Cultural Differences between The U.S. and Saudi Arabia in Business

Doing Business in Saudi Arabia: Key Cultural Differences for American Professionals

If you’re American and new to doing business with Saudis, then this is for you! We’re going to give you a quick-fire overview of some of the most common challenges faced by the two cultures when doing business together.

Obviously, the two cultures are very different in lots of ways; however, they also do have lots in common. Religion and conservatism, for example, are two such similarities between the countries. So, make a note that this article should not be interpreted as wanting to only highlight differences.

Differences, or at least ignorance of them, is what much of the time leads to problems, so it is in that context that we focus on them here and in Saudi Arabia cultural awareness training.

Biggest Cultural Challenges Americans Face in Saudi Business Culture

Saudis have their own challenges when working with Americans, and we shall naturally touch upon some of these.

The information here is aimed at Americans wanting to get some key pointers on the main cultural differences between the two countries. Not the other way around.

Its focus is on business and draws upon our vast experience of delivering Saudi-specific cross cultural training to organisations from the USA and Saudi Arabia.

There are plenty of cultural differences we could explore, including hierarchy, communication, responsibility, decision-making, and negotiations.

4 Critical Cultural Differences Between US and Saudi Business Culture

For the sake of brevity, we’ve chosen 4 of the key cultural differences we think you should be aware of.

These all pretty much come down to differences in values between the two cultures.

1. Different Attitudes to Time and Deadlines in Saudi Arabia

This is perhaps the biggest cultural difference of all. It’s common to find Americans frustrated with missed deadlines, delays, and the generally slower pace of business in Saudi Arabia.

Things don’t happen quickly in Saudi Arabia. This reflects the Arab approach to time. There is no rush. Time is not money. Time is fluid, and time can be bent, manipulated, and stretched. Man is not in control; God is, so things happen when they are supposed to.

One thing you need to get straight, right from the get-go, is that if you apply your understanding of time and how quickly things should happen, you will be disappointed.

2. The Role of Hospitality in Saudi Business Relationships

Saudi culture was formed in the deserts, where receiving a guest from another tribe was a gift from God to be taken care of. This mentality still exists today.

Hospitality plays a small role when doing business in the USA. Many Americans fail to understand just how crucial hospitality is, both as a host and a guest. Saudis love to eat and drink, with most meetings starting and then punctuated with tea, coffee, and sweet treats.

Failing to show your gratitude for their hospitality or failing to be a gracious host doesn’t help build trust. If you are hosting Saudi visitors, we recommend you read our tips on hosting Saudi business guests.

3. Why Relationship Building Comes Before Business in Saudi Arabia

Relationships are crucial to doing business in Saudi Arabia. People want to build a relationship before business is done, not after. They like to know and trust someone, as this is all part of protecting ‘face’, which we’ll come to.

If Saudis don’t like you, they will have a hard time wanting to do business with you. This is why it’s so important to spend time in the country investing in relationship building.

For many Americans, spending time doing and talking about everything other than business when you should be working feels wrong. For Saudis, they don’t see it this way. Time invested in knowing each other now saves time in the future.

Americans need to temper their focus on the task(s) at hand and spend a little more time on the personal stuff.

4. Understanding Honour, Reputation, and Communication in Saudi Culture

Your reputation is a big deal in Saudi Arabia. What may be an innocent joke for an American can be taken as a slight on their family’s honour by a Saudi.

Face and shame are huge drivers in Saudi behaviour and the communication style. Unlike Americans, they tend not to “say it how it is” but to say what they think is needed to give/save/protect face.

This is why Americans can find Saudis very vague when they communicate and why Saudis can find Americans brash and rude.

Americans need to be aware that offering frank opinions or thoughts isn’t necessarily the way things are done in Saudi Arabia.

Build the Skills to Succeed in Saudi Business Culture

Understanding the cultural dynamics behind time, relationships, communication, and reputation is essential for anyone working with Saudi colleagues or clients. When approached with the right awareness and adaptability, these differences become opportunities to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and achieve better business outcomes.

If you want to develop the practical skills to navigate Saudi business culture with confidence, explore our Saudi Arabia Cultural Awareness online course, designed to help professionals communicate effectively, build relationships, and succeed in real-world business situations.

Infographic: Key Differences Between US and Saudi Business Culture

Main image by Ahmed Nashed