Researching Saudi culture and society demonstrates you already have some awareness that things work a little differently in Saudi Arabia. With the right attitude and the ability to navigate the local culture , Saudi Arabia can also be a breeze. This is why cultural awareness is so important for any businessperson working abroad β it can be the difference between make or break.
The country today looks very different to that only 10 years ago. What was once law in Saudi Arabia, such as women not being allowed to drive and the use of separate restaurant entrances , is no longer law. Similarly, it was not that long ago that foreign women could not enter Saudi Arabia without being accompanied by a man. This means foreign businesswomen today have a much easier ride than their predecessors.
However, beware! Saudi society, culture, values, norms and red lines have not changed just because a law has. Women are a lot more noticable now. We all carry stereotypes, bias, prejudice and preconceived ideas. When it comes to Saudi Arabia and the place of women, many of us are influenced by what we see in our media, etc.
This is not to say, however, that one should compromise their own culture or values. When visiting Saudi Arabia, grasp any opportunity to speak and spend time with local women. This will help your understanding of the culture immensely. From the get-go you need to understand that Saudi culture is hierarchical. People believe hierarchy is natural and necessary for order and harmony.
Hierarchy runs through Saudi society; starting in the family and all the way through to the boardroom. Everyone understands their place and how it works. Women, naturally, slot into this hierarchy β again both inside and outside the home. Only until recently men and women led very separate existences in the workplace as they were often segregated.
