Do and don'ts in Saudi Arabia?

Things to Know & How to Behave in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Always carry your Iqama (Saudi Residence ID). ...
  • Always dress modestly. ...
  • Males and Females have different cabins in transportation. ...
  • Food and Beverage Restrictions: NO Pork and No Alcohol. ...
  • During Ramadan, don't be seen eating or drinking. ...
  • PDA is prohibited.
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What is not allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi law prohibits importation of the following products: weapons, alcohol, narcotics, pork and pork products, pornographic materials, distillery equipment, retreaded or used tires, used clothing, and certain sculptures.
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What are the rules in Saudi Arabia?

Social etiquette and rules in Saudi Arabia
  • Alcohol is banned.
  • Women should wear an Abaya in public, but headscarves are not compulsory any longer.
  • You should refrain from holding hands and public displays of affection. ...
  • Gambling is banned in KSA as well as in the UAE.
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What are some taboos in Saudi Arabia?

Taboos
  • Don't point at anyone or show the soles of your shoes.
  • Don't stare at women.
  • Don't point at people – keep your hand flat and gesture instead.
  • Don't wear tight clothing.
  • Don't say anything critical of the royal family, Islam or a person's family.
  • Don't show affection to the opposite sex in public.
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What do female tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

Dress Code for Foreigners – Women

The hijab and niqab are optional for both Saudi and tourist women. Women must dress modestly at all times, covering their knees and shoulders. Although the abayais optional, you will need to wear it while entering mosques, in respect of the Muslim culture.
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10 Things NOT to do in SAUDI ARABIA



How many wives do Saudis have?

Polygamy is legal in Saudi Arabia, whereby a man may have up to four wives. However, a man is only allowed to take multiple wives if he can meet certain conditions under shari'a law. For example, he must have the financial capacity to afford another marriage and provide for another wife and her family.
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Do you have to cover your hair in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has no written legal code to go with the texts making up sharia, and police and judiciary have long enforced a strict dress code requiring Saudi women to wear abayas and in many cases to cover their hair and faces.
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Can you hold hands in Saudi Arabia?

This one you most probably also guessed – any public display of affection is strictly forbidden and seen as haram (forbidden). Yes, this includes holding hands as well. Even if you are married, although the penalty will be considerably more severe if you are caught holding hands if you aren't married.
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How Arab treat their visitors?

Hosts follow a strict welcoming procedure to ensure all guests receive the same level of generosity, no matter the time of day or year. Because hospitality is held with the utmost importance, guests are meant to be welcomed into the family circle, even if they are strangers.
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What is disrespectful in Arab culture?

In many Arab, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries, showing the soles of your feet is a sign of disrespect, as they're considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, since they touch the dirty ground. Men should cross their legs with caution.
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Is Saudi Arabia safe for women's?

In general, solo female travel through Saudi Arabia is safe and you will find locals welcoming.
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Is Tattoo allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia – tattoos are illegal due to Sharia Law (foreigners with tattoos must cover them and they should remain covered until the person leaves the country) Afghanistan – tattoos are illegal and banned due to Sharia Law.
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Can a woman visit Saudi Arabia?

Getting to Saudi Arabia as a woman

Contrary to popular belief based on the old way things were working, foreign women can travel to Saudi Arabia independently without the need for a male chaperone, such as their husband or their brother.
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Is YouTube banned in Saudi Arabia?

YouTube is not blocked in the country. However, in 2014, Saudi Arabia made plans to regulate local companies producing content for YouTube. The General Authority for Audiovisual Media, a recently formed watchdog, issued a public declaration to regulate the work of YouTube channels.
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Is dancing illegal in Saudi Arabia?

It happened after the Saudi TV host and actor Abdallah al-Shahani was filmed dabbing at a music festival in Taif and later arrested. Dancing at concerts — a new entertainment experience for Saudis in itself — is also prohibited.
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Can you wear nail polish in Saudi Arabia?

Considering this, most Muslims generally agree that wearing nail polish is prohibited when praying, and thus refrain from using nail polish.
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How do Arabian show their love?

Although Arabs love to express their greetings loudly, sometimes all that is needed is a warm smile and a touch to the heart. This is one of the most heartwarming ways an Arab can greet you, and means that they truly appreciate your presence.
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Can you wear jeans in Saudi Arabia?

Is it permissible to wear jeans in Saudi Arabia? People can wear jeans in Saudi Arabia; however, the top must be long enough to cover the bum.
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Is dating allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Dating in Saudi Arabia is officially illegal (even though some young people do find their way around the restrictions). Avoid spending time with people of the opposite sex in public. Public displays of affection are not allowed and can have serious consequences.
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Are Saudi Arabians friendly?

People in Saudi Arabia are friendly, welcoming, and very steeped in their culture. This guide serves as an overview of what to expect there. In many ways, Saudi Arabia is a paradoxical country and culture. The people are hospitable but insular; friendly in some ways and rigid in others.
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What do little girls wear in Saudi Arabia?

What should children wear in Saudi Arabia? The rules about what and what not to wear in Saudi Arabia are not so strict for children. Boys can wear shorts and girls can wear sundresses. From puberty, girls are expected to dress in the same way as women and you will see much younger girls wearing a headscarf and abaya.
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Can I wear ripped jeans in Saudi Arabia?

As per the circulated guidance, ripped jeans, tank tops and shorts will not be permitted.
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Can I wear high heels in Saudi Arabia?

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's top religious leader, Sheikh Abdel Aziz ibn Baaz, yesterday banned high heel shoes because they make women look taller and can harm their health. Islamic law, which is rigorously applied in Saudi Arabia, bans women from showing their beauty to men other than their close family.
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What age can you marry in Saudi?

After years of discussions, Saudi Arabia finally announced this week that it has banned child marriages, making 18 the minimum age for weddings. Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Dr. Walid Al-Samaani addressed all courts with an official statement in which he stressed the new law.
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Can you marry a Saudi woman?

Prerequisites. She should not be younger than 25 years old and older than 50 years old if the suitor is not born in Saudi Arabia. The age difference between the prospective couple should not be more than 15 years. She should be living in Riyadh city or one of its suburbs.
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