Saudi Arabia History, Language and Culture

Islamic law is enforced and local courtesies should be observed.

The most common form of greeting is using the phrase Salam Alaykum, meaning 'may peace be upon you', followed by a handshake (between men). Between close friends of the same gender, they may greet each other with kisses on the cheek or press their noses together. Women may greet each other with kisses on the cheek, though they are more restrained in public. Public displays of affection between the opposite sex should be avoided.

Invitations to private homes are not common, as entertaining is usually done in hotels or restaurants. Visitors should always bring a small gift and use only the right hand to pass food and eat – although knives and forks are most likely to be used. If you are invited to a home, beware that every Saudi home has a majlis, a dedicated entertainment room where the host offers dates and qahwa (lighted roasted coffee ground with cardamom and flavoured with saffron) in small cups to visitors. Visitors should not venture beyond the majlis.

What to wear in Saudi Arabia for men and women?
Visitors (both men and women) should dress conservatively. Loose-fitting garments that cover the elbow and below the ankle are required for both sexes. For example, a man should wear a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of trousers, but nothing too tight. While an abaya (a long robe) is no longer a must for women, we still recommend you to purchase one because it is comfortable and it allows you to wear a long dress or a blouse and pants underneath it. It is also possible to wear less (like a t-shirt and calf-length pants) underneath the abaya, provided that you are mindful and conceal them properly with your abaya. Foreign women are also not required to cover their hair with a hijab (head covering).

Children aren't subject to any specific dress code, although they are recommended to dress modestly.

In terms of footwear, there are no restrictions. Trainers, open-toed shoes and even sandals are allowed. However, you must remove your footwear before entering religious sites.

Saudi Arabia takes violations of public decency seriously. All visitors should read up the public conduct and decency laws before their trip by following this link.

Photography
Beware that taking pictures of videos of people, government buildings and national infrastructures without permission is a fineable offence.

Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting where Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Visitors should also not eat and drink in public during this period. Many shops are closed during the day but open when night falls. At the end of Ramadan is Eid Al Fitr, a public holiday that sees many festive events taking place across the country.