Saudi Arabia presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Saudi Arabia presentation - Essay Example Social identity comes from family loyalty and submission to Islamic law, and Saudis tend to be fatalists, believing that Allah directs destiny. The importance of women in Saudi society is slowly changing as more women pursue professional careers. Women are still seen as â€Å"different† from men, and are kept strictly separate in social activities and left out of most decision-making. Some Saudi men will shake hands with Western women. Saudi women, if they happen to accompany a man, are generally not introduced and are otherwise ignored. Non-Saudi women are expected to dress modestly. Western women may be whipped by the Matawain, who are the â€Å"religious police.† However, they must not adopt the traditional dress of a veil and an abaya (full-length black robes). This is offensive. Saudis stand close to each other when talking, and touching is common during conversation. Men hold hands with men, and women with women, as a sign of friendship. A traditional Saudi greeting is a handshake and a kiss on both cheeks. Saudi culture has several important taboos about gestures. The left hand is considered unclean. Never point at a person. Always keep your feet flat on the ground, as it’s offensive to show the bottom of your foot. Also, the â€Å"thumbs-up† gesture is crude and offensive throughout the Arab world. Foreign travelers may not enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without an invitation, nor may they leave without an exit permit. All visitors become subject to Saudi Islamic law, and those laws must be strictly followed. Many Western accepted business practices are frowned on or considered insulting in Saudi Arabia. For instance, most appointments are made loosely between accepted prayer times, and there are multiple holidays and religious observances that will change business negotiations. Alcohol, pornography, pork and narcotics are all illegal substances, and