What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Saudi Arabia?
We asked people in Saudi Arabia if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Yes, my first day there I urinated in the urinal only to find that was where men sat to wash their feet," commented one expat who made the move to Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
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"In Saudi Arabia, it is important to remember to dress conservatively, obey local laws and customs, and to always defer to the wishes and decisions of the local host. Greeting should be done in a respectful and formal manner, with a shake of the hand for men and a small nod of the head for women. Refrain from physical contact with members of the opposite sex and avoid making any negative remarks about the Saudi Arabian government or Saudi customs. Additionally, eating, drinking, and smoking should only be done in private, and family relationships should be respected at all times," remarked another expat in Saudi Arabia.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Saudi Arabia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Saudi Arabia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Saudi Arabia?
- What is life like in Saudi Arabia?
- What do expats in Saudi Arabia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saudi Arabia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- What are medical services in Saudi Arabia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What are emergency services like in Saudi Arabia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Saudi Arabia?
- How are local medical facilities in Saudi Arabia?
- As a foreigner living in Saudi Arabia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Saudi Arabia?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
