Saudi Arabia

WORK CULTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA WORK HOURS • Private sector: Max 48 hrs/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days for some) • Government: Sunday–Thursday, 7:30AM–3PM • Ramadan: All sectors reduce by 2 hours per day PRAYER TIMES Prayer is very important in Saudi Arabia. Shops and offices close for 15–30 minutes during prayer times (5 times daily). Plan meetings around prayer times. Non-Muslims don't pray but must pause work during these periods in some companies. GENDER SEGREGATION (EVOLVING) • Segregation has significantly reduced since 2017 • Women can now work in most sectors alongside men • Mixed-gender workplaces becoming normal in cities • Still conservative — be respectful of cultural norms DRESS CODE • Men: Long trousers, covered shoulders; thobe not required for non-Saudis • Women: Abaya no longer mandatory since 2019 but modest dress expected; headscarf not mandatory for non-Muslims • Office dress code varies by company RAMADAN RULES During Ramadan, it is illegal and disrespectful to eat, drink, or smoke in public during fasting hours. Non-Muslims must comply. Some companies provide a private room for non-Muslim workers to eat lunch. WEEKEND Saudi Arabia's weekend is Friday–Saturday. Sunday is the first working day. This is an important adjustment for newcomers. RELATIONSHIP-BASED CULTURE Saudi business culture values relationships and trust above all. Take time to build rapport before discussing business. Patience is key.