Culture & Traditions

Saudi Arabia is a very traditional nation defined by its ethnic and religious roots. It’s the birthplace of Islam, which is the official religion, so Islamic law and custom shapes every aspect of legal and cultural interaction in Saudi Arabia, even for non-Muslim visitors. For instance, many shops and restaurants close briefly to observe the five calls to prayer throughout the day. During the month of Ramadan, further restrictions mean many restaurants and eateries are closed, at least until sunset. In addition, alcohol and drugs, which are prohibited in Islam, are illegal.

But the nation’s customs run older than even the emergence of Islam and are defined by Arab hospitality and modesty. Saudi Arabia is an overwhelmingly polite nation, with strong forms of social etiquette and an emphasis on social decorum. In Saudi Arabia, you’re encouraged to be discrete, quiet, and not draw attention to yourself.

There is a national dress code, which enforces modesty. The coastal city of Jeddah and the northern oasis city of AlUla have more relaxed dress codes, which follow more Western norms. So long as you’re polite and follow the local customs, you’ll be overwhelmed by the hospitality of your hosts.

What is the visiting culture in Saudi Arabia?

Modesty is key in Saudi Arabia, extending to the way one dresses, speaks, and behaves in public. Public displays of affection, cursing, and religious iconography are all banned in public. Men are expected to always wear a shirt and pants or long shorts, while women need to cover up their legs and arms. It’s also expected (though not legally required) for women to wear a head covering such as an abaya or hijab. Note that you will need one to gain entry to mosques and other holy sites. Practicing a religion other than Islam publicly is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.

What is Saudi Arabia best known for?

Saudi Arabia is best known as the birthplace of Islam, and for its holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The latter can be visited by non-Muslims and is considered the world’s cradle of Islamic culture. Saudi Arabia is also renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes, but perhaps its biggest attraction is that it’s barely known to the outside world at all. For all its globe-spanning influence, Saudi Arabia has remained closed to commercial tourism for a very long time, making it one of the few "new frontiers" available to globetrotters today.

What are some Saudi Arabian traditions?

Saudi Arabia’s traditions are widely rooted in Islam, with some pre-Islam Arab influences. The holy month of Ramadan is observed throughout the country, while Dhul Hijjah takes place from the 8th to the 12th of the last month of the Islamic year. In 2024, that was June 14 to June 19. People in Arab cultures also tend to be coy around the word "no," preferring expressions like "as God wills it" or a simple "maybe" for fear of seeming impolite. Further confusing things for westerners, "yes" can also mean "maybe."

Arab music is as rich and diverse as the Arab world, but its traditional forms are still quite recognizable, while belly dancing is one of the most popular forms of Arab dance worldwide. It is frequently a part of celebrations, even in conservative Saudi Arabia. Calligraphy and geometric textile patterns are also deeply entrenched in Saudi culture, while hospitality is considered a way of life. If you’re a guest almost anywhere, a tray of traditional tea or coffee is probably already on its way.

What are Saudi Arabians like, socially?

Saudis have a strong tradition of hospitality and will commonly invite guests into their homes for a meal or coffee. Normal points of Middle Eastern etiquette apply. These include taking your shoes off when entering a home or mosque (if you’re invited inside one), not pointing at others, dressing respectfully, avoiding public displays of affection, and minimizing use of your left hand, which is considered "unclean." Elderly people are deeply respected in Saudi Arabia, and tourists will be expected to observe this as well.

What languages do Saudi Arabians speak?

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, with regional variants including Najdi and Hejazi Arabic. English is the lingua franca for ex-pats in the Arab world, and most signs are in both Arabic and English.