What better way to make the most out of living in Saudi Arabia that getting out there and exploring everything it has to offer? Whether you are looking for the ultimate days out with the kids, or planning your next Saudi Arabian dinner party at home or study abroad in Saudi Arabia, our RocApply expert culture and lifestyle guide have all the information you need.
Did ou know that Saudi Arabia is a country in which meetings, presentations and the news are opened in the name of God? Religion pervades everything including the business culture and commercial environment.
Saudi Arabia is governed by strict Islamic laws and regulations; in order to enjoy your time in the country, it is important to follow these rules closely. In public places, men and women must be separate unless they are family members.
Women must adhere to traditional dress etiquette, covering up at all times when in public.
However, when on-campus at universities like KAUST, it is a different story – women are free to dress and behave as they like, and the atmosphere is akin to universities elsewhere in the world.
Other Saudi universities often have female-only campuses.Saudi cuisine is diverse and often very cheap (unless you splurge on one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Riyadh or Jeddah).
From traditional Arabic dishes featuring camel and lamb to breakfast treats involving rahash (a kind of nutty fudge), there are lots of opportunities for the adventurous food lover in Saudi
Arabia. As you probably already know, alcohol is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Instead, cafes serve coffee and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Etiquette
Meeting & Greeting
- Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a then kiss on each cheek, sometimes three.
- It is custom to hold the handshake for a lot longer than expected in Western culture.
- Women generally hug and kiss close friends and within business will general shake hands or place hands on hearts.
- Men and women would not greet each other in public if not from the same family. This does not apply to foreigners.
- When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
Personal Space
- Saudis feel comfortable standing close to one another when together.
- Even within public, i.e. at the mosque, in a queue, shopping, etc people are a lot more comfortable with being in close quarters.
- Between sexes the distance is however much greater with men generally avoiding eye contact with women who are not related to themselves.
- It also very common for men to walk holding hands. This has no sexual connotations.
Gift Giving
- Gifts are common in Saudi Arabia, especially in business and socially.
- If you are invited to a Saudi's house always bring something small as a thank you. Dates, cakes and sweets are always well received.
- Flowers are nice touch for the hostess.
- In business corporate gifts such as pens, prayer beads and USB sticks are standard practice.
- Teachers are often the recipients of many gifts from pupils.
Dining & Food
- If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Keep your feet away from the cloth or plastic sheet.
- Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean. Ask for a fork if you want one.
- Try a bit of everything that is served.
- Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
- There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
- There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
- Wash hands before and after meals – all restaurants usually have washing up areas.
DISCLAIMER: The suggestions on these pages are based primarily on recommendations that we have received from former students. Activity lists are by no means exhaustive; rather, they are meant merely as a starting point for exploring all of the ways you can get involved in Saudi Arabia!
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
