Working on projects in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, presents a tremendous growth opportunity for many companies. The market is evolving at an incredible pace, budgets are substantial, and government support is strong. These factors make expansion into the region increasingly attractive for European firms. However, before making such a move, it’s crucial to understand the unique cultural, organizational, and financial aspects of working in this part of the world.

Our Experience in the Middle East

Our journey in the Middle East began several years ago with our first implementations in the banking sector. At the time, clients were looking for experts who could help them adapt their services to a rapidly shifting market and the growing expectations of users. Our initial projects focused on digitizing banking interfaces and developing intuitive solutions for corporate clients. As we gained more experience, our portfolio expanded to include projects in the gastronomy sector, e-commerce, and collaborations with local government institutions.

One of the most challenging yet groundbreaking projects we worked on was developing a government application for handling citizen services. The primary goal was to create a comprehensive tool that would allow both residents and expatriates to efficiently manage key administrative procedures. The system integrates various services, including setting up businesses, obtaining visas, enrolling children in schools, and reporting incidents. The main challenge was designing the platform to accommodate diverse user groups while maintaining a high level of intuitiveness.

Working closely with local experts, we designed a solution that seamlessly blends technology with traditional administrative structures. Beyond the technical aspects, we had to consider cultural and legal factors that influence how citizens and officials interact with such digital tools. Ultimately, the application became a cornerstone of the country’s digital transformation strategy, demonstrating how well-designed interfaces can significantly improve everyday life for Saudi Arabian residents.

The Power of Digital Transformation

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a digital transformation on an unprecedented scale. Banks and government institutions are developing applications that integrate seamlessly with various data systems, enabling customers to, for example, apply for mortgages without needing to submit physical documents. With just an ID number, the system retrieves all necessary information, including employment history, income, and creditworthiness. These details are automatically verified in government databases, streamlining the decision-making process and eliminating the need for in-person visits or paperwork.

Unlike in Europe, where mortgage-related procedures can take weeks or even months, the entire process in Saudi Arabia is almost instantaneous. By simply entering basic information into an app, users can receive a preliminary mortgage decision within minutes, with finalization often taking just a few days. This approach significantly enhances access to housing, especially in newly planned residential developments that are sold even before construction begins. By integrating with government systems, banks can precisely assess customers’ financial standing and verify their credit history, minimizing risk.

This level of digital integration highlights how profoundly technological transformation has impacted the banking and real estate sectors in the region. For UX designers, this means that transferring European design patterns is not enough—understanding local processes, regulatory requirements, and user expectations is essential to creating solutions that truly meet market needs.

Business Culture and Relationship Building

One of the fascinating aspects of working with Saudi clients is their approach to business. Hierarchy, relationship-building, and open-ended discussions play a crucial role. Meetings often last longer than in Europe, as establishing trust is a key element of any collaboration. Saudi Arabia is a country where connections matter, and informal relationships are a cornerstone of successful business dealings.

Another noticeable influence is the American-style work ethic—there’s a strong “let’s do it” attitude and a determination to be at the forefront of the global technology sector. This unique blend of deep-rooted traditions and cutting-edge innovation makes working in Saudi Arabia a fascinating experience, requiring both cultural adaptability and technological expertise.

Financial Considerations and Project Management

The Middle East presents a financially attractive opportunity for many firms. Rates tend to be higher than in Europe, but there are also unique financial challenges, such as longer payment cycles. Some projects are settled months after completion, requiring effective financial management. A strategic approach—patience combined with skilled negotiations—helps maintain stability and financial liquidity in this dynamic environment.

The Workforce and the Evolving Role of Women

The Saudi job market still operates under certain rules that may seem unusual from a European perspective. In some companies, men and women work separately, though this is now increasingly rare. More and more Saudi women are forging careers in the tech industry, often driving change within their organizations. For us, as a European company, every project is an opportunity to learn and gain insight into perspectives that are rarely encountered elsewhere.

Our female designers who have worked on Saudi projects and traveled to Riyadh have never felt marginalized in the workplace. On the contrary—their expertise and contributions have been actively valued, and their input into projects has been treated with full professionalism. Women’s voices are respected, and their skills and competencies are recognized on par with those of men. While cultural differences still exist, they do not translate into limitations in day-to-day work or access to key positions. This is a time of significant change, offering women the opportunity to help shape a more modern and inclusive work environment.

Is It Worth Collaborating in the Middle East?

The Middle East is a fascinating and rapidly evolving region. For designers and strategists, it offers a unique chance to work in an international setting, gain invaluable experience, and contribute to the region’s digital revolution. Success in this market requires flexibility, openness to learning new work methodologies, and a willingness to embrace local customs.

This article summarizes an episode of the DESIGN PRACTICE podcast, where Aga Naplocha and Paulina Kacprzak talk with Henryk Klawe. Listen to the podcast on: https://www.designpractice.pl/podcast/043

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Henryk Klawe

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