Saudi Arabian Culture

When one is considering Saudi Arabia as an ethic, it is important to remember that Saudi Arabia is composed of mainly Arabs, who constitute 90 percent of the population. The other 10 percent is made up of Afro-Asian communities.  Saudi Arabia is predominantly Muslim, and the Islamic culture permeates every aspect of the Saudi’s life. The official state religion is Islam. The Government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, meaning that the Western notions of democracy and governance do not apply to the country.
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, although English is also commonly spoken in the country.  English is commonly used in business transactions, and schools in Saudi Arabia teach it as a compulsory language. Other languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to Urdu (with roots from Pakistan), Farsi and even Turkish.
The seat of Islam is in Saudi Arabia, a fact that implies that the reach of Islam is expansive and commonplace in Saudi Arabia. Islam governs almost every aspect of the Saudi’s life. Millions of Muslims worldwide flock to Mecca, the spiritual capital of Islam to observe Hajj. During the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims in Saudi Arabia go through a period of fasting. As part of the fasting process, adherents of Islam are not supposed to drink, smoke, and chew or eat during the hours of fasting. Additionally, local newspapers always list prayer times on Friday, which is considered a non-working day in Saudi Arabia. Since Friday is a Holy day for Muslims in Saudi Arabia, people are not supposed to work or engage in activities. They are expected to dedicate the day to prayer. As a result, most companies in Saudi Arabia close shop on Thursdays, giving employees a holiday on Thursday and Friday. During the month of Ramadan, expatriates are supposed to respect the traditions of fasting in public. Consequently, they are not to smoke or chew in public, as this might offend and tempt those fasting. There is no requirement on their part to join the rest of the populations in fasting.
Family Values
In Saudi Arabia, the tribe and family are the basic units of the societal organization. Their naming traditions also reflect their cultural heritage. They ascribe names to new-born babies based on considerations such as the extended family and the clan. The Saudi culture places a lot of importance on the role of household in the growth and development of the individual. As a result, the family is of critical value to the Saudi man or woman.  Most families are large and taking care of the extended family, and those in need is considered to be in line with the invocations of the Prophet to provide for the needy.  The social networks developed in the family are important to the individual since they act as a source of strength and solidarity. Consequently, nepotism is celebrated, with the logic being that employing people one is familiar with increases the levels of trust, a value considered Holy in most Muslim cultures.
Etiquette and Customs
A person visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time should understand that different customs apply to men and women respectively. As a form of greeting, men are allowed to shake hands with each other. They can even hug and kiss on the cheeks (for those who know each other intimately). Women hug or kiss those who are close to them as a form of greeting. If a man and woman are from different families, they are not supposed to hug and greet each other publicly. The greeting process can take some time since people like to converse about general topics as they greet other.
As part of Saudi etiquette, when one is visiting another family, it is considered good manners to come bearing a gift. Men can bring flowers as a gift when visiting another family. Women can give flowers to their hostesses.  When one is presented with a gift, such person is not supposed to open the gift when the visitor is still around. The gifts should be opened in private, absent the presence of the guest. It is rude to open gifts in the guest’s presence.  As a rule, gifts of alcohol should not be presented to a host unless the guest is very confident the guest will partake of the intoxicant. In Muslim culture, the consumption of alcohol is discouraged, thus the requirement that a guest should be very sure that the guest consumes alcohol. If not, it is wise not to come bearing gifts of alcohol.
 The Saudi people are very welcoming and generous considering that they take the teachings of Islam on generosity seriously. It is one way of leading a virtuous life.  When one is visiting Saudi Arabia, it is advisable that the above etiquette rules be understood. Respecting one’s culture is the surest way of making friends with that person. People from alien cultures are encouraged to learn these simple rules of decorum beforehand if they are to have a satisfying and fulfilling visit or stay in Saudi Arabia. Ahlan wa sahlan! (Welcome).