A kingdom founded upon and unified by Islam, Saudi Arabia has fascinated
travellers for centuries. From its vast deserts and barren plains emerged the monotheistic religion of Islam, the Arab race, and the country’s distinctive Arab culture.
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Language in Saudi Arabia
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is also spoken. It is used in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Saudi population, many people speak Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, and other Asian languages such as Farsi and Turkish.
Arabic is spoken by almost 200 million people in more than 22 countries. It is the language of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, and of Arab poetry and literature. While spoken Arabic varies from country to country, classical Arabic has remained unchanged for centuries. In Saudi, there are differences between the dialects spoken in urban areas and those spoken in rural areas.
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Saudi Society & Culture
Islam
Islam is practised by all Saudis and governs our personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and thus is visited by millions of Muslims every year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last of Allah (the Arabic name of God) emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad )peace be upon him )brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
emphasis is placed on ethics and expected social behaviour such as generosity, respect and solidarity and most of the people are friendly and generous.
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Family Values
. The family and tribe are the basis of the social structure.
. As is seen our naming conventions, we are cognizant of our heritage, clan, and our extended family, as well as our nuclear family.
. Saudis take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
. Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
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Meetings
Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek ( It is purely a sign of friendship)j .
. Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
. When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general thin
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Dress Etiquette
. Most Saudis wear long white thobes ,
during winter black thobs are preferred
. Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
. Women should make certain that their collarbones and knees are covered and that their clothes are not form-fittin
a traditional custom for ladys (we often wear it in specific celeprations or sometimes in wedding parties)
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