Does anyone have experience in leading a project or projects in Saudi Arabia? I am interested in learning more about the unique aspects of managing projects in this Middle Eastern country, particularly from the perspective of communication and decision-making.
While I don't have experience with Saudi projects, you might want to add a little more detail to help you get a more useful set of responses. For example, will you be in Saudi or managing the project remotely? What is the specific type of project - oil/gas, construction or something else?
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Maria. I worked in the Middle East, specifically Qatar and Dubai, for more than 7 years (2005 - 2012). Few things you need to take into consideration:
1) You need to pay close attention to the cultural aspects there as it is a bit different than than what you’re normally used to. You will also find that people there are warm, friendly and easy to deal with if you have the right approach.
2) Communication is super important and everyone likes to feel they are involved, included and engaged so I would say there is no big difference in communication from what you would experience in other region except that you might find more resistance there to certain things in the beginning.
3) Decision Making: There is a lot of bureaucracy when it comes to decision making but, you will also find that there are clear governance structures, well-defined roles but the hierarchies there can make things a bit difficult.
That said, over the years, I did work in many places from the Middle East, to the Far East, and then in North America for the past 10 years, and honestly my experience in the Middle East was one of the best as I did learn the most there, established so many professional connections and friendships.
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1 reply by Maria Hrabikova
Jan 23, 2024 3:22 AM
Maria Hrabikova
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Thank you for your valuable insights on working in Qatar and Dubai, Rami.
Your emphasis on cultural understanding and effective communication highlights critical aspects of a successful experience in the Middle East. I very much appreciate your piece of advice.
Maria. I worked in the Middle East, specifically Qatar and Dubai, for more than 7 years (2005 - 2012). Few things you need to take into consideration:
1) You need to pay close attention to the cultural aspects there as it is a bit different than than what you’re normally used to. You will also find that people there are warm, friendly and easy to deal with if you have the right approach.
2) Communication is super important and everyone likes to feel they are involved, included and engaged so I would say there is no big difference in communication from what you would experience in other region except that you might find more resistance there to certain things in the beginning.
3) Decision Making: There is a lot of bureaucracy when it comes to decision making but, you will also find that there are clear governance structures, well-defined roles but the hierarchies there can make things a bit difficult.
That said, over the years, I did work in many places from the Middle East, to the Far East, and then in North America for the past 10 years, and honestly my experience in the Middle East was one of the best as I did learn the most there, established so many professional connections and friendships.
Thank you for your valuable insights on working in Qatar and Dubai, Rami.
Your emphasis on cultural understanding and effective communication highlights critical aspects of a successful experience in the Middle East. I very much appreciate your piece of advice. Saving Changes...
Amro AhmedRisk Manager /PMO Functional lead _Projects Control (Planning )| KEO International Consultant/PWAWa, Qatar
Hi Maria,
I wish you good luck in Saudi Arabia
I think the main key to manage a project successfully in middle east, is to use EQ (emotional intelligence) properly, whereas the people are emotional, and show respect for cultural heritage and customs.
For example, in some cases might you need talk to the person interactively before escalating official correspondence, present high support as much as you can to maximum number of people, meanwhile show clearly for your team their missions and your preferable methods to execute the tasks, and when exactly then need to back to you.
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1 reply by Maria Hrabikova
Jan 25, 2024 6:24 PM
Maria Hrabikova
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Hello Amro,
Thank you for your insightful feedback and great contribution to the discussion. I'm impressed with how well your observations align with Erin Meyer's cultural dimensions (described in her book, The Culture Map). Your emphasis on interactive engagement, building trust-based relationships, and respecting cultural norms and hierarchy offers invaluable guidance.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors, as well,
Maria
Saving Changes...
Ahmed MustafaProject Manager| Al Asmakh Real Estate Development CompanyDoha, Qatar
Hi Maria, Having worked in Qatar for almost 9 years, I have gained valuable insights into managing various small and medium-sized projects. In the context of project communication, it has been essential to pay close attention to stakeholders and consistently update sponsors. In the local culture, keeping sponsors informed, even if no immediate action is required, is a common practice. Moreover, timely communication holds significant importance here, given the emphasis on generating revenue from the onset of any project. Decision-making often rests in the hands of sponsors; however, as a robust project manager, there exists an opportunity to influence decisions in the desired direction.
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1 reply by Maria Hrabikova
Jan 25, 2024 6:35 PM
Maria Hrabikova
...
Regular updates & stakeholder engagement, keeping sponsors informed, and communicating promptly - are fantastic observations. I greatly appreciate your contribution, Ahmed! Thanks a lot.
Hi Maria,
I wish you good luck in Saudi Arabia
I think the main key to manage a project successfully in middle east, is to use EQ (emotional intelligence) properly, whereas the people are emotional, and show respect for cultural heritage and customs.
For example, in some cases might you need talk to the person interactively before escalating official correspondence, present high support as much as you can to maximum number of people, meanwhile show clearly for your team their missions and your preferable methods to execute the tasks, and when exactly then need to back to you.
Hello Amro,
Thank you for your insightful feedback and great contribution to the discussion. I'm impressed with how well your observations align with Erin Meyer's cultural dimensions (described in her book, The Culture Map). Your emphasis on interactive engagement, building trust-based relationships, and respecting cultural norms and hierarchy offers invaluable guidance.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors, as well,
Maria Saving Changes...
Hi Maria, Having worked in Qatar for almost 9 years, I have gained valuable insights into managing various small and medium-sized projects. In the context of project communication, it has been essential to pay close attention to stakeholders and consistently update sponsors. In the local culture, keeping sponsors informed, even if no immediate action is required, is a common practice. Moreover, timely communication holds significant importance here, given the emphasis on generating revenue from the onset of any project. Decision-making often rests in the hands of sponsors; however, as a robust project manager, there exists an opportunity to influence decisions in the desired direction.
Regular updates & stakeholder engagement, keeping sponsors informed, and communicating promptly - are fantastic observations. I greatly appreciate your contribution, Ahmed! Thanks a lot. Saving Changes...
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