Saudi Arabia Etiquette: A Guide for Travelers

Saudi Arabia’s etiquette showcases an array of cultural traditions that stem from Islamic values. Many tourists overlook significant social norms, like using specific hands for different functions or Islamic law’s prohibition of alcohol for Muslims.

Saudi Arabia’s customs require more than simple travel preparation. The country’s tourist rules require modest dress – visitors must wear loose clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Saudi Arabia’s culture and traditions shine through daily interactions. Hosts traditionally welcome guests with Arabic coffee and dates. The country’s greetings and gestures follow distinct patterns. People shake hands differently here, and strict rules prohibit public displays of affection between genders. Visitors must respect Ramadan’s holy month by not eating, drinking, or smoking in front of Muslims during daylight hours.

This piece is about the vital etiquette rules you should know before visiting Saudi Arabia in 2025. It will help you direct your way through this culturally rich destination confidently and respectfully.

Greetings and Gestures Tourists Often Miss

A Saudi Arabian greeting goes way beyond just saying “hello.” Locals pick up instantly on the subtle rules of social interactions that tourists often miss.

Common Arabic Greetings and Their Meanings

“As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) is the life-blood of Saudi social interactions. People respond with “Wa alaykum as-salam” (and peace be upon you) to complete this respectful exchange. “Marhaba” (hello) or “Ahlan” (welcome) work great in casual settings.

Saudis use different greetings throughout the day. The morning starts with “Sabah al-khayr” (morning of goodness) and people respond with “Sabah al-noor” (morning of light). The same happens in the evening with “Masaa al-khayr” (evening of goodness) and “Masaa al-ward” (evening of flowers).

“Kaifa halak?” (for men) or “Kaifa halik?” (for women) shows you know the culture when asking about someone’s wellbeing. “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God) is the typical response that shows how spirituality weaves into daily conversations.

How to Greet Men and Women Differently

Gender plays a big role in greeting customs. Men usually shake hands and ask warmly about family and health. Close male friends might share three kisses on the cheeks or touch noses to show deep trust and respect.

Meeting women requires a different approach. The golden rule is simple – let the woman make the first move for any physical contact. A handshake works if she offers her hand first. Otherwise, placing your right hand over your heart shows respect. This isn’t about being rude – it’s about honoring religious and cultural boundaries.

Women tend to be more physically warm with other women. Hugs and multiple cheek kisses are common, though they keep things more modest in public.

Why Handshakes are Longer and Softer

Saudi handshakes feel different from the quick, firm Western grip. They’re gentler and last longer, showing sincerity and warmth. Sometimes, people rest their left hand lightly over the clasped right hands to add extra friendliness.

A soft handshake shows respect, not weakness. Your host will signal when to end the handshake, so it’s best to follow their lead.

Avoiding the Left Hand in Social Settings

Left hand use is a big cultural no-no. Saudis reserve it strictly for personal hygiene. Using it to eat, gesture, pass objects or shake hands makes people uncomfortable.

Your right hand should always be used for:

Eating food
Passing objects to others
Gesturing while speaking
Offering or receiving items
Drinking beverages

Even when carrying big items that need both hands, try to lead with your right. This small detail shows cultural awareness that locals really appreciate.

These greeting customs help you guide through Saudi social situations confidently. These aren’t random rules – they reflect deep values of respect, modesty, and religious tradition that remain vital to Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity.

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Dress Code and Modesty Expectations

Dress code expectations stand as one of the most visible parts of Saudi Arabia’s etiquette. Recent changes haven’t altered how modesty in clothing reflects the country’s cultural and religious values.

What Men and Women Should Wear in Public

Saudi Arabia introduced the “Public Decency Law” in 2019 to provide clear guidelines for appropriate attire. Women’s rules have changed substantially. Female tourists should dress modestly with loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, elbows and knees, though they haven’t needed to wear an abaya since 2018.

Women should select:

Long, flowing dresses or skirts (below the knee)
Loose-fitting trousers paired with tunics or long shirts
Tops with high necklines (avoiding any hint of cleavage)
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen (practical for the climate)

Men face fewer restrictions but must still follow modest standards. Shorts and sleeveless shirts remain inappropriate in public spaces. Male tourists should choose loose-fitting trousers or pants with shirts that cover the shoulders. Skinny jeans might draw unwanted attention since tight-fitting clothing goes against local norms.

Understanding the Abaya and Headscarf

The abaya carries deep cultural significance as a loose-fitting, robe-like garment that covers everything except the head, hands and sometimes feet. Saudi women had to wear this garment legally until 2018. These days, female tourists only need to wear an abaya when visiting religious sites.

The relaxed regulations haven’t changed how practical many foreign women find abayas. One source puts it well: “Abayas are basically a cheat code to always looking appropriate and stylish”. They work great as light jackets thrown over other clothing when needed.

Head coverings like the hijab (headscarf) are only required in mosques or other religious places. Women must cover their hair completely and wear modest clothing in these sacred spaces. Foreign visitors can choose whether to wear a headscarf elsewhere, though carrying a pashmina or light scarf helps in situations where covering might work better.

Why Tight or Revealing Clothes are Discouraged

The concept of “Haya” drives the focus on loose-fitting, modest attire. This sense of modesty covers behavior and values beyond just clothing. Tight or revealing clothes that show body shape go against these deeply held cultural values.

Public Decency regulations list specific items to avoid:

Transparent or see-through clothing
Tight-fitting garments that outline the body
Clothing with offensive language, symbols, or images
Items that reveal shoulders, knees, or cleavage
Nightwear or underwear in public spaces

Different regions handle these guidelines differently. Jeddah’s atmosphere feels more relaxed than Riyadh or conservative provinces like Al-Qassim. On top of that, dress expectations change dramatically between public spaces and private Western compounds, where people commonly wear standard Western attire.

Tourists who understand these nuances can direct their way through Saudi Arabia respectfully. The laws might have changed, but dressing modestly shows cultural awareness and helps avoid unwanted attention. This approach creates an unmatched travel experience built on mutual respect.

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Visiting Homes: Hospitality and Hidden Rules

The life-blood of Saudi culture flows through its tradition of hospitality. This custom dates back to ancient Bedouin societies. Welcoming strangers wasn’t just good manners—it helped people survive in the harsh desert environment.

Removing Shoes and Entering Respectfully

Saudi homes follow a tradition where you remove your shoes at the entrance. This shows respect for the home’s cleanliness. Native Saudis who value traditions practice this in both cities and villages. Your presence should be announced softly—no loud entrances or sudden appearances. Male visitors should give a heads-up before visiting another man’s home. This helps avoid unexpected encounters with female family members.

Gender Segregation in Social Spaces

Saudi households have special social areas called majlis (sitting places) where they entertain guests. These spaces let hosts welcome visitors without exposing family areas. Many homes have two separate majlis areas—one for men and one for women. This setup lets everyone socialize comfortably within cultural norms.

Women can reveal their faces around other women in these spaces. Male family members say “Ya allah!” before entering areas where unrelated women might be. This gives women time to cover. Such practices reflect respect rather than bias.

Accepting Coffee, Dates and Sweets

Arabic hospitality shines brightest during the coffee ceremony. Guests receive Arabic coffee in a small cup called a finjan with dates. Here’s what usually happens:

Arabic coffee arrives with dates first (sweet dates balance bitter coffee)
A sweet drink follows, usually mint or ginger tea
Small treats called “hala qahwa” (coffee desserts) might appear last

The coffee server (Muqahwi) keeps filling your cup until you signal enough. Just cover the cup with your hand or shake it gently while saying “Bas” (enough). Turning down refreshments might send wrong signals about friendship, even if you’re not thirsty.

How to Politely Decline or Accept Offers

Saudi social customs have a unique way of handling offers. People expect you to refuse at first out of politeness. Hosts will ask several times, and your real answer comes after the second or third offer. This helps avoid awkward moments that happen in more direct cultures where saying no can feel rude.

A good example is the last piece of cake on a plate. Saying no once shows good manners. Grabbing it right away might look greedy. The second offer means they really want you to have it. Hosts often insist two or three times before taking no as your final answer.

Watch what you say about items in someone’s home. Your host might feel they should give you anything you admire. If they make such an offer, say no politely while thanking them. This back-and-forth of offering and accepting builds mutual respect in Saudi social life.

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Dining Etiquette You Didn’t Know You Needed

Meals in Saudi Arabia mean much more than just eating—they build social bonds, show hospitality and reflect cultural values. You can fully enjoy authentic Saudi experiences by learning proper dining etiquette that helps avoid any unintended offense.

Using Your Right Hand Only

The right and left hand rule stands as the most significant dining custom. You must eat with your right hand only, even if you’re left-handed. This practice comes from traditional Islamic teachings that set aside the left hand to handle hygiene. Traditional Saudi meals often feature shared dishes where you use your right hand to take food and roll it into a small ball before eating. You should also pass dishes, accept food, and handle utensils with your right hand only.

Waiting for the Host to Start the Meal

Respectful dining behavior requires patience. You should wait for the host or eldest person to start eating or invite others to begin. This shows respect for authority figures and lets you learn the proper way to eat unfamiliar dishes by watching the host. Even if you feel very hungry, waiting for the right signal shows you understand the culture.

Why you Should Try Every Dish

Your host might feel insulted if you refuse food they prepared as a generous gesture. Try to taste at least a bit of everything served. This small act shows you appreciate the time and effort put into preparing the meal. You can make your host happy by saying “mashallah” (God has willed it) or “tayyib” (good).

How to Signal You’re Done Eating

Here’s how to show you’ve finished eating:

Place your utensils parallel on the plate
Leave a small amount of food on your plate (an empty plate suggests you didn’t get enough)
Thank your host by saying “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God)

Your host might keep offering more food even after you say no. This comes from traditional hospitality rather than pressure to eat more. You can politely decline by placing your hand over your heart while saying no.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities to Respect

Saudi society revolves around religious observances that shape daily life and social expectations. These practices often catch first-time visitors off guard. A good grasp of these cultural sensitivities will help you direct your way through Saudi Arabia with respect.

What Not to Do During Ramadan

Muslims don’t eat, drink, or smoke from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. Whatever your faith might be as a tourist:

Don’t eat, drink or smoke in public spaces while the sun is up
Keep music volumes down
Business hours change as workplaces adjust to fasting employees
Take up iftar (dinner) invitations to experience local traditions

You’ll find restaurants closed until sunset before they open for iftar celebrations. Everyone, including non-Muslims, should follow these practices in public areas. Eating openly could offend those who fast.

Respecting Prayer Times and Friday Closures

The Saudi day revolves around prayer times, and businesses pause five times daily. Shops close their doors during prayer times, particularly for Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers. Prayer rooms are common features in public spaces and businesses.

Friday stands out as the Islamic holy day. Businesses shut down completely until Friday prayers end around midday. Your activities should work around these closures to avoid frustration and show respect for local culture.

Avoiding Public Displays of Affection

The Public Decency Law bans behavior that clashes with local culture, including public displays of affection. Married couples should skip hand-holding, kissing, or embracing in public spaces. These rules stem from deep cultural values rather than random restrictions.

Photography Rules and Asking Permission

Taking photos without permission in Saudi Arabia brings serious consequences—fines from 300 to 500,000 Saudi riyals and possible jail time. Remember to:

Get permission before taking anyone’s photo
Stay away from photographing government buildings, police stations, and infrastructure
Mind people’s privacy, especially women
Get explicit permission for mosque photography

The best approach is to ask first if you’re unsure. Saudi people value their privacy, women in particular and asking shows you respect their customs.

Experience sunsets in Saudi Arabia.

Embracing Saudi Culture With Respect and Understanding

Saudi Arabia draws people from around the world with its unique mix of ancient traditions and rapid modernization. This piece explores the essential etiquette rules that go beyond typical tourist tips. A deep grasp of these cultural nuances shows respect for local customs and makes the trip more rewarding.

The right way to greet people shows immediate respect. Proper handshakes with the right hand and understanding physical contact rules between genders matter greatly. Modest dress reflects awareness of Islamic values, even as rules change. Female travelers should learn about abaya customs, though rules have become more relaxed since 2018.

Saudi’s famous hospitality is the life-blood of social interactions. People who value home visits, coffee ceremonies and shared dining customs receive warm welcomes. Right-hand dining rules, waiting before eating, and the subtle art of giving and receiving hospitality create meaningful cultural bonds.

Religious practices define daily Saudi life. Tourists earn local appreciation when they respect prayer times, Ramadan traditions and photo-taking rules. This kind of awareness builds real connections that go deeper than surface-level tourism.

Saudi Arabia rewards people who approach its customs with an open mind rather than judgment. These practices might seem different from Western ways, but they reflect deep values of respect, modesty and community. Visitors who welcome these differences go home with authentic experiences and a better understanding of this often misunderstood culture.

The kingdom keeps opening its doors wider to global visitors. People armed with cultural knowledge will find a country where tradition and progress blend in fascinating ways. Such experiences create memories that last well beyond the trip itself.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key dress code expectations for tourists in Saudi Arabia?
Both men and women should dress modestly in public. Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, elbows and knees. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. While not mandatory, women may find wearing an abaya practical, especially when visiting religious sites.

Q2. How should tourists greet locals in Saudi Arabia?
Use the traditional greeting “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you). When meeting men, a handshake is appropriate. With women, wait for them to initiate any physical contact. Always use your right hand for greetings and avoid using your left hand in social settings.

Q3. What dining etiquette should tourists be aware of in Saudi Arabia?
Always eat with your right hand only. Wait for the host to start the meal before eating. Try to sample every dish offered as a sign of respect. When finished, leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate you’ve had enough.

Q4. How should tourists behave during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours. Expect reduced business hours and be prepared for restaurants to be closed until sunset. Respect the quiet atmosphere and avoid playing loud music.

Q5. What photography rules should tourists follow in Saudi Arabia?
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Avoid taking pictures of government buildings, police stations and infrastructure. In mosques, explicit permission is required for photography. When in doubt, it’s best to ask first to respect local privacy concerns.