Saudi Etiquette
Classical Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran. A number of local Arabic dialects are used for spoken conversation in Saudi Arabia such as Hijazi (Western Province), Najdi (Central Province), and Khaliji (Eastern Province).
Dress Code in Saudi
Due to the conservative nature of the Islamic religion and practice in Saudi Arabia, travelers are advised to observe the following dress
code when in public places:
Men should wear long pants. Shirts should not be open below the collarbone. For business meetings, a conservative suit is expected.
Saudi men usually wear the traditional Thoub during the regular days, on special occasions they wear Mshlah as formal dress code.
women are expected to dress conservatively. It is required to wear an Abaya, which is a long robe, usually black, that covers most of their body. Please select clothes that cover arms and shoulders, and opt for long trousers in place of shorts.
Social Etiquette
Saudis first socialized in restaurants but after sometimes they may invite you to visit their Homes
Most Saudi as a generosity invite each other for dinner or coffee without knowing the guest
In the big parties greeting must start from the entrance and the most important guest must led to their places
Give the elderly and most important guest the priority to move and set in the place
The priority order in greeting starts with the mother first then daughters by their order (elder to youngest)
Although not required , learning some Arabic greeting are appreciated , even if you struggle with pronunciation
It is important that you received “Arabic coffee” with your right hand
If the host is serving Arabic coffee then do not simply hold your cup to the server to take away, he will think you would like a refill. To signal that you are finished , hold your cup out
When offered Arabic coffee it considered impolite to not take at least one cup
When Sneezing we reply to the person who’s doing the action with “Yrhmkallah” and when yawning “alhamd’llah”
Handshake & Respect
A handshake is generally accepted form of meet and greet.
It is uncommon for men to shake hands with women, unless women offer their hand first.
Always use the right hand when engaging in a handshake, as the left hand is considered impolite.
It is common for a Saudi to greet each person individually with a handshake while standing. Close male counterparts kiss on each cheek.
Head kiss for elderly guest
Hand kiss for close guest (parent and grandparent)
In conversations with a Saudi, it is considered polite to engage in small talk; learning a few Arabic greetings would be well received.
Dining
Some time you have to eat in the ground and the correct way of setting is to be cross legged “for men” kneel on one knee “for women”
Men and women may be asked to dine separately
As a part of hospitality there is often more food than you can eat
Meals generally served as buffet or in the middle of the table
Eat only with right hand
We start eating once the elderly and the most important guest arrived
Better to try a bit of everything served
The host family or members should not leave before the guest
In some Saudi culture the host do not set for dinner
Before serving the dinner the host must serve “Bukhoor” for the guest
Bukhoor is substance that is burned for the sweet aroma it produces.
Business
Saudi like to take their time and feel comfortable with their business partners before any agreements are entered into
Saudi business often take phone calls during meetings
Often discussion can be around current news, the economy, personal health etc.
Many Saudi either studied or worked aboard
Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting and should be studied before placing on the table in front of you
Business cards are usually printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other
Useful Arabic words and phrases
God willing – Inshallah
Welcome – Ahlanwasahlan
Hello – Marhaba
How are you? – Kaifhalak?
Well – Tayyib ,kuwais
Please – Min fadlack
Thanks – Shukran
Yes – Naam
No – La
Sorry, excuse me – Mut-assif
Good morning – Sabah ilkhair
(reply of Good morning ) – Sabah ilnur
Good evening – Masa’ ilkhair
(reply of Good evening ) – Masa’ ilnur
Goodbye – Ma’asalama
Do you speak English? – Tatakallaminglizi?
I don’t speak Arabic – Ma’ atakallam Arabi
I do not know – Ma a’arif
You honored us with your visit – Sharraftuna
(misk.org.sa)
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