What does 'Wasta' refer to in Saudi culture?

'Wasta' refers to the practice of using connections, influence, or personal relationships to facilitate transactions and gain advantages in various situations, particularly in business and governmental contexts. In Saudi culture, where personal relationships and trust play a significant role in professional interactions, having 'wasta' can be crucial for accessing opportunities, obtaining jobs, or securing permits and services. This concept underscores the importance of networks and personal connections in Saudi society, often overshadowing formal qualifications or processes.

Formal business meetings, educational scholarships, and regulations regarding business competition, while important aspects in their own right, do not encapsulate the essence of 'wasta' as it pertains to leveraging relationships for influence in decision-making contexts.