Synergy’s Guide to Riyadh

Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia but English is widely used, particularly in business settings.  

Relationships and trust are key when communicating both personally and professionally in Saudi Arabia. Due to the country’s emphasis on respect, indirectness can be a popular way to communicate in Saudi Arabia and is seen as a sign of politeness. You may hear phrases like “inshallah” (God willing) or “we’ll see” instead of a hard no.  

Expect small talk before business and ensure you are aware of non-verbal communication signals. Always offer and receive items, with your right hand and ensure you receive business cards with two hands. A handshake is common among men and a handshake between men and women should only take place if initiated by the woman first.  

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the standard currency used in Saudi Arabia. You will be able to pay in both cash and credit/debit cards, as well as with popular contactless options like Apple Pay.  

Tipping is not mandatory but is always appreciated and is increasingly common especially in service industries like restaurants, hotel staff and taxis.

Saudi Arabia uses type G plugs, the same as those used in the United Kingdom.  

5G is widely available across major cities and continues to expand rapidly. It is easy to get a local SIM card in areas like airports or kiosks in malls. In order to obtain a SIM card, ID is mandatory.  

Saudi Arabia is a country with deep cultural roots shaped by Islamic values which promote honesty, kindness, charity, patience and more. As such, travellers to Saudi Arabia consistently highlight the high safety standards across the city, as well as the high levels of respect they receive from locals. Traditionally, gender roles in Saudi Arabia have been much more defined, however the country as undergone significant reforms in recent years, with more women entering the workforce and leadership roles.   

Friday is the most important day of the week in Saudi Arabia due to its significance in Islam. It is the equivalent to Sunday in Christian countries and business weeks therefore run from Sunday to Thursday. Most people attend the Jumu’ah prayer around midday at the mosque and businesses, schools and government offices are often closed or open for shorter hours on Friday.  

Throughout the week, individuals who practice islam typically pray 4-5 times a day and you will likely hear the call to prayer or “adhan” sang across the city during these times and you are expected to remain quiet and respectful during these periods.  

In Saudi Arabia, gender specific amenities are the norm across nearly all public spaces. Recent years have brought notable shifts however, especially in hospitality, entertainment, dining and retail spaces.  

It is not uncommon to find women only sections in places like gyms, government buildings, schools and so on and it is the norm to have separate entrances for men and women in certain establishments.  

Recently, gender restrictions have relaxed and areas such as restaurants, entertainment venues and offices no longer require segregated areas for men and women, especially in cities like Riyadh.  

Saudi Arabia’s Muslim guided community values and encourages dressing modestly across the country, in particular if you are a woman. The general rule of thumb is to your ensure shoulders, legs and chest are covered and as a woman, to cover your head and hair when visiting religious facilities.  

Due to Saudi Arabia’s high temperatures, particularly in the summer, cities across Saudi do not typically come alive until around 9-10pm. Cities like Riyadh have undergone drastic transformation in recent years and is bursting with entertainment facilities from theme parks to gaming events to sporting spectacles and concerts all thanks to the country’s Vision 2030.  

Drinking alcohol is very uncommon in Saudi Arabia. Hotels are currently building bars which are set to have non-alcoholic cocktails and beers but there are currently no plans to legalise alcohol for the general public or tourists.  

Riyadh Season—a huge entertainment and cultural festival—runs from October to March. This major tourism driver features concerts, art shows, sports events and global pop ups.  

Saudi grocery stores are clean, well-stocked and easy to navigate. Many are open late and some have 24 hour services. Popular chains include Panda, Tamimi Markets, Carrefour and Danube. Note that the sale and consumption of pork is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia.  

If delivering food to your home, popular fast-food delivery apps include HungerStation and Jahez which are especially efficient in cities like Riyadh. Most apps support English and cashless payments.  

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Riyadh is advancing one of the world’s largest urban greening efforts through its Green Riyadh project, launched in 2019. The initiative aims to plant 7.5 million trees using 72 native species to combat desertification, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance overall liveability. Trees are being planted citywide, supported by a sustainable irrigation system that will use 1 million cubic meters of recycled water daily.  

These efforts not only bring environmental benefits like carbon reduction and cooler temperatures but also boost community well-being, property values, job creation, and tourism, positioning Riyadh as a model of sustainable urban resilience.