Social class in Saudi Arabia
Social class in Saudi Arabia is based on tribal affiliations; for an individual to be regarded as influential, having power must be linked with the royal family. Above the Americans, Europeans, and Asians, the people from other Arab nations are respected more. To build a mutual personal relationship that is beneficial to the involved parties in the business, individuals conduct business informally, laying greater emphasis on the relationship that they will build after the undertaking. The Saudi Arabians prefer to meet one on one to conduct or finalize on a business deal, and it is very much unlikely that they transact their business deals over the phone. Advance appointments are encouraged, and there is great importance in maintaining punctuality. Business associates firmly exchange handshakes that are long that make the greetings lengthier with all male participants. The right hand in Arabic countries, according to their traditions, is the most preferred for all public functions such as drinking, eating, passing objects, and handshaking. When addressing individuals in Saudi Arabia, issues such as making eye contact, a title that an individual holds, and their first name are essential. Among the Arabs, there is a prominent greeting “Assalamo Alaikum,” which means may God’s peace and blessings be upon you. It is prohibited that a man and a woman greet each other in public or a woman to extend her hand for a shake.
Moreover, it is essential that a business conversation begins with a general topic and should be by all means not be rushed through. High-pressure transaction strategies must be avoided by all means as the Saudis do not like being pressured into a deal. A friendly tone must be used while discussing the values with reductions or discounts anticipated generally. Additionally, a bureaucratic manner is applied when making decisions without a hurry. The Saudi Arabians prefer to do business with trustworthy individuals and those that they can come into an agreement without any problems along the transaction line. They mostly end their agreements with words such as “Insha Allah,” which, when translated, means God willing. This is only possible if the deal is conducted and sealed without any pressure involved to avoid its failure. There is typically one male leader, although decisions are made and finalized as a group with the consensus of the group needed to continue. With the least importance, the group leaders are typically silent to the group member’s questions. Questions to do with the wife or the daughter of a Saudi is considered disrespectful and should be avoided by all means. Some actions such as gesturing, pointing a person’s foot sole, and talking with one’s hand while communicating with a Saudi are regarded as impolite. Additionally, modesty dressing in the business environment is highly expected; nevertheless, it is offensive to dress like a foreigner in native clothes. Men are expected to put on suits with ties on it and buttoning the shirt done up to the collar.