Acceptable Public Behavior

• Always be courteous.
• Expect to bargain for everything.
• It is common to remove your shoes when entering a building.
• Do not wear revealing clothing at any time.

Business Attire

• Men can wear short sleeves, but never shorts.
• A tie and jacket for men are best.
• Men should not wear jewelry, particularly necklaces.
• Some men choose to wear local cultural garments.
• Woolen cloaks are appropriate for social functions, but are expensive.
• Some women will wear a cloak and headscarf over their outfit.
• Women should go for a baggy, concealed look.
• Pants or pantsuits are not recommended for women.
• Women should wear a scarf if entering a Mosque.
• In most areas women are expected to be covered from head to toe.
• Foreigners should be covered, but should not wear native clothing because it could be seen as offensive.

Conversations and Networking

• Most people greet with the term, "peace be with you".
• The reply is, "and upon you be peace".
• Hosts set topic of conversation.
• You may debate intellectually, but never in anger.
• Controversial issues are popular topics (religion, politics).
• Use first name if only very good friends with someone.
• It is common to address a man as "the father of (his oldest son)".
• Women can also be addressed as "the mother of…".
• The use of "bin" in a person's name means "son of".
• Visitors should not change subject unless invited.
• There are special titles for doctors, chiefs, engineers, and professors.
• Do not talk about women, particularly a man's wife or daughter.
• Do not exaggerate in normal conversation.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

• Shake hand with the most senior person first.
• Women should usually wait for a man to initiate a handshake.
• Move counter-clockwise to shake hands in a group.
• Remove your shoes if the host does.
• Do not point the sole of your foot at anyone when seated.
• Give business cards in Arabic or both Arabic and English.
• It may take several meetings to get business going.
• The person who asks the most questions is usually the least important.

Dinner Etiquette

• Entertaining is commonly done in the home.
• Do not tip taxi drivers.
• Tip 10 percent in the hotel or restaurant.
• Only eat with the right hand.
• Do not offer anything to another person with your left hand.
• Sharing a meal is the best way to get to know someone.
• Be sincere with complements.

Other

• Some businesses close down during prayer times.
• The work week is five days, but begins on a Saturday.
• Make appointments for a time of day, not a precise hour.
• Secretaries may not always have the authority to make appointments.
• If you are not a Muslim, you may no enter Saudi Arabia or leave without an invitation or exit permit.
• Friday is the day of rest.
• Westerners can be imprisoned for possessing illegal substances such as alcohol, porn, or pork.
• Some capital crimes are punished by beheading.
• In many areas, women are not permitted to drive vehicles.

Source

A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com/