Riyadh
Saudi Arabia • Middle East
Heart of the Kingdom
Overview
👋 Greetings
Same-gender handshakes are common. Men should not initiate handshakes with women. Greetings are elaborate - ask about health and family. "Assalamu alaikum" is standard.
🍽️ Dining
Eat with your right hand. Accept offered coffee and dates. Meals are generous and communal. Alcohol is prohibited. Friday is the holy day.
👔 Dress Code
Modest dress is required. Women should wear loose, long clothing (abayas required in some areas). Men should wear long pants. Cover shoulders and knees.
🚫 Things to Avoid
- •Alcohol consumption
- •Public displays of affection
- •Photographing people without permission
- •Criticizing Islam or the royal family
- •Showing the soles of your feet
- •Using left hand for eating
💡 Did You Know?
Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest cities: Mecca and Medina
It has no rivers
Saudi Arabia is the largest country without a river
The Empty Quarter is the largest sand desert in the world
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