Country Information - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia observes the Arab boycott of Israel. No vessel or aircraft used for shipments to Saudi Arabia may call on any port in Israel. For detailed information on compliance with US Anti-boycott laws, see Gistnet library coverage under restrictive trade practice and boycotts. See also definitions for anti-boycott provisions and restrictive trade practices.

Documentary requirements are extensive and consular legalization is required. Certain products require pre-shipment inspection (PSI) and special certification. See details below.

An Export Information Sheet (EIS) (sample form Export Information Sheet) is also required. See further details below under "customs invoice".

The invoice and EIS must be certified by the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council, located at the Saudi Arabian Embassy and at all Saudi Arabian Consulates, and receive consular legalization.

A sample commercial invoice form in PDF is available on the US-Saudi Arabian Business Council website at http://www.us-saudi-business.org/certorg.pdf.

For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Common/Generic Documentation Requirements and General Document Distribution procedures. For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo. See airwaybill (AWB). For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice.

A steamship company certificate or airline certificate is also required. This certificate (which is an "Appended Declaration to Bill of Lading" or airwaybill) should be issued by the steamship (or airline) company in at least one original. It must be notarized and contain the following information about the vessel (or plane), named in the bill of lading or the airline company certificate: name of vessel (plane), any previous name (if applicable); nationality of vessel (plane); owner of vessel (plane); names of ports (airports) that the vessel (plane) will call on en route to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including port (airport) of loading and port (airport) of discharge.

For further information on form preparation, see definition of certificate of origin (CO, C/O). This certificate must be certified by the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council and receive consular legalization.

1. Notarized by a Notary Public
2. Certified by a local U.S. Chamber of Commerce
3. Certified by the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council
4. Legalized by the Saudi Embassy or any Saudi Consulate in the U.S.

Houston: One Westheimer Plaza, 5718 Westheimer, Suite 1500, Houston, TX 77057, tel: (713) 785-5577; fax: (713) 785-1163.

Los Angeles: Consulate General, Sawtelle Courtyard Building, 2045 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, tel: (310) 479-6000; fax: (310) 479-2752.

New York: Consulate General, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 480, New York, N.Y. 10017, tel: (212) 752-2740; fax: (212) 688-2719.

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business. Modern Saudi Arabia has adopted many of the business methods and styles of the West, but some differences remain. Most important is that business will be only be conducted after a degree of trust and familiarity have been established. Considerable time may be spent exchanging courtesies, and several visits may be needed to secure business. Business visitors should arrange their itineraries to allow for long meetings, because traditional Saudis often maintain an "open office" in which they will sign papers, take telephone calls, and converse with friends or colleagues who drop by. Tea, soft drinks, and traditional Saudi coffee are usually offered. One to three cups of Saudi coffee should be taken for politeness, after which the cup should be wiggled between thumb and forefinger when returning it to the server to indicate that you have finished.
Many Saudi businessmen have been educated or have travelled extensively in the West. For the most part, travelers can rely on the usual Western manners and standards of politeness to see them through, with a few additional rules that may be observed. One should eat with the right hand and avoid sitting at any time with the sole of the foot pointed at the host or other guest. It may be discourteous to ask about man's wife or daughters; ask instead about his family. Shoes are sometimes removed before entering a Saudi majlis (living room). If you are invited to the home of a Saudi for a party or reception, a meal is normally served at the end of the evening, and guests will not linger long after finishing. If you invite a Saudi to dine with you, expect to be refused at least once. Customs and manners differ, so be observant and adapt your behavior to that of your host.
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, Makkah. The prayer times are published in the newspaper and come at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Stores and restaurants close for approximately one-half hour at these times. When staging promotional events or product demonstrations, these prayer breaks should be scheduled.
Dress is conservative for both men and women. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops, while women should wear loose-fitting and concealing clothing with long skirts, elbow-length sleeves, and modest necklines. There is strict gender separation in the Kingdom and restaurants maintain separate sections for single men and families. Wives are often excluded from social gatherings or are entertained separately.