The Culture of Saudi Arabia

The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades, and the Saudi people have taken their values and traditions and adapted them to the modern world. The Crossroads of the World Located at the center of important ancient trade routes, the Arab people were enriched by many different civilizations. As early as 3000 BC, Arab merchants were part of a far-reaching trade network that extended to south Asia, the Mediterranean and Egypt. They served as a vital link between India and the Far East on one side, and Byzantium and the Mediterranean lands on the other.


The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD further defined the region’s culture. Within a century of its birth in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam had spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and east to India and China. It fostered a dynamic period of great learning in culture, science, philosophy and the arts known as the Islamic ‘‘Golden Age.’’ Every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.


When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud dedicated himself to preserving Arab and Islamic traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same. Arab and Islamic Traditions Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn about at an early age from their families and in schools. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslim fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with teh Eid-Al-Fitr, in which it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts:
• It is insulting to ask about a Muslim’s wife or another female family member.
• Don’t stare at women on the street or initiate conversation with them.
• If meeting a female, do not attempt to shake her hand unless she extends it. In addition, never greet a woman with an embrace or kiss.
• Avoid pointing a finger at an Arab or beckoning with a finger.
• Use the right hand to eat, touch, and present gifts; the left is generally regarded as unclean.
• Avoid putting feet on tables or furniture.
• Refrain from leaning against walls, slouching in chairs, and keeping hands in pockets.
• Do not show the soles of the feet, as they are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/)