The Ultimate Business Travel Guide To Riyadh

The Ultimate Business Travel Guide To Riyadh

There’s no denying that the Saudi Arabian capital is a city of opportunity. An emerging global business hub, Riyadh is becoming the place to be for commerce and trade in the Middle East. Fraser Suites in the Al-Olaya financial district is the ideal business hotel in Riyadh to stay when you’re in town for business.

Until recently, Riyadh was known as an ultraconservative city, but things are changing. A growing number of businesses are moving their regional headquarters to the city, which now boasts concerts, cinemas, and prestigious sporting events aplenty. The Regional Headquarters Attraction Program is expected to add $18 billion to the local economy and create 30,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

If you’re looking for business opportunities in the Middle East, the Saudi capital is where you’ll find them. Learn more in our ultimate business travel guide to Riyadh.

Riyadh’s Financial And Business District

Our business hotel in Riyadh is located in the growing financial district of Al-Olaya on the north side of the city. Based at Fraser Suites Riyadh, you are in easy distance of local and international business offices, banks, shops, restaurants and cafes, and several local landmarks.

Among those landmarks are Al Faisaliyah Centre, King Faisal Foundation, the Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Kingdom Centre, and Al Rajhi Tower, which is currently under construction.

To further cement Riyadh’s position as a global business hub, another financial district is under construction. The King Abdullah Financial District will be transformed into a special economic zone, and it is here that many international companies are expected to move their regional headquarters. The new district also will have numerous spaces dedicated to entertainment and shopping.

Tips And Offers For Professionals

Conducting business in Saudi Arabia is different to what you would experience in other parts of the world. If you’re going to be staying at our hotel near airport Riyadh for a business stay, it’s important to know how to conduct meetings and interact with locals successfully. Use the following tips:

● Be prepared for a different routine: Saudi Arabia doesn’t follow the regular Monday to Friday routine you’ll find in many other countries. Business hours here are from 08.30 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 19.30, Saturday through Wednesday. Some businesses are open on Thursdays. Friday is the day of rest. Banking hours are from 09.30 to 16.30. Most shops are open from 08.00 or 08.30 to 12.00, and from 16.30 to 21.00 or 22.00, Saturday through Thursday. Business hours may change during Ramadan.

● Etiquette is important in business meetings: Following the right etiquette will help your business meetings run smoothly in Riyadh. Wait for your Saudi counterpart to greet you first, and then return their greeting in the same manner. Remember that not all Saudis shake hands. Be prepared for meetings to run at a slower pace. Enquire about the health of your counterparts’ family members.

● Be a good conversationist: Expect to have enthusiastic conversations, and don’t be surprised if your Saudi counterparts get loud – shouting is a sign of interest and sincerity. Try not to be shy, quiet, reserved, or aloof. Stick to neutral subjects such as sports. Praise Saudi architecture, cuisine, your business hotel Riyadh, and historic sites, and avoid all talk of politics, illness, bad luck, or anything that could cause embarrassment.

● Use your right hand: Always use your right hand when touching, gesturing, and eating, even if you’re left-handed. In Arabic culture, the left hand is considered unclean. Don’t point at anything while talking, and never use the thumbs-up gesture – it’s offensive in Arabic culture.

● Be friendly and accommodating: Have plenty of business cards with you and distribute them to everyone in the meeting. Be prepared to negotiate, and that includes making personalised arguments and appeals. Gracefully accept favours and be prepared to make accommodations and extend favours yourself.

● Dress for success: Remember to dress smartly for your business meetings and events.

● Make eye contact: It’s vitally important to make eye contact when speaking, so be sure to remove your sunglasses indoors.

Fraser Suites Riyadh has a few offers aimed at professionals travelling to the city for business. You can enjoy a 15% discount on the best available rate by booking at least 14 days in advance. Fraser members can receive 25% off the best flexible rate, free Wi-Fi, 5% off on food and beverages, and 10% off laundry service.

Our Sweet Dreams & Breakfast promotion offers you a hearty breakfast, while the Unbeatable Long Stay offer is made for professionals who need to stay in the city for more than 30 days – the longer you stay at our business hotel in Riyadh, the less you pay. This is an excellent option if you wish for your family to join you on your trip, either for the full duration or just for a weekend. They can enjoy everything Riyadh has to offer and stay in comfort in Fraser Suites accommodation.

Fantastic Hotel Facilities

Fraser Suites Riyadh offers an array of facilities that will make your business trip to the Saudi capital that much more pleasant. Enjoy delicious meals, coffee, and mocktails with a view on our 6th floor terrace, and cool off in the 160sqm temperature-controlled swimming pool.

Start or end your day with self-care when staying at our business hotel Riyadh. You can work out in our fully equipped gym or treat yourself to a relaxing body massage. If you need to meet with clients or host a conference, book our meeting room. Conveniently close to the lounge and restaurant, the meeting room boasts extensive business facilities.

With so much to offer, the Saudi capital is a city of incredible possibilities and business potential. Stay at Fraser Suites Riyadh. Contact us to arrange your stay now.