The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is predominantly Wahhabi Muslim. Muslims place great empasis on the general conduct of an individual, particularly dressing code. This is a practice in all islamic countries. Saudis hold that a presentable dress code coupled with a good general conduct shows the seriousness of an individual.

The common dress in Saudi Arabia for men is the local garb that is suitable for the climate. Not only is it worn in official functions, it is also worn as a cultural compliment. The garb consists of three parts: the head scarf (ghuttera) together with the head rope (aqal) and the thobe (body garment). This is a common dress for muslim men. For men visiting Saudi Arabia for business, modest dressing will do. Parts of the body, from the navel to the knee, while in public, should always be covered. Short sleeved shirts are allowed, but short trousers will definitely cause problems.

Ladies have a very strict dress code. All ladies' body parts, except for the eyes, hands and feet, should be covered while in public. The common ladies dress is the standard black cloak, otherwise known as abaya and a head scarf. For important functions, ladies who can afford it wear the mishla, a gold-edged woolen cloak.

Saudis are a very reserved tactile people. While ladies are active in almost all professions, they do not drive or travel alone. In social functions, they segregate themselves as much as possible. This is the tradition and they are at home with it.

Raucous laughter and loud speeches are deplored. While walking hand-in-hand, firm embraces and kissing in public may mean different things in other countries particularly in the western world, not so in Saudi Arabia. Such acts are gestures of closeness and brotherly friendship, they do not have any sexual implications.

In mixed sex gatherings, men great their fellow men by shaking hands. Not so with the ladies, unless they have blood relation. In most cases, the ladies will segregate themselves and be at a place they choose.

As in some countries, greetings hold an important place in establishing a relation, whether for business or otherwise. In Saudi Arabia, the standard greeting is 'As-salam-alaikum', meaning 'peace be upon you'. The standard reply is 'Wa alaikum as-salam', meaning 'and upon you be peace'. If one offers greetings several times and does not receive any reply, it means that he/she is not welcome and the reasonable thing to do is simply get away.

Saudis, like other Muslims, pray while kneeling on the floor. Because of this, most Saudi rooms are carpeted and kept very clean. A visitor should always remove his/her shoes and leave them outside before entering such a carpeted room. This is to avoid impurities that can make the carpet ritually unclean. If the room has several people, the visitor should start by offering greetings by shaking hands with the most senior person in the house or room. The visitor should follow this by shaking hands with the rest of those in the house or room in an anti-clockwise direction, before taking his/her seat.