Saudi Arabia is a culture of respect, courtesy, and tradition. This historic and culturally rich country is going the extra mile to welcome its tourists. The sensitivity and understanding of the local culture are now the buzzwords for all travellers. Researching to understand the local culture helps you avoid any mishaps while planning your trip.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
Saudi Arabian travel is ideal because it allows for the exploration of a fascinating culture. For UK Muslims, visiting the Kingdom often holds a deeper meaning, as many combine their cultural exploration with a spiritual journey through Umrah packages. This article provides you with the dos and don’ts when you visit Saudi Arabia. To acclimate yourself comfortably in Saudi culture and prepare accordingly with dignity. From hello to dinner, all these do’s and don’ts will help you enjoy the Saudi hospitality. All these rituals, whether it is your second visit or first, will make your trip memorable.
Do Learn Arabic Phrases and Greetings
It’s well worth picking up a few of the Arabic words and expressions. It’s goodwill and respect as well in Saudi Arabia. Arabic is the language of hospitality among Arabs, but on a human scale, it only sprawls out. It’s an expression of respect for Saudi custom, an extra step in itself towards warmer relations.
Do Dress Modestly
In Saudi Islamic tradition and practice, modest dress is encouraged. UK Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to witness the enriching experience of the Kingdom’s modest attire and Islamic practice. Covering the body and hair is an expression of respect for such observance by women. Covering neither too loosely nor body-hugging is an expression of respect for the destination by men. It is usually clothed by “abaya” for a lady and “thobe” for a gentleman in a manner to display cultural pride.
Do Remove Your Shoes When Entering a Home
Saudi homes are homes, and hospitality is the lifestyle for relatives and friends. Peeing shoes as an indication of respect in daily life and body space across the whole Arab world is a lifestyle. Saudi Arabian culture becomes even more varied with hospitality across the country.
Do Not Show Any Public Display of Affection (PDA)
It is also made possible in Saudi Arabia due to expectations of good and decent culture. PDA would be out of place and inappropriate, even in showing disrespect to culture. Hand-holding, kissing, and hugging are restricted, even in the domestic setting, among married couples.
Do Take Permission When Taking Photos
There are no photographs or barely any photographs in Saudi Arabia, particularly where individuals or people are involved. A UK Muslim who goes to the Kingdom must definitely have their own simple soul and humility. In a country where privacy is as close to perfection as perfection can be, seeking first permission before snapping photos is a wise action. Seeking permission and simply being themselves, too, is polite, and that never results in any confusion.
Do Not Consume without Suitable Care
The most beautiful of all, the Saudi tradition of hospitality is eating. In which one eats with the other and off many dishes before them, and survives off of each other. To eat with someone is particularly valued because it’s an act of hospitality among the Saudis. Eat, eat a little bit of everything in front of you, because it’s an act of thanks for your hospitality.
Do Respect Prayer Times
Five daily prayers, or Salah, of Saudi Arabia provide rhythm to life in Islam. British pilgrims of the Kingdom would have it as a religious practice upon them to pray at the congregational place of Salah naturally. The daily prayer all over Saudi Arabia is preserved by most of the British Muslims because even then, religion and faith are reminded to them. Shopping malls close their shops for a prayer hour or two, and workers temporarily stop work so that they can pray. Pay attention to the clock or local mosques’ Adhan (call to prayer) and how slightly different it is day after day, based on whether it is summer or not.
Do Be Patient in Crowded or Crowd-Prone Areas
Saudi Arabia is filled up, particularly during prayer time, weekends, or festival areas like souks (bazaars). Saudi culture demands patience since Saudi culture desires to be even-keeled and peaceful, and respectful, instead of being infuriated or angry with individuals. People are maintained at a distance, and insistence demonstrates respect for the local cultures.
Conclusion
If you follow the above manners, it means that you are respecting the culture of the Saudi nation. Such manners norms are to be designed out in respect and affection for Saudi Arabian culture, which the Saudis lovingly recall. UK Muslims constitute these manners and religiosity, and identification with the Saudis themselves on the cultural plane. When you respect the social norms of this land, you can not only experience their hospitality but also their rich culture and heritage. So make sure you follow these rules to make your trip to Saudi Arabia a memorable one.
