Meetings are conducted at a leisurely pace, with the parties involved enjoying cordial discussion over coffee and tea. Saudi business executives like to feel comfortable with their business partners before agreements or contracts are signed. This can mean a number of initial meetings where no substantive business is discussed. However, these meetings can be as important as serious business negotiations. Substantial time should be allotted for such business appointments, as they are often long in duration.
Confidentiality is likely to increase when it comes time to actually finalize an agreement.
Saudi custom regarding greetings is rather ritualized. When entering a meeting full of people, a Saudi will greet each person individually with a handshake while standing. The same is expected of visitors. Learning some appropriate Arabic phrases for such occasions is appreciated. In Arabic, an individual is addressed by his or her first name, and any title they possess.