international mobility – saudi arabia (ksa) (1 DAY)

 

Getting used to the country

1. Understanding Saudi Arabia
•    The world seen from Saudi Arabia
•    The cradle of Islam
•    An evolving conservative country
•    A diversely-rich country with fundamentalist influences
•    A tense regional environment: KSA and its neighbours (Iran, GCC, Yemen, etc)

2. Saudi values and behaviours
•    In KSA, “we” are their guests, no negative judgement
•    Complexity of the relationships between individuals, families and tribes
•    Religion and fundamental values
 

Getting used to socialisation patterns

3. Saudi communication styles
•    Reserve when it comes to emotions and opinions (the unsaid, the implicit, the refusal never expressed)
•    Non-verbal communication: gestures to avoid

4. Living and socialising  with the Saudis
•    Habits and lifestyle, for the Saudis and expats
•    Social life rules are organised around Islam
•    Strict separation between men and women
•    Behaviours in public: dress code, delicate subjects, behaviours to avoid, etc.
 

ADAPTING TO EVERYDAY LIFE