From exploring the stunning architecture of the capital area and visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins to dune bashing in the desert and diving in the Red Sea, there are plenty of incredible experiences to have in Saudi Arabia.

The country is a land rich with heritage, traditions, and deep-rooted values. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has quickly become an emerging tourist destination. But, it is very different to Australia.

As this culturally unique and historic country opens its doors to more travellers, understanding and respecting local customs has become essential for anyone visiting. From greetings to dining etiquette, these do’s and don’ts will enhance your travel experience and help you connect more deeply with Saudi hospitality.

Learning basic Arabic greetings and phrases is not just practical; it’s a gesture of goodwill and respect in Saudi culture. Arabic is a language of hospitality, and greetings are seen as a way to connect on a personal level. Using these phrases demonstrates an appreciation of Saudi customs, opening doors to warmer interactions.

Here are a few basic phrases with their cultural context that you should get familiar with:

Making an effort to learn these phrases signals respect, often leading Saudis to engage more openly and even share aspects of their culture.

Modesty in dress is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s Islamic values and cultural expectations. For women, wearing clothes that cover the body and hair reflects respect for these norms, while for men, avoiding overly casual or tight clothing shows an understanding of local customs. Traditional attire, like the “abaya” for women and “thobe” for men, are often worn as a sign of cultural pride.

This kind of dress is a sign of respect and may earn you respect in return. Its best to avoid wearing mini skirts, strapless blouses, or outfits with revealing details. Men should also avoid wearing shorts, clothing with short sleeves, or tight short pants in public.

The Saudi approach to dressing also reflects hospitality: when visitors dress modestly, they demonstrate awareness of local customs and are more likely to be met with appreciation and friendliness.

Visitors are encouraged to wear clothes that are loose and long enough to cover shoulders and knees and to avoid flashy, tight, or revealing outfits. This dress code aligns with the country’s public decorum and is a gesture of respect to Saudi society.

Pointing directly with your finger is often seen as rude or confrontational in Saudi Arabia. Instead, locals might use their chin or entire hand to gesture subtly. This tradition has its roots in Saudi society’s emphasis on humility, avoiding direct or abrupt gestures that could seem intrusive.

By avoiding pointing, visitors can show they understand the importance of humility and indirect communication in Saudi culture. Practising this simple custom can help build rapport and show attentiveness to local etiquette, making interactions more comfortable and respectful.

Saudi homes are considered private and sacred spaces, often reserved for family and close friends. Removing shoes before entering reflects an understanding of this personal boundary and is a standard custom across the Arab world. This practice is especially meaningful in Saudi Arabia, where hospitality is highly valued.

If you’re lucky enough and invited into a Saudi home, you can expect to be treated with genuine warmth, often offered traditional treats such as dates and Arabic coffee. Taking off your shoes signals respect for the cleanliness and sanctity of the host’s home. This act acknowledges the effort your hosts put into creating a welcoming environment for their guests and reflects mutual respect.

In Saudi culture, the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene tasks, and using it for public actions like eating, passing objects, or greeting others can be considered disrespectful. This norm has roots in Islamic tradition, where the right hand is favoured for clean and respectful tasks. Using the right hand in social situations, therefore, aligns with local values of cleanliness and respect.

To show cultural awareness, try using your right hand when eating, handing over money, or passing an item to someone. Even when using both hands, such as when carrying a large object, Saudis appreciate when visitors make an effort to favour their right hand. This small gesture shows attentiveness to Saudi customs, fostering positive interactions and mutual respect.

In Saudi Arabia, maintaining a respectful distance in public interactions reflects the cultural values around modesty and propriety. Public displays of affection (PDA) are considered inappropriate and can be seen as disrespectful to local customs.

Acts such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands are typically reserved for private spaces, even among married couples. This cultural expectation upholds the values of privacy and decorum and is a part of Saudi societys adherence to Islamic principles, which encourage modest interactions.

While theres a bit of leeway for married couples, its still a good idea to keep the public displays of affection to a minimum in places like parks or restaurants. Visitors who respect this custom show theyre culturally sensitive and avoid drawing unnecessary attention, which is especially appreciated in Saudi culture.

Photography in Saudi Arabia needs a bit of caution, especially when it involves people or certain places. In a culture where privacy is super important, asking permission before taking photos is seen as a sign of respect.

Taking a photo without asking can make people uncomfortable, especially if it includes women or kids, as many Saudis dont want their photos shared publicly. Some spots, like government buildings, military sites, and areas that are considered sensitive, have restrictions on photography to make sure things are secure and private.

By asking first, youre not just being polite, youre also going along with local customs, which helps you avoid any misunderstandings. This respect will also let you capture some real moments that locals might be more willing to share.

Respect for elders is a core value in Saudi Arabian culture, and its a big part of how people interact. The elderly are seen as wise, and the younger generations really value their life experiences.

You can show this respect in different ways, like standing up when they come into a room, offering them your seat in public, or calling them “uncle” or “aunt” (even if youre not related).

When youre chatting, dont raise your voice or make sudden gestures, because calmness and patience are valued. By paying attention and listening to their stories, visitors can connect with Saudi traditions in a meaningful way, as these chats often show the cultures deep respect for heritage and family.

Saudi business hours might be different from what youre used to, because of local customs and religion. Generally, businesses are open from 8 am to 5 pm, but Friday is a day for worship, so some places close, and Saturday is usually a day off too.

During Ramadan, business hours might change to fit in with fasting times, often meaning they open later or have breaks in the afternoon.

To make sure you can visit a business or attraction, check their hours beforehand, either by calling or looking it up online. Respecting these local routines shows youre aware of the cultural norms and helps you plan your visit better.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is a big deal in Saudi Arabia. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims dont eat or drink, and its usual for non-Muslims to eat or drink in private out of respect for those who are fasting.

Lots of restaurants are closed during the day, only opening after sunset for “Iftar,” the meal that breaks the fast. During Ramadan, things might slow down a bit, with businesses changing their hours to fit in with prayer and fasting.

Visitors can show respect by going along with these changes and taking the chance to experience the unique cultural vibe of Ramadan evenings. Joining a local Iftar, if youre invited, is a special way to connect with Saudi customs, as it shows the values of generosity and community that are part of the holy month.

If you don't want to fast during the day, or can't for medical reasons, then it's best to avoid eating in public if possible.

Saudi Arabia has five daily prayers, called Salah, which are a super important part of Islamic life. During prayer times, lots of businesses close briefly, and things might pause so people can pray. Visitors should know about these times, which are announced by the Adhan (call to prayer) from local mosques and change a bit each day depending on the time of year.

When youre visiting during prayer times, be patient if businesses stop serving, or think about planning your day around these times. Showing you understand and respect these practices lets visitors connect with a key part of Saudi culture.

Saudi Arabia can be pretty busy, especially during prayer times, on weekends, or in popular places like souks (markets). Patience is a good thing to have, as Saudi culture usually prefers a calm, respectful attitude over getting impatient or frustrated in busy places. Waiting your turn and being mindful of personal space shows respect for local customs.

Sharing food is a big part of Saudi hospitality, and meals are often a communal thing where everyone enjoys the dishes together. Youre really encouraged to accept invitations to share a meal, as its a sign of Saudi generosity. When youre eating, try a bit of everything thats offered, as it shows you appreciate the hosts hospitality.

Also, dont waste food, as Saudi culture really values the idea of “barakah” (blessing) in food. Even little things like saying thank you for the meal and saying nice things about the dishes show you understand the cultures respect for food and blessings.

Following these guidelines shows youre keen to understand and appreciate Saudi Arabian customs, which usually gets a warm welcome from the locals. Respecting these social norms lets visitors experience the depth of Saudi hospitality, making for meaningful connections and richer travel experiences.

Ready to plan your trip? With Traveloka, you can easily book flights, hotels, and tours to explore Saudi Arabia’s fascinating cities and hidden gems. To make your trip more convenient, Traveloka offers you a Saudi Arabia travel guidebook.