Stepping into Saudi Arabia is like visiting a museum of tradition and modernity. This country has become a hot topic in tourism due to its rich culture and interesting activities. However, it is important to learn about the cultural etiquette of a country before visiting. This is because you can blend in with their culture more smoothly and there are only a few chances of being in an awkward situation. No matter where you are from, Umrah packages Glasgow 2026 or any related deals offer a chance to explore this country after completing the rituals.
If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia soon, make sure to read this blog till the end to learn about some of the cultural etiquettes that will be helpful during your stay in this country.
Respect Local Norms by Dressing Modestly
The first thing you need to be careful about is your dressing sense during your stay in Saudi Arabia. It is essential for both men and women to dress modestly. Keep in mind that wearing revealing clothes is not common in this country. No matter where you are from, you should follow a particular dress code to avoid awkwardness.
Let us talk about females first! Women are advised to put on loose clothing. We recommend wearing an abaya as it is a common attire for women in Saudi Arabia. Remember to cover your head during a visit to holy places like mosques. However, men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts in public places. Wearing appropriate clothes is thus a way to show respect to their culture and it represents modesty.
Pause Your Activities During Prayer Timings
Another thing you need to note here is a pause in activities during prayer timings. Locals give a huge respect to prayers and they slow down their daily life activities during adhan (call to prayer). Shops and restaurants are thus closed during these five prayer timings. There is a temporary pause on all such operations because everyone heads to their nearby mosques to offer prayers.
On top of that, you should also respect prayer timings and avoid indulging in such activities that make noise. This will not only disturb those who are praying but also give a bad impression of you. Thus, planning to do shopping or scheduling a meeting at this time is totally not worth it.
Follow the Rules of Religious Sites
Saudi Arabia is a country that has immense respect in the hearts of Muslims all over the world. This is because it is considered a religious hub and has the House of Allah Almighty in it. Being a centre of Islamic history, this country has so many religious sites. What you need to know is that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter these areas. Those who are not Muslims should follow these rules out of respect for their religious sanctity.
Do not make a noise around worshipping areas like mosques and show calm and respect to religious gatherings. Another thing that we would like to mention here is that do not take pictures of people without their consent. It may be common in many countries where tourists can capture some shots of people while doing different activities, but things are quite different here. You should thus avoid taking out your camera to take pictures of people when they are busy in offering rituals or praying.
Maintain a Positive Behaviour in Social Gatherings
People do not normally say hi or hello to start their discussion. Say Assalamu Alikum to greet someone and if someone says this to you, then you reply with Walikum Salam. The former greeting means that someone is saying “peace be upon you”, while the latter one means “peace be upon you too”. It is thus better to remember this Arabic traditional meeting to start your discussion in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, those trying to give something to another person should use their right hand instead of their left one. This is because it is considered a nice gesture, while using the left one to hand over something is considered impolite. Another crucial thing is not to shake hands with the opposite gender until they initiate one. You might find this strange but physical contact between two opposite genders is not common in Saudi Arabia.
There is one more important thing that we would like to throw light on. Offering Gahwa or Arabic Coffee to the guests is considered a gesture of respect and reflects the nice hospitality of the people of Saudi Arabia.
Following Dining Ettiquates
It becomes very important to follow the dining etiquette when you are at a social gathering in a foreign country. You should thus remember to adopt their manners and implement them at the dining table. You will see many people having a combined meal quite often. This is because meals are often shared and enjoyed together. It symbolises unity and is a sign of the good hospitality of Saudi Arabia. Do not begin eating before your hosts start to and eat with your right hand.
Do not rush into eating even if you are super hungry. Take small bites and eat politely. It not only represents good manners but also prevents food wastage. You should thus take an appropriate amount of food that is easy for you to finish. It shows respect and appreciation for what has been served. You might be offered traditional dishes of Saudi Arabia by hosts such as Mandi and Kabsa. We suggest taking at least a small amount and complement it to delight your host.
Wrap Up
Learning and remembering the cultural etiquette eases your stay in Saudi Arabia. This way, you cannot only show respect to their traditions, but also make your place in the hearts of locals. We suggest understanding the norms of Saudi Arabia well before booking any deal from your hometown like Umrah packages Glasgow. What are you waiting for? Choose Muslims Holy Travel and begin a hassle-free journey to Saudi Arabia.