Saudi best in MidEast for doing business - report

Posted by: adil Jilla Thursday, 25 October 2012 5:03 PM[UAE] - Dubai

Adil J.
I can tell you for sure having worked with KSA for over 25 years, they are the most courteous people when they are dealing with Europeans , americans and the Brits. Me being an indian but lived all my life in the UK with a british passport got accepted as a brit, but I had to prove myself that I could do as good a job as any brit and better. I just think the brits and the americans get it too easy. Sure I have a sponsor and he gets me the visas, work place , driver, referals and you pay him for these services. I think this makes it easier and profitable for all to work in a country if you are not familiar with.
As far as contacting them, once you have met them, they are happy to exchange mobile numbers and no problem in keeping in contact. As for payments, never had a problem and you have the sponsor to back you, so all is good. If anythink I have only ever faced bad debts from uk firms. And you know how diffecult it can be to get appointments with heads of UK companies.

Posted by: Ads Wednesday, 24 October 2012 1:44 PM[UAE] - United Kingdom

Saudi is great for doing business - however contracts are worthless and good luck trying to get paid!

Posted by: Angelika Lancsak Wednesday, 24 October 2012 3:09 PM[UAE] - UAE / Austria

Saudi people are great for doing business with - contracts are NOT worthless and I was always lucky in getting my cash:-)) - at least during the last 10 years****

Posted by: Mick Wednesday, 24 October 2012 1:43 PM[UAE] - UAE

Anyone that works with Saudi companies knows that you have a 5% chance, at best, of anyone answering their phones (even main lines) in KSA. This article is very interesting. I'm just a little perplexed since I've been trying to do business in Saudi for years and have all but given up since noone answers the telephone (especially in Jeddah) or replies to emails. I've been told from friends in Saudi that when you phone from a UAE number, it is normally not answered. You need to actually be, physically, IN Saudi to do business. Not sure. Maybe its just me.

Posted by: RAFAT Thursday, 8 November 2012 9:33 AM[UAE] - saudi arabia

Hi Mick
What is the line of business you have expertize and interested to invest in.

Rafat S turki

Posted by: Mohammed Wednesday, 24 October 2012 3:39 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

The easiest and most common way to do business in Saudi is to find a local saudi buissness partner. They are very accustomed to the regulations and government-related documents, and know how to get around them.
I understand that this might not be the way you would like to do your business, but that's how it goes.
And I totally agree about the phone calls. Nobody takes you seriously here unless you're talking to them face to face.