Exporting to Saudi Arabia
Why do business with Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia offers enormous opportunities thanks to the economic reforms set out in Vision 2030. Doing business thrives on trust, humility and local partnerships. Key sectors include entertainment, renewable energy, water management, agritech, healthcare and life sciences. Although the regulatory framework is evolving, partnerships with local entities help businesses navigate the market.
Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy, is leading the way in growth, diversification and investment, underpinned by Vision 2030.
Its economic and political stability make Saudi Arabia a business hub, offering growth, security and a global market.
The country has enormous capital reserves and, through sovereign wealth funds, is pumping large sums of money into innovative mega-projects, such as the construction of the sustainable city of Neom.
The government wants to reduce its dependence on oil revenues and is actively encouraging the growth of the private sector.
How to do business in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia forms part of the wider Gulf region, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. The cultures of these countries share many similarities, but each country does have its own unique identity.
If you are visiting several countries, people will appreciate it if you take the time to learn about each one individually. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait are regarded as somewhat more conservative than Oman and the UAE. People in Saudi Arabia may come across as a little more reserved, and society there is more hierarchical.
Take your time when building a business relationship in Saudi Arabia, as establishing a rapport is very important. The main aim of the first meeting should be to build mutual trust. Don’t get straight to the point; start with a general conversation instead. Make sure you ring back soon after the first meeting.
As part of Vision 2030, the initiative encourages multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia and to benefit from tax incentives, regulatory support and strategic market access.
With world-class infrastructure, a growing talent pool and pro-business reforms, Saudi Arabia offers an ideal base for regional operations. The RHQ programme is in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to attract foreign investment, promote economic diversification and enhance competitiveness.
By fostering a dynamic business ecosystem, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its role as a preferred destination for international companies seeking to expand regionally.
Foreign companies engaged in trade must comply with Saudi customs regulations, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO), and submit the necessary certificates, such as a certificate of origin and a commercial invoice. Exports to Saudi Arabia require partnerships with local distributors or agents to facilitate market access and ensure compliance with local laws.
Tips to score in Saudi Arabia?
LANGUAGE
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. In everyday life, the inhabitants mainly speak various local Arabic dialects, of which Najdi Arabic and Hijazi Arabic are the most widely used.
In addition, you can get by quite well in the country using English, particularly in the major cities, amongst the younger generation and in the business world.
Knowing a few words of Arabic is greatly appreciated.
CULTURE
Saudi Arabia was relatively closed off for a long time, but is gradually becoming more globalised. In recent decades, for example, the weekend has been moved to Friday and Saturday, to bring it more into line with international working days. Legislation on women’s rights is gradually changing.
Religion remains very important in Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam. Every year, the country welcomes millions of pilgrims who take part in the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. When doing business, it is important to show respect for the faith and for cultural norms and values. Bear in mind, for example, that Friday is a day of rest for Muslims; most businesses and shops are closed on that day. If you do not know much about this, make sure you find out more.
In Arab culture, people often communicate in a less direct manner than the Dutch. You should therefore pay close attention to body language and facial expressions, and try to read between the lines. To avoid misunderstandings, it is best simply to remain polite.
Be culturally aware: Understand cultural norms, such as the importance of religion and family in everyday life. Avoid sensitive topics such as politics and religion.
Build personal relationships: Trust and personal relationships are crucial. Take the time to get to know the people you’re talking to before you get down to business.
Abaya: For foreign businesswomen, wearing the traditional long, black, long-sleeved dress is no longer compulsory. Business attire is acceptable.
A relaxed demeanour helps to create the right atmosphere. However, be careful with hand gestures and other movements. Looking away from a male conversation partner can come across as disrespectful in Saudi Arabia. Also, do not show the soles of your shoes when crossing your legs.
REGULATIONS
Apply for a tourist visa: Obtaining a business visa can be a complicated process. We recommend that you apply for a tourist visa for your business trip to Saudi Arabia. You can easily apply for this via the Visit Saudi platform.
Be aware of the licensing requirements: If you wish to set up an office, you will need specific licences or approvals. Work with local authorities or legal experts to ensure that all the necessary licences are obtained.
Comply with local standards and certifications: Saudi Arabia enforces strict product standards through the Saudi Standards, Metrology & Quality Organisation (SASO), which requires certifications such as the Saudi Quality Mark and compliance via the Saber-platform. Imported goods must comply with GCC and energy efficiency regulations. Ensure that your products meet local quality standards and certifications. This is particularly relevant in sectors such as food, healthcare and manufacturing.
To set up a business in Saudi Arabia, you must comply with various legal and regulatory frameworks. Foreign investors must apply for a licence from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment (MISA), which facilitates investment and ensures alignment with national economic objectives. Companies must also register with the Ministry of Commerce and obtain a commercial registration (CR) in order to operate legally. Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat policy requires companies to meet specific quotas for the employment of Saudi nationals. Companies must take this requirement into account in their workforce planning, as compliance is essential for smooth operations and to avoid potential penalties.
Saudi Arabia’s RHQ (Regional Headquarters) programme aims to position the Kingdom as the leading business centre in the Middle East.
ARRANGEMENTS
Generally speaking, you are expected to arrive punctually for an appointment, although it is quite common for the business contact to arrive a little later themselves.
Ramadan: During Ramadan, major events and trade fairs are generally not held, and working hours are usually reduced by one hour in both the public and private sectors. It is therefore advisable not to plan a visit to Saudi Arabia during this period. Ramadan moves forward by approximately 10 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. For example, in 2025, Ramadan begins on 1 March; in 2026, on 20 February; and in 2027, on 10 February.
Summer holidays: During the summer holidays, from June to August, many people in Saudi Arabia travel abroad, making this a less than ideal time for business activities. It is advisable not to conduct business during this period.
GREETING
Exercise restraint when shaking hands. Wait to see if a Saudi business partner (particularly one of the opposite sex) takes the initiative; otherwise, place your right hand discreetly over your heart.
Everyone is addressed by their title and name. At business meetings, the most important visitor usually sits to the host’s right. Present business cards (preferably in English and Arabic) with the Arabic side facing upwards.
A few Arabic words from the visitor will be greatly appreciated. For example, ‘Shukran’ (thank you), which is usually answered with ‘afwan’ (you’re welcome). ‘Insha’a Allah’ (God willing) is also frequently used and signifies a promise or the hope that something will happen.
COMMUNICATION
Face-to-face meetings: Face-to-face meetings are highly valued. Do not rely solely on emails or phone calls, as being there in person helps to build trust. Use formal titles and forms of address when dealing with newcomers. A respectful tone is essential, particularly in the early stages of business relationships.
Formal communication: Use formal titles and forms of address. A respectful tone is essential, particularly in the early stages of business relationships.
BUSINESS LUNCH – DINER
A successful business lunch or dinner with Saudi partners requires respect for strict Islamic and cultural etiquette.
Schedule lunch for around 14:00 to 16:00 and dinner not too early (often not until 20:00). Saudi hospitality is paramount, which means that the host will order a generous spread.
Never serve or ask for alcohol, and eat only halal food. Pork and alcohol are strictly forbidden.
Always eat and drink with your right hand. In this culture, the left hand is considered unclean.
Do not give inappropriate business gifts: Not all business gifts are suitable to give. Alcohol is not only completely inappropriate as a gift, but also illegal. You should also avoid giving gifts that may contain pork. Suitable gifts include a (luxury) pen bearing your company’s name or logo, diaries, calendars featuring Dutch scenes, and Delftware.
TIPS
Tipping in Saudi Arabia is customary and is greatly appreciated by the staff, who are often foreign nationals, although it is not as mandatory as in the US. In restaurants, a 10 per cent tip is the norm, and for guides, 20 to 50 SAR (Saudi riyal) per day.
Check whether a ‘service charge’ is already included on the bill. If not, 10 per cent is the standard tip.
For porters or chambermaids, a small tip of 5 to 10 SAR is customary.is het handig om contant geld bij de hand te hebben.
PAYMENTS, PRICING AND CLOSING DEALS
Doing business in Saudi Arabia is heavily based on personal relationships, patience and mutual respect. Deals are struck between individuals, not merely between companies. It is crucial not to rush things; allow your business partners time to consult and make decisions.
Take additional costs into account when setting your prices, such as import duties and logistics. As the country is heavily reliant on imports for items such as food, import procedures and customs charges are factors that determine the final margin.
VAT rate: A standard rate of 15% VAT applies to almost all goods and services in the country. This must be clearly reflected in your pricing models.
Negotiation style: Indirect communication is the norm. Saying ‘no’ outright is considered a loss of face; people use phrases such as ‘inshallah’ (God willing) or ‘we’ll see’. This often amounts to a polite refusal or a request for adjustments to the price.
Embassies in Saudi Arabia
We recommend that every company thoroughly vet any potential partner in Saudi Arabia before entering into a business partnership with them. To do so, you can contact your country’s local embassy.
BELGIUM
Ambassade van België in Saoedi-Arabië
Diplomatic quarter Main Road 2 Lot n° A2
11693 Riyad, Saoedi-Arabië
Tel.: +966 11 488 2888
riyadh@diplobel.fed.be
Dhr. Pascal GREGOIRE
Ambassadeur
Mevr. Clémence DEJONCKHEERE
Eerste Ambassadesecretaris
Dhr. Andrej BARTH
Consul en Deputy head of mission
Flanders Investment & Trade
Brussels Hub
Dhr. Wim VAN CAUTEREN
Mevr. Ebtisam AHMED, Assistente van de Commerciële Attaché
Mevr. Nusaiba ONIZAN, Assistente van de Commerciële Attaché
Tel.: (+966) (11) 480 17 60
E-mail: riyadh@fitagency.com
Awex – Walloon Export & Foreign InvestmentDhr. Adrien LACROIX
Mevr. Shahenaz BASHIR, Executive Assistant
Tel.: (+966) (11) 480 86 14
E-mail: riyadh@awex-wallonia.com
THE NETHERLANDS
Abdullah Hizaf Asehmi Street
(Diplomatic Quarter)
11693 Riyadh
Saoedi-Arabië
Tel. : +96 6114 422 300
riy-ea@minbuza.nl
Hr Hans Peter van der Woude
Ambassadeur
Mw Ester van Sommeren
Deputy Ambassador/ Head of Economic Affairs
LUXEMBOURG
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg does not currently have its own embassy in Riyadh. Instead, Luxembourg is represented diplomatically and consularly by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Riyadh.
USEFUL WEBSITES
Belgium
https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/subsidies/
https://www.awex-export.be/fr/aides-et-subsides
https://info.hub.brussels/nl/subsidies/premie-om-te-exposeren-op-een-fysieke-beurs-het-buitenland
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/landen/saudi-arabie/infofiche
https://www.walloniaexportinvestment.be/fr/
https://diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/landen/saoedi-arabie
https://belgianchambers.be/en/chambers-of-commerce/arab-countries-arab-belgian-luxembourg-chamber-of-commerce/gl=1yudibv_upMQ.._gaMjYxNTA0ODc1LjE3ODQyNzY4Mzk._ga_3CY5W8Q4W2*czE3ODQyNzY4MzgkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODQyNzY4MzgkajYwJGwwJGgw
The Netherlands
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/contact/ambassades-consulaten-generaal/saoedi-arabie/ambassade-riyadh
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/landen-en-gebieden/saoedi-arabie
https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/saudi-arabia/about-us
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/subsidiespelregels
Luxembourg
https://mae.gouvernement.lu/en/missions-diplomatiques/missions-diplomatiques-et-consulaires-luxembourgeoises/arabie-saoudite.html
https://luxembourgtradeandinvest.com/
Traveling to Saudi Arabia?
TIME DIFFERENCE
During our summer time, it is 1 hour later in Saudi Arabia than in the Benelux; during our winter time, the difference is 2 hours. Saudi Arabia is in the GMT+3 time zone.
FLIGHTS TO RIYADH
There are currently no direct flights to Riyadh from Belgium; every flight has at least one stopover:
Emirates: daily, with a stopover in Dubai
Lufthansa/Brussels Airlines: Flights from Brussels with a quick connection in Frankfurt or Munich
Etihad Airways: Connections with a stopover in Abu Dhabi
KLM: Travelling via Amsterdam Schiphol is a very popular alternative, but this route also involves a stopover.
From the Netherlands (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), there are direct flights with KLM and Emirates.
HOTELS
For this, it’s best to check booking.com.
Riyadh Front Convention Centre: hotels and apartments to rent
RICEC Convention Centre: Various hotels within walking distance of the exhibition centre, such as the Radisson Blu
Tip: there are few hotels with an outdoor swimming pool, and not all hotels allow women in the pool.
GETTING AROUND IN SAUDI ARABIA
The safest and most reliable way to get around Riyadh is by car, using ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem or Bolt) or with a private Uber driver in Riyadh.
The condition of the road network is generally relatively good, but driving styles can be particularly dangerous. More and more speed cameras are appearing, not only to measure speed but also to detect other offences, such as using a mobile phone whilst driving. Despite the capacity of the roads, there is a lot of traffic. Riyadh is almost exclusively geared towards car traffic. It is particularly dangerous at the weekend (Thursday evening to Saturday evening) and in the evenings on weekdays. Driving yourself is generally not a problem, but you do need to be particularly vigilant. For business travel, a chauffeur is advisable.
Vehicle security: it is advisable to park in a clearly visible and well-lit spot, preferably in secure car parks, and to inspect the vehicle before setting off.
In 2025, a metro and bus network were opened in Riyadh. Although the networks do not yet cover the whole city, they are fully operational and safe.
Riyadh Metro: This is one of the world’s largest automated metro networks, comprising several colour-coded lines. It is a clean, fast and inexpensive way to avoid traffic jams in the city centre. Public transport in Saudi Arabia: a practical guide.
MOBILE PHONES AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Roaming is available in Belgium. Roaming charges for a Belgian mobile contract can be very high in Saudi Arabia. On arrival at the airport, you can purchase a local SIM card on presentation of your passport.
Tip! You can avoid high roaming charges by activating an e-SIM:
Holafly: https://esim.holafly.com/
CURRENCY
Currency: €1.00 = 4.29 RAL (Saudi Arabian riyal)
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere
DOCUMENTS
A visa is compulsory for Belgian and Dutch nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia.
It is possible to obtain one online or on arrival.
If you are attending a conference, it is best to apply for a tourist visa. You can find more information on this on the website VisitSaudi or via the commercial platform: IVISA: https://www.ivisa.com/nl
We would like to draw your attention to the following distinction that must be made regarding e-visas:
• For religious tourism, everything is arranged via the online platform Nusuk (Hajj) or Nusuk Umrah (Umrah). Travel agencies are no longer directly involved. For business travel, the rule that visa applications must be made via the Saudi embassies continues to apply
• Only tourists can use the e-visa or visa-on-arrival procedure.
A tourist visa is valid for up to one year and is only valid upon presentation of an international passport that is valid for more than six months.
Our exhibitions in Saudi Arabia?
Tourist destinations near Riyadh
DIRIYAH
Discover the birthplace of Saudi Arabia in Diriyah, featuring the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District, the cultural Bujairi Terrace and the picturesque Hanifa Valley.
Accessible by taxi, with some lovely restaurants and beautiful surroundings; there is an admission charge to visit the site.
KINDGDOM TOWER – SKY BRIDGE
Enjoy a panoramic view of Riyadh from the highest point and make the most of this unique photo opportunity.
TUWAIQ GEBERGTE – ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Extra day in Saudi Arabia
Discover the beauty of the Tuwaiq Mountains on the Najd Plateau on this day trip from Riyadh.
SIX FLAGS RIYADH
One of the newest attractions in Riyadh. It is one of the largest amusement parks in the region, offering fun rides for young and old alike.
