One of the best things about travelling in Saudi Arabia is the opportunity to let yourself blend in with a unique and fascinating culture. From exploring the stunning architecture of the capital area to experiencing the safari dessert in Riyadh, there are plenty of amazing experiences to explore in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a land of rich heritage, traditions, and deep-rooted values. Over the years, Saudi Arabia quickly became a popular tourist destination. As this culturally unique and historic country opens its doors to more travellers, understanding and respecting local customs has become essential for anyone visiting.

This guide will provide you with practical tips on what to do and what to avoid during your stay, helping you navigate Saudi culture with respect and ease. From greetings to dining etiquette, these do’s and don’ts will enrich your travel experience and help you connect more deeply with Saudi hospitality. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a return trip, embracing these customs will make your journey memorable and fulfilling.

While being aware of local customs and laws is important, this shouldn't lessen your trip's overall enjoyment. As long as you plan ahead and stay open to new adventures, your trip in Saudi Arabia is sure to be memorable. Here are the do’s and don’ts in Saudi Arabia that you should know.

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. It's 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 society's adherence to Islamic principles, which encourage modest interactions.

While some leniency exists for married couples, it's still wise to refrain from PDA in public places like parks or restaurants. Visitors who respect this custom demonstrate cultural sensitivity and avoid drawing unnecessary attention, which is especially appreciated in Saudi culture.

Photography in Saudi Arabia is approached with caution, especially when it involves people or certain places. In a culture where privacy is highly valued, asking permission before taking photos is considered a sign of respect.

Taking a photo without consent can cause discomfort, especially if it includes women or children, as many Saudis prefer not to have their images shared publicly. Some locations, such as government buildings, military sites, and areas deemed sensitive, are restricted for photography to ensure security and respect for privacy.

By asking permission first, you’re not only being courteous but also aligning with local customs, which helps you avoid misunderstandings. This respect will also allow you to capture authentic moments that locals may be more willing to share.

Respect for elders is a fundamental value in Saudi Arabian culture, deeply embedded in social interactions. The elderly are seen as pillars of wisdom, their life experiences cherished by the younger generations.

Acknowledging this reverence can be shown in various ways, such as standing when they enter a room, offering them your seat in public spaces, or addressing them respectfully as “uncle” or “aunt” (even if unrelated).

In conversation, refrain from raising your voice or making abrupt gestures, as calmness and patience are valued. By showing attentiveness and listening to their stories, visitors can connect meaningfully with Saudi traditions, as these exchanges often reflect the culture’s deep-rooted respect for heritage and family bonds.

Saudi business hours may differ from those in other countries, influenced by local customs and religious observances. Generally, businesses operate from 8 am to 5 pm, but with Friday as a day of worship, some establishments close, and Saturday is also typically a rest day.

During the holy month of Ramadan, business hours may shift to accommodate fasting schedules, often resulting in later openings or breaks in the afternoon.

To ensure you’re able to visit a business or attraction, check its hours in advance, either by calling or looking it up online. Respecting these local routines showcases awareness of cultural norms and helps you plan your visit more effectively.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is a significant time in Saudi Arabia. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food and drink, and it’s customary for non-Muslims to eat or drink in private spaces out of respect for those observing the fast.

Many restaurants remain closed during the day, opening only after sunset for “Iftar,” the meal that breaks the fast. During Ramadan, the pace of life may slow, with businesses adjusting their hours to accommodate prayer and fasting.

Visitors can show respect by observing these adjustments and taking the opportunity to experience the unique cultural atmosphere of Ramadan evenings. Joining a local Iftar, if invited, is a special way to connect with Saudi customs, as it reflects the values of generosity and community that define the holy month.

Saudi Arabia observes five daily prayers, known as Salah, which are a fundamental part of Islamic life. During prayer times, many businesses close briefly, and activities may pause to allow people to pray. Visitors should be aware of these times, which are announced by the Adhan (call to prayer) from local mosques and vary slightly each day depending on the time of year.

When visiting during prayer times, be patient if businesses pause service, or consider planning around these times. Showing understanding and respect for these practices allows visitors to connect with a core element of Saudi culture.

Saudi Arabia can be bustling, especially during prayer times, at weekends, or in popular locations like souks (markets). Patience is an appreciated trait, as Saudi culture generally favours a calm, respectful demeanour over impatience or frustration in busy settings. Waiting your turn and being mindful of personal space demonstrates respect for local customs.

Sharing food is a major part of Saudi hospitality, and meals are often a communal affair where dishes are enjoyed together. Accepting invitations to share a meal is highly encouraged, as it’s a sign of Saudi generosity. When dining, try a bit of everything offered, as it shows appreciation for the host’s hospitality.

Additionally, avoid wasting food, as Saudi culture highly values the concept of “barakah” (blessing) in food. Even small gestures like showing gratitude for the meal and complimenting the dishes reflect an understanding of the culture’s respect for food and blessings.

Following these guidelines shows a commitment to understanding and appreciating Saudi Arabian customs, which is often met with warmth and appreciation from locals. Respecting these social norms allows visitors to experience the depth of Saudi hospitality, creating meaningful connections and enriching travel experiences.

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