Saudi Arabia Relocation: Cultural Training and Lifestyle Orientation

Relocation can be a very involved process, but there are even more layers when moving to a location with an entirely new cultural and lifestyle landscape. Given the vibrancy of the Middle East market and the demand we are seeing from international clients, the team at EER Middle East regularly handle enquiries concerning Saudi Arabia relocation from assignees who are unfamiliar with what to expect. Ensuring a smooth onboarding process and getting assignees settled is paramount to lasting success, so for those relocating to a new destination that is unlike their home country, it is crucial to provide the right level of support. That is why we thought we would take a brief look at exactly why cultural training is so important and what difference can the right lifestyle orientation make?

Why a Successful Relocation Process Matters

Relocation often mainly concerns two ‘stakeholders’ – the individual relocating (and their family) and the company in which they will be working. For both, a successful relocation process is vital. It will be a major factor in how the assignee adapts to their new environment and their happiness, which ultimately shapes how well they are able to do their job. When relocation isn’t completed properly, it significantly impacts retention potential, leaving the company without the talent they need and the individual uncomfortable in their new home. When the assignee feels supported and settled in the destination, they are far more likely to perform well in the office and make a long-term commitment.

The Role of Cultural Training in the Saudi Arabia Relocation Journey

Saudi Arabia is quite a unique destination. Though it is progressing fairly swiftly in many ways, it is definitely still shaped significantly by its culture and customs. Even incoming assignees from Arabic countries might find they are in need of cultural training on the specifics of Saudi society. Understanding the landscape of Saudi through cultural training will aid assignees both in everyday life and at work. On a daily basis, it will help assignees settle and know what to expect when out and about. In a professional sense, understanding and accommodating cultural norms will prevent any communication breakdowns, setbacks or strained relationships; it also demonstrates a commitment and level of effort which will be meaningful to your company and local network.

Conducting Business

Cross-cultural training is not only polite in terms of etiquette, it provides an invaluable understanding of the beliefs, traditions and unwritten rules that influence typical behaviour in Saudi. For some, they may be unused to the importance placed on family ties, honour and hospitality by Saudi nationals, but when this is evidently taken into account by the assignee, it helps to build trust and rapport with clients and colleagues. The business environment in Saudi continues to adapt, but its foundations are still built around respect for hierarchy, conversative decision making and a strong emphasis on personal relationships. Communicating and collaborating when you have a better understanding of cultural practices will be much smoother.

Social Success

Professional etiquette aside, cultural awareness and a comprehensive lifestyle orientation can go a long way to helping assignees adapt to their new environment and feel settled in their new home. Getting the chance to hear about typical customs and traditions that impact everyday life will limit surprises and avoid any embarrassment. In destinations like Saudi Arabia, this could cover a variety of topics like the significance of prayer times and the dos and don’ts of social gatherings. When new expatriates understand what is expected of them, how to behave and what daily life is like, they can focus on getting the most out of being in an exciting new place and will integrate much faster. You’d be surprised how effective being shown the best coffee shop in town can be when someone is experiencing a hankering for a taste of home….

How EER Middle East Can Help

For clients who aren’t able to provide a dedicated cross-cultural training programme for their assignees, EER Middle East has the resources to fill the gap. Our in-depth local knowledge and experience can be invaluable to newcomers and covers a wide range of topics including essential cultural do’s and don’ts, local customs to look out for and advice that is tailored to their specific circumstances. We take the time to conduct thorough lifestyle orientation tours that cover the top priorities for the assignee, in addition to our procedural services like official registrations, document attestation, home search and school search. The Saudi Arabia relocation process is also highly digital, so our team can assist with gaining access and navigating the government sites and apps that the assignee will need.

It is almost impossible to underestimate how important cultural training can be in the relocation process. Every country has its own unique set of characteristics and adapting to the customs of the location can be more important in some places than others. When assignees have more information, they can be better prepared and will feel more relaxed at home and at work, which will dramatically increase the possibility of a successful, long-term relocation story.

If you are interested in Saudi Arabia relocation, immigration or corporate services, please get in touch with our expert team today on +971 (0)4 421 1819 or info@eerme.com