I am going to be working in Riyadh in an official capacity and want to be best prepared to "fit in" to my new host culture. What are the tips to make this transition? I want to remove barriers between me and others with simplicity and honesty so I can begin work after doing my cultural homework.
Saudi Arabia - 20 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i would to show that your not there saying "hey look at me im american and im take all your women and have no facial hair" but dont claim that your doing it for any special purpose. grow it before you get ther otherwise they might think you are trying to be something your not.
2 :
I spent a year working in Baghdad, a muslum country. Not once did I see any man with a beard. A few had a moustache but no beards.
3 :
I'd say no. Would they shave as a sign of respect for your culture if they came to your country? If they visited your church would they wear a cross? If you went to parts of India would you wear a turban? If it's not your custom then don't bother. It would only appear fake. When I served in Afghanistan there were some who said that because of their position they needed to grow beards to fit in. After a month or two these same people shaved once the locals and elders told them they didn't need to do that and could just be themselves. Go, enjoy their culture, do your job, be respectful and enjoy it all. Anything more then that just seems fake to me.
4 :
Ok no offense to the other answerer but Baghdad is very different than Saudia... Muslim men, especialy in Saudia tend to wear beards as to follow the example of The Prophet(pbuh)...but if you are not Muslim, please don't try to pretend you are....If you want to grow a beard do it...but it is not nessisary to earn respect of Muslims. I have some other ideas for you... When you shake a mans hand always use your right hand, or if you wave to say hello, always your right hand, same with passing money or food etc...the left hand is considered unclean, and might be a bit of an insult. Please cover your body..I mean from your stomach to your mid calf. Showing your knees by wearing shorts is not appropriate in Muslim Countries like Saudia...so since its so hot there I recomend lots of linnen clothing..it is the best for desert heat. If you happen to be invited to a home of a coleage, don't look to his wife's face..should she even present herself. lower your gaze, it is a sign that you respect him and her. Muslims do not expect you to behave as a Muslim unless you are such...but trying to present yourself as a clean, honest, honerable person will find you better luck. When you hear the loud call to prayer in the streets (called Azaan) you should make sure that your music/television etc is at a low sound until it is finished. Also you may find that someone may pause from negotiations or conversation at this time to make a short speech to Allah(swt)
5 :
People will respect you for your character, abilities, tolerance and willingess to learn about the place that hosts you. Simplicity and honesty will take you far. Nevertheless, I really dont think that immitating external appearances, shows respect.
6 :
In general it is a personal choice to have facial hair in any Muslim country. It is a sign of piety for Muslims to have a full beard. It shows that you are following Suna, prophet Mohammad's path. Nevertheless, you will find lots of Muslims in many Muslim countries with no facial hair. My opinion, go ahead and let the facial hair grow; you will blend in better in specially in Riyadh.
7 :
changing the way you look is not necessarily a sign of respect, but it is an adaptation step to the environment you are going to live in. it is rare to see foreigners having facial hair in general here. some US diplomats actually grew facial hair (goaties or beards) in order to meddle with their environment and not to be easily spotted (security reasons post 2003 attacks). because as you know a hairless face in saudi arabia is mostly sported by europeans or westerners alike. furthermore, men grow beards in saudi arabia out of piousness, because the prophet pbuh had a beard.
8 :
im a saudi women.. husband saudi.. and there are plenty of saudi men who dont have facial hair.. its up to you.. So dont assume everyone has.. there are plenty that dont.. All you need for respect is "treat others how you would want to be treated"... the golden rule.. fits all be polite.. allow the host to lead the tone... ask if you are confused... smile a lot... dont chat up their women... you will be fine... (no drinking alcohol, no public dating, no disco's, no cinema, no pork, no pornography, no open religion propogation of another faith)
9 :
Hey, i'm saudi american, and NO! you don't have to grow hair as a sign of respect, it's only the super religious guys who do that, most of the men don't, so don't worry about it ;p.
10 :
lol no you don't have to, the majority of Saudis don't' grow their beards. but i have a small tip! use some Arabic words,that wold leave a good impression about you like: Shukran = thank you Afwan = you are welcome Inshallah (the most important one!) = hopefully and DON'T ever use your left hand when you are giving or receiving something
11 :
noope
12 :
.....its not necessary but if you like it though there's no problem about it you can have facial hair as you want......respect is gained through proper actions and attitudes in dealing with them like for example being humble and simple......
13 :
No this is not necessary at all. Being a male in Saudia Arabia, you have much more freedom than females. In all honesty being an American is also an advantage as in general American are favoured more than other nationalities. They will love you more if you wear the traditional male attire.
14 :
you seem respectful Welcome here.
15 :
no dude , you don't have to , lots of saudi men don't have facial hair , its just a matter of what each person prefers . but its really respectful of you to consider that .. :) , welcome to ksa ! . and i think ull fit in just fine .
16 :
LOL most Saudis either have a goatee or a 70s style mustache. Take your pick
17 :
People will respect you for respecting Saudi culture that is all
18 :
who cares dude, be your self and let it go, i'm saudi and sick of my culture.
19 :
You've opened a Pandora's box. Different people are going to give you many different versions of life. The expat community in SA resides mainly in heavily guarded compounds which prevents them from actually enjoying the country and mingling with the locals. There is so much to tell you about life in Saudi Arabia that I couldn't possibly fit it here but I'll try to sum it up. People think SA is a big sandbox but I assure you, it's not. There is beauty, culture, religion and heritage all rolled into one. Depending on which part of the country you go to, you can see mountains, lush vegetation and yes, lots of sand but even the sand is beautiful. I recently took a road trip from Jeddah to Madain Saleh (the Nabatean Tombs) in the north and it was the most beautiful experience I've ever had. The desert sky at nigh is breath-taking. I never saw so many stars. The landscape made us speechless. And let me tell you, sand can be fun too. We actually stopped on the way and climbed up a sand dune. It was really nice. Anyways, the point is, SA is a blend of east and west. There may be veiled women, mosques and lots of sand but there is also hospitality, shopping malls and Starbucks (yum!!). Trust me, people will be very welcoming. You don't have to have facial hair. You don't need to dress a certain way (jeans and t-shirts will do fine....or suits since you said you'll be working in an official capacity) or do anything religious. Just make sure you don't use your left hand for anything, don't try to shake hands with a woman and never refuse an invitation for dinner. Arabs are extremely hospitable and love entertaining guests. I hope you enjoy your stay here. P.S. Muslims pray five times a day so be prepared for five 'breaks' plus lunchtime everyday. Also, social events usually happen at night so e.g if you go to someone's house for dinner, don't expect to come home before 1 or 2 AM. Malls and restaurants are also open till the wee hours of the night.
20 :
If you depart from your own culture and appearance too much. Then you will look like a phony to people around you. And that will destroy your credibility in their eyes. Perhaps you will fit in a little better there if you grow a western style moustache. But it won't make a big difference. Saudi Arabia doesn't accept permanent immigrants. And people there don't expect foreigners to assimilate, the way people expect it in USA. Some people there might even get offended if you start dressing and behaving too much like they do. Many Saudis see themselves as being better than people of other nationalities. And they don't like foreign pretenders who try to usurp their high social status in Saudi Arabia.
