Doing Business in Saudi Arabia - International Franchise Association

Transportation Return to top
The business centers of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam/Al-Khobar/Dhahran have international
airports served by a variety of international airlines. Air travel is preferred for domestic travel
with public service restricted to three airlines — the national carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and
two new private, low-cost airlines, Sama and NAS Air.
Language Return to top
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and some
signs and notices. Most road signs are in Arabic, while major highways and streets in major
cities display road signs in both Arabic and English.
Health Return to top
The quality of health care is variable, ranging from excellent to poor depending on the region,
hospital, and specialty. Most Western expatriates find it adequate for routine care and minor
surgery. In recent years, however, medical care has evolved in Saudi Arabia with sophisticated
types of treatment, such as open-heart surgery, kidney transplants and cancer treatment, being
undertaken. Only a few drugs available in the United States are not available in Saudi Arabia.
Many local hospitals and healthcare companies are vying to join with American healthcare
providers. In 2005, for example, the Cleveland Clinic set up a joint venture medical center in
Jeddah, the International Medical Center, which will work on several joint initiatives including ehealth,
teleconferencing, consultations and continuing education programs.
A yellow fever certificate is required from travelers coming from infected countries. A meningitis
vaccine is recommended for incoming to Jeddah and the western region, especially during the
annual pilgrimage ritual.
There is a risk of malaria throughout the year in most of the Southern Region and in certain rural
areas of the Western Region, except for Mecca and Medina.
Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays Return to top
Saudi Arabia’s time zone is GMT+03:00. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country that requires strict
adherence to Islamic principles. Five times a day, Muslims are obliged to pray in the direction of
the holy city Mecca. The prayer times are published in the newspaper and come at dawn, noon,
afternoon, sunset and evening. Stores and restaurants close for approximately 30 minutes at
these times. When staging promotional events or product demonstrations, one must anticipate
these prayer breaks.
Business hours vary in different parts of the country. Saudi companies usually close for 2-4
hours in the afternoon and remain open throughout the early evening. Retail stores close for
the noon prayer and reopen around 4:00 P.M.
The normal workweek runs from Saturday through Wednesday, with many companies also
working a half or full day on Thursday. Friday is the Muslim holiday.
Work Week: