Business meetings can be lengthy in the Middle East, Saudis like to take their time and feel comfortable with their business partners before any agreements are entered into. Business meetings in Saudi start late and often run over the allotted time, make sure you take this into consideration when arranging your next meeting, however you should still arrive on time. Saudi business executives are also prone to take phone calls during meetings and a lack of privacy is not uncommon during appointments. Other visitors may wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves. Make sure you remain outwardly patient throughout all interruptions. Often discussion can be around current news, the economy, personal health etc, however ensure that you do not directly inquire about a female member of the family.

Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting and should be studied before placing on the table in front of you. It is considered rude if you put the card straight into your pocket or briefcase without even looking at it. Be respectful in the way you give your card to others, if you are across a large table, walk around the outside rather than throwing your card to them. Business cards are usually printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other.

When offered coffee or tea during a meeting, it is important that you receive it with your right hand, if for any reason you cannot use your right hand e.g. you have a broken arm, then you should apologize whilst receiving with your left. It is considered impolite to not take at least one cup. If your host is serving the traditional Al-Qahwa, then to simply hold your cup to the server to take it away will not do, he will think you would like a refill. To signal that you are finished, hold your cup out to him and gently shake it from side to side.

Showing the sole of your foot directly to another person is impolite as the sole of the shoe / foot can be unclean. Try to avoid crossing your legs during meetings to ensure you avoid offending someone.