Saudi Arabian Culture

Saudi Arabian culture is a mixture of Arab and Muslim parts. This culture is

not so liberal sometimes in many ways. Alcoholic beverages for example are

prohibited.

Saudi Arabian way to dress follows the principles of ‘’hijad’’ which is the

Islamic principle of modesty. The predominantly loose and flowing but covering

garments are helpful in Saudi Arabia's desert climate. Traditionally, men usually wear

a shirt woven from wool or cotton known as a ‘’thawb’’, with a ‘’keffiyeh’’ which is

a large checkered square of cotton held in place by a cord coil, or a ‘’ghutra’’ which is

a plain white square made of finer cotton, also held in place by a cord coil worn on

the head. For the very hot days, Saudi men wear a camel hair cloak over the top.

Women’s clothes are designed with many things such as tribal mofits, coins, sequins,

metallic thread and appliqués. Women must wear an Abaya when they are in public.

The people of Saudi Arabia are descended from tribes of nomadic sheep and

goat herders and maintain many of the traditions of their past. Traditional foods like

dates, “fatir” which is flat bread, ‘’arikah’’ which is bread from the southwestern part

of the country, and ‘’hawayij’’ ,a spice blend, are still eaten by Saudis today, although

most Saudis have settled in towns and cities and no longer follow the nomadic

lifestyle. The culture, as well as the laws of Saudi Arabia, is founded on Islamic

principles, including the dietary restrictions against eating pork or drinking alcohol as
I mentioned above. Many foreign workers are needed to maintain the new industries,

and foreign foods as well as fast food chains, that are now available in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocratic monarchy in which

Islam is the official religion. The law requires that all Saudi citizens be Muslims.

Religious freedom is non-existent. The Government does not provide legal

recognition or protection for freedom of religion, and it is severely restricted in

practice. Moreover, the public practice of non-Muslim religions is prohibited. The

Saudi Mutaween, or Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of

Vice in other words the religious police, enforces the prohibition on the public

practice of non-Muslim religions. For this reason, Saudi culture lacks the diversity of

religious expression, buildings, annual festivals and public events that is seen in

countries where religious freedom is permitted.

Cultural Features of Saudi society

Islam as a religion has an influence on Saudi society. Arabian culture is often

described as detail orientated. Ethics and expected social behavior such as

generosity, respect, and solidarity are emphasized.Understanding Islam, which

governs every respect of a Muslim’s life, shall enhances how and why Saudi

business people act or behave in certain manner.

Saudi Arabia is considered a high context communication.

Saudi Arabia culture relies heavily on non-direct communication cues such as

body language and eye-contact, tone of voice, facial cues, and the use of silence.

It is vital to be aware of these non-verbal aspects of communication in any

business meetings in order to avoid misunderstandings.

Understanding of Saudi etiquette and the personal manner in which business is

conducted is essential to success. Business appointments, for example, is unique

in S.A. appointments should be scheduled in accordance with the five daily

prayer times and the religious holidays of Ramadan and Hajj.It is customary to

make advance appointments for times of day rather than precise hours as the

relaxed and hospitable nature of Saudi business culture may cause delays in

schedule. According working practices in are Saudi Arabia heavily influenced by

culture.

The Saudi working week begins on Saturday and ends on Wednesday. Thursday

and Friday are the official weekend. Office hours tend to be 09:00-13:00 and

16:00-20:00 (Ramadan 20:00-01:00) with some regional variation. There exists a

distinct dichotomy between subordinates and managers within S.A. companies.

Age plays a significant part in the culture of S.A. greater respect must be shown

to elders and all times.

When first entering the room or greeting your Saudi counterparts for the first

time, you should shake hands with the most senior person first. Establishing trust

is an essential part of Saudi business culture. In a business setting, favors based

on mutual benefit trust are ways of enhancing these cultural values. Due to the

personal nature of business in, Saudi Arabia family influence and personal

connections often take precedence over other governing factors. When entering a

meeting, general introduction will begin with a handshake. We should greet each
of our Saudi counterparts individually (saying A-salaam alaikum), making on

way around the room in anti-clockwise direction. It is generally uncommon for a

Muslim man to shake hands with a woman. Therefore, it is advisable for business

women to wait for a man to offer his hand first.

Business cards are common but not essential to Saudi Arabia business

culture. However, if used locally, ensure that you have the information printed in

both English and Arabic. Gift giving in is Saudi Arabia appreciated but not

necessary. It is also advised to refrain from overly admiring an item belonging to

another, as they may feel obliged to give it to you.In the event that you are

offered a gift, it is considered impolite and offensive if you do not accept it.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN ARABS CULTURE

The Arabic language forms a unifying feature of the Arab World. Though

different areas use local dialects of Arabic, all share in the use of the standard

classical language.

Arabs, like most people, use gestures and body movements to communicate.

Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern

but some are totally different.

Gestures indicating obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs.

Arab gestures of this type have varying degrees of intensity. Depending upon
 circumstances and country, incorrect usage could lead to serious offenses and

cause diplomatic incidents.

FACIAL EXPRESSION

Arabic cultures exaggerate grief or sadness while most American and European

people hide grief or sorrow.

Too much smiling is viewed in as a sign of shallowness.

GESTURE

Most Arabs shake hands every time they meet you and every time they leave you.

Pointing your finger or a pencil at anyone while speaking, or beckon anyone with

your finger. It is also considered a threat, and only animals are treated in this manner.

In the Arab world, if the “OK” sign is shaken at another person it symbolizes the

sign of the evil eye. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction with verbal curses.

Although, when one or both hands held at chestheight, palms open and facing out, has

the meaning, “it’s not my responsibility’’. Right hand out, palm down, with fingers

brought toward oneself repeatedly in a clawing motion, is   he sign for calling

someone to come.

Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest immediately after shaking hands with

another...
Arabian culture is one of the most respectable culture and you have to be to much

disciplined to follow their ideas and obey their laws by word.