DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?

GREETINGS VARY

Since several styles of greeting are currently in use in Saudi Arabia, it is safest to wait for your counterpart to initiate the greeting, especially at a first meeting.

Westernized Saudi men shake hands with other men.

One traditional Saudi greeting between men involves each grasping the other’s right hand, and placing the left hand on the other’s right shoulder. Then they exchange kisses on each cheek.

Some Saudi men will shake hands with Western women, although this violates observant Muslim traditions. Also, remember that there are roaming religious police, called the Mutaween, in Saudi Arabia. Even a Saudi male who is willing to shake hands with a woman in private may not do so in public view of the Mutaween. If your Saudi contact puts his hand on his chest, rather than shaking your hand, do not take offense. The gesture may mean that he or she is an observant Muslim and prefers no physical contact with the opposite sex.