possible cultural differences in communication and manner to make a good impression.
Managing in Saudi Arabia
The business culture in Saudi Arabia is generally quite conservative, emphasizing formality and respect. Decision‑making typically rests with managers or those in positions of authority, while subordinates generally await instructions. When collaborating with Saudi professionals, it's beneficial to emphasize the significance of agreed‑upon deadlines to ensure the timely completion of tasks.
Multiple Choices
1.What is the recommended dress code for women in Saudi Arabia's business environment?
A. Revealing clothing.
B. Conservative business attire.
C. Bright and colorful outfits.
D. Traditional local dress.
2.Which of the following is considered good practice when scheduling meetings?
A. Arranging appointments through a third party.
B. Scheduling meetings for the afternoon.
C. Trying to schedule morning meetings.
D. Waiting to arrive in the country before scheduling.
3.What topics are generally appropriate for discussion during business dinners in Saudi Arabia?
A. Work‑related matters.
B. Family and personal interests.
C. Controversial political issues.
D. Religion and cultural differences.
4.What is the significance of raised voices during negotiations in Saudi Arabia?
A. It indicates disrespect and should be avoided.
B. It signifies anger and should be taken as a threat.
C. It shows passion and commitment to the proceedings.
D. It is a sign of impatience and rudeness.
5.What is a key aspect of the business culture in Saudi Arabia?
A. Informality.
B. Conservatism.
C. Flexibility.
D. Risk‑taking.