Generally, before any business negotiation can take place, introductions take place. This is where one gets to know his/her business partner or client well to establish a strong business working relationship.

Greetings hold an important place in the establishment of any relationship, business working relationship included. The Saudis take greetings to show one's openness and with no ill motives. The standard greeting in Saudi Arabia, as with other Muslim countries, is 'As-salam-alaikum', meaning, peace be upon you. The standard reply is 'Wa alaikum as-salam', meaning and upon you be peace. It is very rare for a Saudi to turn down a greeting, even from a stranger. But should one offer greetings several times without any response, he/she is unwelcome and should leave.

On entering a Saudi business negotiation room, one is advised to remove his/her shoes and leave them outside if the room is carpeted to avoid taking in any impurites. This is mainly because Muslims in general pray while kneeling down and prayers can be conducted in Mosques or in any room so long as time for prayers has arrived. Impurities brought in through shoes render the carpet rirually unclean.

One should offer his/her greetings upon entering a business negotiation room by shaking hands with the most senior person of those in the room. He/she should then shake hands with the rest in an anti-clockwise manner before taking his/her seat. If there are so many people in the room that shaking hands with every one may be impossible, the visitor should just shake hands with the most senior person who in most cases will be strategically seated/standing then wave to the rest.

In any event, negotiations included age matters a lot. It is common for an old person's views or suggestions to be heard first. If there are many in a room and raising the hand is used to select those to speak, one should not raise his/her hand if a person of a senior age has his/her hand up. While walking in a group, always give the senior person the way. In case both of you get to the doorway at the same time, allow the senior person to pass first. Otherwise if of the same age, the one on the right has the right of way.

Some business negotiations involve the exchange of business cards and promotional materials. In Saudi Arabia, these are not all that important but are accepted if written in Arabic. If two languages (including Arabic) are used, both should be on the same face of the material. The Arabic should not be at the back, this will mean that it is inferior to the other language.

Businness negotiation with the Saudi relies on facts, straightforwardness and trust. Any slight dought of these will see the negotiation fail.

The Saudis are shrewed businessmen. This is as a result of the merchant culture that developed before the discovery of oil. Bargaining is part and percel of Saudi daily life. Saudis will bargain on anything one can think of.