Fascinating Facts  

• Saudi Arabia is home to the largest sand desert in the world (Rub-Al Khali). 

• Saudi Arabia is the largest country without a natural river and the largest peninsula in the world. 

• Oil is less expensive than potable water. 

• Men and women have separate wedding ceremonies. 

• Television wasn’t introduced in the country until 1965. 

Religion and Ethnic Groups

• Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% 

• Muslim (official religion; 85-90% Sunni; 10-15% Shia), other (including Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) 

Greetings 

• A handshake is common, and you should always shake with your right hand. Handshakes and other greetings involving physical touch should only occur between members of the same sex. When greeting someone of the opposite sex, a small nod and verbal greeting is appropriate. 
   
• If a woman is dressed in a niqab, do not use a physical greeting, even if you are a woman greeting her. 
   
• Greetings between male friends may include three kisses on the cheek, either all on one cheek, or alternating between the right and left cheeks while your left hand is on the person’s right shoulder. 
   
• Between two female friends, greetings may include hugs and kisses on the cheek, but physical touch is usually avoided if in public or in the company of men they are not related to. 
   
• Use a person’s title when greeting them. 
   
• When greeting an elder, you’re expected to stand when they enter the room and should offer them your seat. 

General Social Etiquette 

• Saudi Arabia is a conservative country. Dress conservatively with loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and arms/shoulders. Women should also wear a head covering, like a scarf. 
   
• Men and women who are not related should not be in an enclosed space together. 
   
• Many buildings will have separate entrances and/or rooms for men and women. Avoid social communication with the opposite sex in public. There is some leeway with foreigners; however, interaction should still be limited. 
   
• Honor is a big part of the culture, so behaving modestly and not drawing attention to oneself is important. 
   
• In professional or business settings, punctuality is important, but in social settings, punctuality is more relaxed.
   
• Don’t check the time while in a discussion with someone; this is considered rude. 
   
• Don’t take someone’s photo without first having their permission, especially if the subject of the photo is a woman. 
   
• Blowing your nose, spitting, and whistling should be avoided when in public. 
   
• It’s polite to extend an offer more than once. Usually, the first offer should be declined, but then accepted after the offering person insists. 

Eating 

• Do not consume alcohol or pork/pork products, as both are illegal in Saudi Arabia. 
   
• Coffee and dates are often offered to guests. You should accept any offered drink, which is seen as a sign of friendship. 
   
• During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours. 
   
• When you’re a guest, expect the host to prepare more food than necessary, which means you will be offered multiple helpings. You should plan on trying some of everything. Eating only a little may be seen as a sign that you don’t like the food and is considered rude. 
   
• Wash your hands well before eating. 
   
• Meals are either taken on the floor or at a table. If on the floor, do not let your feet touch the cloth the food is set on. If at a table, wait to take your seat until the eldest male has taken his seat. You may begin eating once the host announces that the meal has begun and the eldest male has started eating. 
   
• When you’re finished drinking, cover the top of the cup with your hand or move it side-to-side and say “bas” (enough). Otherwise, the host will continue to refill your drink. 
   
• Only use your right hand to pass food and to eat. Eating is generally done with the fingers instead of utensils. 
   
• More coffee, tea, and/or sweets may follow a meal, but guests will usually leave soon after the meal is done. This means any socializing should be done before the meal begins. 

Getting Around

Trains in Saudi Arabia are safe, comfortable, and very reasonable. There are only three lines: Riyadh–Dammam, Riyadh–Jauf, and Mecca–Medina via Jeddah. 

Buses have the widest network, serving many remote areas. Despite being the slowest option, they’re the cheapest and easiest way to get around,  

Car rental is possible with a U.S. or international driver’s license, but driving can be dangerous because of speeding, heavy traffic, and unenforced traffic laws. As of June 2018, women are permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia, but it may still be difficult for a woman to rent a car when outside of a city. 

Taxis are available in most cities. Negotiating the fare first instead of using the meter will result in a cheaper fare. Rideshare services (like Uber) are available in many major cities and towns.  

Key Phrases

Hello: As-salām 'alaykum 

Good morning: SabaaH alkhayr 

Good evening: Masaa' alkhayr 

Goodnight: TuSbiH äalaa khayr 

Goodbye (male/female): tosbeho ‘ala khair/tosbeheena ‘ala khair 

Please: Min faDlik 

Excuse me: Aläafw 

Thank you: Shukran 

You’re welcome: äafwan 

What’s your name?: Maa ismuk? 

My name is…: Ismii… 

Do you speak English?: Hal tataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya? 

Can you speak more slowly?: hal yumkinuk attaHadduth bibuT'? 

I don’t understand: Anaa laa afham 

I understand perfectly: Anaa afham tamaaman 

Where is the bathroom?: Ayn al-ḥammām? 

How are you?: Kayfa Haluk? 

I’m fine, thank you: Anaa bikhayr shukran 

I’m sorry: Arjuu almaädhira