Can I drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

No, alcohol is prohibited. Stick to coffee, tea, and soft drinks at business meetings. Many hotels serve excellent Arabic coffee and international beverages.

What's the dress code for business meetings?

Conservative business attire required. Men: long pants, long-sleeve shirts, ties recommended. Women: long sleeves, long pants or skirts below the knee, modest necklines. Dark colors are safe choices.

How do I handle prayer times during meetings?

Meetings may pause briefly for prayer times (dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, night). Your Saudi colleagues will let you know. Use these breaks to check messages or review notes.

Is it safe for solo business travelers?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is very safe for business travelers. Stick to business districts, use hotel transportation, and follow local customs. The government prioritizes visitor safety as part of Vision 2030.

What currency should I bring?

Bring US dollars to exchange for Saudi Riyals at the airport or banks. Credit cards work at hotels and major restaurants, but carry cash for taxis, tips, and small vendors.

How to Plan a Business Trip to Saudi Arabia

Plan your Saudi Arabia business trip by securing your visa 2-3 weeks ahead, booking accommodation in business districts like King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, and scheduling meetings for Sunday-Thursday. Expect to spend $150-250 per day including accommodation, meals, and local transport.

Get your business visa sorted. Apply for a business visa through the official visa portal or Saudi embassy. You'll need an invitation letter from your Saudi business contact, passport valid for 6+ months, recent photo, and completed application. Processing takes 5-10 business days but apply 2-3 weeks ahead to be safe.
Book accommodation in business areas. Stay in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District, Olaya, or near King Khalid International Airport. In Jeddah, choose Corniche or business district hotels. Book 4-5 star international chains for reliable business facilities and English-speaking staff. Expect $120-200 per night.
Schedule meetings strategically. Schedule meetings Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM-5 PM. Avoid Fridays (holy day) and Saturdays. Build buffer time between appointments - traffic in Riyadh and Jeddah can add 30-60 minutes to journeys. Schedule important meetings for Tuesday-Wednesday when possible.
Arrange reliable transportation. Book airport transfers through your hotel or hire a driver for the duration. Uber and Careem work well in major cities. Budget $30-50 per day for local transport. Avoid driving yourself - traffic patterns and navigation can be challenging for visitors.
Plan for cultural considerations. Pack conservative business attire covering arms and legs. Bring business cards with Arabic translation on reverse. Plan for prayer times (5 daily) when shops and offices may pause briefly. Download offline maps and translation apps.

Can I drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?: No, alcohol is prohibited. Stick to coffee, tea, and soft drinks at business meetings. Many hotels serve excellent Arabic coffee and international beverages.
What's the dress code for business meetings?: Conservative business attire required. Men: long pants, long-sleeve shirts, ties recommended. Women: long sleeves, long pants or skirts below the knee, modest necklines. Dark colors are safe choices.
How do I handle prayer times during meetings?: Meetings may pause briefly for prayer times (dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, night). Your Saudi colleagues will let you know. Use these breaks to check messages or review notes.
Is it safe for solo business travelers?: Yes, Saudi Arabia is very safe for business travelers. Stick to business districts, use hotel transportation, and follow local customs. The government prioritizes visitor safety as part of Vision 2030.
What currency should I bring?: Bring US dollars to exchange for Saudi Riyals at the airport or banks. Credit cards work at hotels and major restaurants, but carry cash for taxis, tips, and small vendors.