Life in Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, shaped by deep-rooted Islamic culture and rapid economic development. Known for its vast deserts, rich oil resources, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia presents a lifestyle that combines spiritual devotion with contemporary urban living. For locals and expatriates alike, daily life revolves around religion, family values, and a changing social landscape that reflects the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 reform plan.
Daily Life and Culture
Religion and Routine
Islam is at the heart of daily life in Saudi Arabia. The five daily prayers set the rhythm for both personal and professional schedules. Mosques are everywhere, and during prayer times, many businesses close temporarily. Friday, the Islamic holy day, is observed with a special congregational prayer, making it the most important day of the week.
Religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major occasions for celebration, family gatherings, and charitable acts. During the holy month of Ramadan, daily life adjusts to accommodate fasting, with shorter work hours and a focus on evening meals, known as iftar.
Traditional Clothing and Modesty
Saudi nationals typically wear traditional attire. Men often wear a thobe (a long white robe) and a ghutra (headscarf), while women commonly wear an abaya (black cloak) and hijab. While dress codes have relaxed slightly in recent years especially for foreign visitors modesty remains an important cultural value throughout the country.
Work and Business Environment
Employment Landscape
The Saudi economy is driven by oil but has been diversifying rapidly into sectors like tourism, technology, entertainment, and finance. Many expatriates work in industries such as education, healthcare, engineering, and IT. The Saudi government encourages the employment of local citizens through the Saudization policy, which gives preference to nationals in the labor market.
Workweek and Business Culture
The Saudi workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Business culture values respect, patience, and relationships. Meetings often start with small talk and coffee before formal discussions begin. Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is expected.
Family and Social Life
Importance of Family
Family is central to Saudi society. Extended families often live near each other or under the same roof, and social life largely revolves around family events. Respect for elders is emphasized, and parents play a guiding role in major life decisions such as marriage and career paths.
Hospitality and Gatherings
Hospitality is a deeply embedded tradition. Guests are offered dates and Arabic coffee as a gesture of welcome. Social gatherings, particularly for men, are common in homes or majlis (sitting rooms). Women often gather separately, although mixed settings are more common in urban centers today.
Education and Learning
School System
Saudi Arabia offers both public and private education, with instruction in Arabic and an emphasis on Islamic studies. International schools provide foreign curricula in English, catering to expatriates. Higher education has expanded significantly, with universities offering degrees in diverse fields including medicine, engineering, and business.
Focus on Youth and Innovation
The Kingdom has invested heavily in education reform, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among its youth. Programs encouraging STEM fields, coding, and digital skills are becoming more prominent, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Getting Around
Cars are the most common form of transportation in Saudi Arabia, with well-maintained highways connecting major cities. Public transport is improving, especially in Riyadh, where a new metro system is being developed. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely used.
Driving and Women’s Rights
Since 2018, women have been allowed to drive legally, marking a significant step toward gender equality. Driving provides greater independence for Saudi women and has reshaped social dynamics in many cities.
Food and Cuisine
Traditional Dishes
Saudi cuisine is rich in flavors and influenced by Middle Eastern and Bedouin traditions. Popular dishes include:
- Kabsa: A spiced rice dish with lamb or chicken
- Mutabbaq: A savory stuffed pancake
- Dates and Arabic coffee: Staples of hospitality
Meals are often shared in large groups, with family or friends sitting on the floor around a communal plate. Eating with the right hand is customary, and sharing food is a valued tradition.
Dining Out
Saudi Arabia’s food scene has expanded to include global fast-food chains, fine dining, and international cuisines. In recent years, cafes, food trucks, and outdoor dining spaces have become popular, especially among the younger generation.
Entertainment and Leisure
Changing Social Landscape
Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid changes in entertainment and leisure. Movie theaters, once banned, are now common. Music concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals are held regularly, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. These changes reflect a more open, youthful society embracing new experiences.
Tourism and Travel
The country is opening up to international tourism with attractions like Al-Ula, the Red Sea Project, and historical sites such as Diriyah. Domestic tourism is also growing, with many families traveling within the Kingdom to explore deserts, mountains, and beaches.
Religious Pilgrimage
Hajj and Umrah
Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities in Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah. These pilgrimages are deeply spiritual experiences and a major part of the country’s identity and economy. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure to accommodate pilgrims, including airports, hotels, and transport systems.
Women’s Evolving Role
Social and Economic Inclusion
Saudi women are increasingly visible in public life. Reforms have allowed women to work in diverse fields, travel without male guardianship, and participate in sports and cultural activities. Female entrepreneurs and professionals are contributing to the nation’s development and breaking traditional barriers.
Education and Empowerment
More women than ever are graduating from universities and taking on leadership roles. Programs focused on women’s empowerment have created new opportunities and reshaped societal norms, especially in major urban areas.
Living as an Expat
Accommodation and Communities
Expats in Saudi Arabia often live in compounds that offer amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and shops. These communities provide a comfortable environment with more relaxed social rules, allowing residents to socialize freely.
Adapting to the Culture
Living in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner requires respect for local customs, especially regarding dress and behavior in public. Learning a few phrases in Arabic, being polite, and showing cultural sensitivity go a long way in creating a positive experience.
Life in Saudi Arabia is a unique experience shaped by tradition, faith, and rapid modernization. From daily prayer rituals to the buzz of modern Riyadh, the country offers a rich cultural tapestry. Whether one is a local or an expatriate, adapting to life in the Kingdom involves understanding its values, embracing its pace of change, and participating in a society that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its identity. With its focus on progress and global integration, Saudi Arabia remains one of the most dynamic places to live in the Middle East today.