Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia business is done much differently than in America. For one, some gestures made in America are different from Saudi Arabia. For example, the “thumbs up” sign in Saudi Arabia is offensive. Also the ok hand sign means the evil eye there so business men have to be careful what signs they make while working with Arab businessmen. In Saudi Arabia men often hold hands to show friendship; it is one of the more surprising changes from U.S. culture. To get into Saudi Arabia you have to have a invitation so before people go they need to get one; also you need permission to leave the country to go back home. When talking to Saudi Arabia businessmen there are often long periods of silence; it is common and people do not have to feel obliged to start a conversation. Giving gifts is common in Saudi Arabia and so if somebody admires something of a Saudi Arabian business man they could possibly give it to them. One Saudi Riyal= 27 cents.