Do’s and don’ts in Saudi Arabia

We are aware of the fact that every country has its own different rules and regulations. The citizens of that country and travellers who travel to that country are obligated to follow its rules and regulations. So, in this way, Saudi Arabia, as same as other countries of the world, has several laws. In this context, consider this topic to know more information, “Do’s and don’ts in Saudi Arabia.” This article will guide you to know more knowledge about Saudi Arabia’s laws. 

Saudi Arabia, often known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Riyadh is its capital and largest city. Makkah and Madina, the two holiest cities in Islam, are located in this country. 

These two cities have always been significant destinations for Muslim tourists due to Hajj and Umrah. 

Remember: Saudi authority has already announced on the official site, to get Hajj packages and Umrah packages, one should contact the authorized travel agency. Because the ministry has imposed fines on fake agencies in the past months.

Many laws in Saudi Arabia differ from those in the UK, including same-sex relationships and abdication of the Islamic religion. In Saudi Arabia, punishments can include imprisonment, flogging, and the death penalty. 

Do’s and don’ts in Saudi Arabia

The list of Dos and don’ts in Saudi Arabia are as follows:

Entering homes

• It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a living room, a holy location, or a home unless instructed otherwise.  
• Do not visit anyone’s house between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. For most locals, this is their usual time for rest.

Introduced to others

• When people meet or are introduced, shaking hands is usual.
• If you're a man, don't shake hands with women, and if you're a woman, don't shake hands with men.

Eating and drinking

• Try to eat a bit of each dish that is served.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during the holy month of Ramadan if you don’t keep fast. 

Social Etiquette

• When invited to a Saudi's house, bring a little gift as a gesture of thanks. For the hostess, you could bring dates, pastries, candy, or flowers.

Driving

Driving in KSA is allowed for both sexes (male and female). But aggressive driving style is not acceptable in the local population.

Taking photographs

• Do not photograph anyone without their permission first.
• Do not photograph military installations, seaports, and airport facilities without official permission.

Communicating with locals

• Learn Arabic if you can. It will significantly benefit your development and working relationships.
• Avoid topics of Middle Eastern politics. 

Dealing with drugs and narcotics

• Never try to use or smuggle drugs into the kingdom because it is against the law to do so.
• Producing, selling, using, or possessing drugs are all grounds for criminal action in Saudi Arabia.

Read it: What is Umrah and why is it important?

Dos and don'ts according to the culture of Saudi Arabia

A short discussion about the do’s and don’ts of Saudi Arabian culture is below:

Do’s:

1. Before trying to bring up a certain topic with your Saudi host, spend some time getting to know them and making small chats. Being excessively task-oriented or direct can come across as rude or impersonal.
2. Where appropriate, acknowledge the achievements and modern advancements of Saudi Arabia. The majority of Saudis are likely to appreciate it when foreigners recognize them as progressive people because the kingdom is currently going through a period of cultural and social transformation.
3. When you meet a Saudi, ask about his children to show that you care about how he is. Asking a man about his wife or other personal issues is not better, though, unless he opens up to you right away. When people are genuinely curious about some family-related topics, they can become fearful.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid pressuring anyone to express an opinion about Saudi politics or the leadership of the royal family. In general, Saudis are uncomfortable explaining or talking about these issues.
2. Never talk about anything sexual in public, especially with someone of the opposite gender.
3. Do not criticize Saudi cultural practices. Comments that imply that Saudis should step out of their culture and be more modern are inappropriate and can be highly offensive.

Saudi local laws – You must know about them

You must abide by all local laws and penalties, even if they look harsh by UK standards. Before going on a trip, check the local laws.

Actions that are offensive or anti-social but are not criminal in the UK may be against Saudi law. If you break Saudi law even without knowledge, there can be severe punishment.

So, for the ease of those travellers, who want to travel to Saudi Arabia, we discuss the Saudi local laws below:

Drugs

Penalties for drug trafficking, sale or use are severe. These may include the death penalty.

Marriage

Your prospective spouse must first obtain a letter of permission from the Saudi Ministry of the Interior If you want to marry a Saudi national. Speak directly with the relevant local authorities to confirm the most recent criteria and deadlines.

Serious crimes

If you are suspected of committing a crime, the authorities can detain you without charge. You may have to wait months for legal help or a court appearance while the authorities investigate. Cases are heard under Islamic law and procedure. 

Those convicted of serious crimes may face:

• Heavy penalties
• Deportation
• Lashing
• Long jail sentences

The penalties for some crimes are severe and can even carry the death penalty. These crimes include:

• Murder
• Rape
• Adultery
• Such crimes that undermine the state

Illegal items

Importing, owning, or dealing in anything considered to be “contrary to the beliefs of Islam” is illegal. 

For example:

• Pork products
• Alcohol
• Pornography
• Drones, without prior permission

Saudi officials scan passengers’ luggage on arrival.

Illegal activities in Saudi Arabia

Visitors, who want to visit Saudi Arabia, must avoid these illegal activities during their stay in that country:

• It is illegal to preach or publicly practice any religion other than Islam.
• Without permission from the Ministry of Culture and Information, you may not produce or distribute printed or electronic materials.
• It is unlawful to undermine the reputation of tourism in the Kingdom, which may include posting negative online reviews of tourist attractions and activities.
• It is also illegal to criticize the people, policy, royal family and leadership of Saudi Arabia.
• Furthermore, it is forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, military sites and check posts, and other sensitive sites.

Conclusion

Today, the world is divided into 190+ countries and every country has its laws. Same, Saudi Arabia has different laws for its citizens and visitors who want to visit it. Saudi Arabia is the country of two holiest cities in Islam (Makkah and Madina). 

Different regulations apply to same-sex relationships and abandoning Islam in Saudi Arabia than they do in the UK. The death sentence, flogging, and imprisonment are all possible penalties in Saudi Arabia. The opportunities of the Hajj Packages or Umrah Packages are only for Muslims, not for Non-Muslims.