Advanced KSA Cultural Training for a Leading Global Financial Institution

Background

Our client is a global specialist in multiple asset classes, including stocks, bonds, derivatives, currencies, real estate and raw materials. The company manages financial asset accounts throughout their lifecycle across all countries where investments are made.

The Challenge

With operations spanning various international markets, our client required an advanced cultural training programme tailored to working with Saudi Arabia. Rather than an introductory course, participants needed a deeper understanding of local business practices, cultural norms and effective communication strategies to navigate complex interactions successfully.

Our Solution

We designed and delivered an advanced programme titled ‘Working with Saudi Arabia’, a comprehensive training initiative conducted over five half-day online sessions. A total of 80 participants attended the programme, benefiting from expert-led training focused on practical applications and interactive exercises.

Programme Highlights

• Brief Review of Saudi Business Basics: Covering recent regulatory changes, key industry players and common professional interactions.
• Effective Business Practices: Understanding local motivations, hierarchy and the importance of reputation, trust and relationship-building in Saudi business culture.
• Business Practices Breakout Exercise: Participants analysed their own experiences, explored real-life case studies and engaged in discussions on best practices.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Addressing remote communication challenges, cultural nuances in language and tone, and strategies for maintaining strong business relationships from a distance.
• Communication Breakout Room Exercise: Hands-on exploration of real-world scenarios, tips for handling sensitive topics, managing conflict and observing local communication etiquette.
• Action Planning: Encouraging participants to implement key takeaways into their daily work practices for long-term impact.

Flexible and Interactive Learning

We ensured that the programme was structured to accommodate the client’s global team, ensuring accessibility and engagement through virtual delivery. The sessions combined expert-led discussions, breakout exercises and participant polling to reinforce learning in a dynamic and practical manner.

The Results

The programme participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of Saudi business etiquette, relationship-building techniques and communication strategies, and the interactive nature of the training allowed them to apply their learnings immediately, resulting in enhanced confidence when engaging with Saudi stakeholders.

Moreover, the client observed more effective collaboration between teams working within the Saudi market, as well as a noticeable improvement in their ability to navigate complex business interactions with cultural awareness and sensitivity.

We continue to support many clients in their global training initiatives, ensuring their teams are equipped with the cultural knowledge and communication skills needed for international success.