Background
I was appointed as the first dedicated Country Security Manager at a global energy and utilities group in Saudi Arabia.
Situation
As Saudi Arabia was a new country for me to live and work in, it was essential to become attuned to its distinct cultural nuances and regional variations, many of which were unfamiliar and specific to the Kingdom. This adaptation was particularly important because Riyadh, as the capital and most cosmopolitan city, is significantly more advanced and accustomed to expatriates than other parts of the country. In contrast, the more remote and isolated provinces operate under markedly different cultural and social frameworks, differences that can even challenge some Riyadh-based Saudis when they travel or work outside the capital.
Actions taken to build relationships
As a newly arrived Western European in the organisation, I also met a degree of natural apprehension. An outsider can easily be seen as someone sent by headquarters, perhaps to audit or report back, and it takes time for colleagues to see otherwise. I gradually built trust and rapport by investing time in getting to know as many staff members as possible on a personal level, while respecting those who were more reluctant to engage. That reluctance often came down to language: some colleagues preferred to avoid conversation if their English was less fluent than that of their peers, as it could mean losing face in front of others.
Throughout, I deliberately avoided a rigid corporate tone, instead adopting an anthropological lens prioritising careful observation, cultural sensitivity and human-centred engagement. Simple, culturally attuned gestures proved highly effective in breaking the ice. Showing sincere interest in how colleagues were experiencing Ramadan served as a genuine and disarming way to build bridges. Another practical approach was aligning mealtimes with local customs. Many Saudis take breakfast around 11:00 a.m. and lunch as late as 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. However, in Middle Eastern workplace culture, people rarely eat alone. By recognising these patterns and joining at the appropriate times, I demonstrated flexibility and respect. Colleagues expressed surprise and appreciation when a Westerner adapted to the local patterns, as expatriates are often perceived as rigid or unwilling to adjust to Saudi norms.
Results and outcome
By the end of my first year, I was very much part of the team. Particularly rewarding was the growing confidence shown by some of the more reserved members of staff, especially some of the female clerical employees. Several approached me to practise their English, ask questions about life in the United Kingdom and our culture, and enquire about my family.
Reflective observations
Some female colleagues were initially hesitant to converse with Western men, which was entirely understandable. Perceptions of Western life can differ greatly from the reality, particularly around faith and family, and it takes time for those perceptions to give way to personal experience. Once trust built over time, curiosity emerged. Saudi colleagues expressed genuine astonishment at aspects of my background: leaving home at 15, living on my own in rented accommodation, then joining the military. The idea of stepparents felt unfamiliar, as did the variety of some Western family structures. In return, they shared how Saudi families function, emphasising strong extended ties, mutual support and the central place of kinship.
With Saudi male colleagues, conversations often turned to football. The region is football mad, so a Brit with absolutely no interest in it was something they could hardly believe. Far from being a barrier, my dislike of football became a real icebreaker. It always sparked lively, good-humoured conversation, and I would turn the tables by asking them about rugby. From there, the conversation became a genuine knowledge swap: I shared insights from my own culture, and in return I learned about parts of Saudi life an expatriate rarely gets to explore.
Key learnings
- Less is often more. Avoid pushing engagement onto individuals, particularly those who are naturally reserved, shy or protective of their personal reputation and dignity.
- Small talk, though sometimes repetitive or seemingly superficial, is a vital cultural bridge.