• United States
    • Arizona
      • Glendale – 623-251-0442
    • Connecticut
      • Tanger Outlet Center – 860-383-4340
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      • Key West – 305-396-7307
      • Orlando – 407-851-7234
      • Tampa – 813-513-9868
      • Westfield Brandon – 813-689-4143
    • Hawaii
      • Hilton Hawaiian Village – 808-945-2221
      • Maui Store – 808-661-1112
    • Lancaster
      • Park City Center – 717-390-8783
    • Las Vegas
      • Caesar’s Palace Hotel – 702-836-9654
    • Los Angeles
      • Valencia Town Center – 661-287-9415
    • New York
      • East Hampton – 877-544-1777
      • Madison Avenue – 646-478-7263
      • Manhattan – 212-371-7242
      • Bleecker St
    • Northern California
      • Arden Fair Mall – 916-920-3388
      • Hillsdale Center – 650-571-5582
      • Market St. Store – 415-618-0303
      • Powell St. – (415) 951-1929
      • Westfield Galleria – 916-781-0167
      • Foothills Blvd
    • Orange County
      • Irvine Spectrum Center – 949-585-9294
      • Cerritos Mall – 877-554-1777
      • Galleria at Tyler – 951-359-6764
    • Palm Desert
      • El Paseo – 760-674-0000
    • San Diego
      • Escondido – 760-489-0631
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      • Pacific View Mall – 805-654-0043
      • Paseo Nuevo – 805-899-4455
    • Seattle
      • Bellevue Collection – 425-454-2909
    • Texas
      • Baybrook Mall – 281-486-1114
      • Galleria Dallas – 972-239-2036
      • Houston Galleria – 713-623-0691
      • Stonebriar Mall – 972-668-4900
    • Virgin Islands – 1-877-554-1777
    • Virginia Beach
      • Lynnhaven Mall – 757-340-0688
  • Abu Dhabi
    • Yas Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • The Netherlands
    • Amsterdam – +31-20-7370564
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    • Sydney – 02-8542-6100
    • Chatswood – 02-9415-4454
  • Brazil
    • Salvador
  • Canada
    • Bramalea City Centre – 647-874-9994
    • Georgian Mall – 705-725-9248
    • Holt Renfrew Center – 1-800-848-2350
    • Scarborough Town Centre – 416-290-0454
  • Germany
    • Dusseldorf – 49-211-869-39030
  • Italy
    • Bologna
  • Hong Kong
    • Causeway Bay – 852 28712229
    • Matheson St
    • Central – 852 23240389
    • Yun Ping Road – 852 28712229
  • Malta
    • Bisazza St. – 356-27444312
  • Mexico
    • Andares
    • Angelópolis Centro Comercial
    • Centro Santa Fe – 55 9688 7363
    • Cozumel
    • Guadalajara – 01 (33) 31 10 03 02
    • Jalisco
    • Liverpool – 55 5480 1300
    • Parque Delta – 9154 9671
    • Pasanje Polanco – 52 80 04 63
    • Paseo Acoxpa – 56 79 72 29
    • Paseo Interlomas – 52 91 67 67
    • Paseo Queretaro
    • Perisur – 3488 8045
    • Playa Del Carmen – 01 (99) 84 68 85 57
    • Plaza Altabrisa Tabasco
    • Puebla – 01 (22) 22 25 75 55
    • Puerto Vallarta – 4893 6898
    • San Miguel de Cozumel
    • Oasis Coyoacán – 91 54 89 53
    • Villahermosa – 01 (99) 32 53 53 70
  • Oman
    • Bareeq Al Shatti Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • Philippines
    • Robinsons Place – (02) 354 78 27
    • Century City Mall – (02) 556 69 68
    • Newport – (02) 835 54 67
    • Shangri-La Plaza – (02) 718 55 08
  • Puerto Rico
    • The Plaza Las Americas – 1-877-554-1777
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
    • Orchard Gateway – 65 6702 6391
    • Wisma Atria – 65 6735 1829
    • Westgate – 65 6465 9771
    • Marina Bay Sands – 65 6688 7475
    • Marina Bay Sands
  • Spain
    • Barcelona – 34-932.725.269
    • Bulevard Rosa – 34-932.158.331
    • La Roca Village – 34-932.445.591
    • Madrid – 34 911 25 07 97
    • Marbella – 34-952.862.716
  • Taiwan
    • Taipei – 1-877-554-1777
  • Vietnam
    • Ha Noi
  • Blog

OROGOLD Locations

  • United States
    • Arizona
      • Glendale – 623-251-0442
    • Connecticut
      • Tanger Outlet Center – 860-383-4340
    • Florida
      • Key West – 305-396-7307
      • Orlando – 407-851-7234
      • Tampa – 813-513-9868
      • Westfield Brandon – 813-689-4143
    • Hawaii
      • Hilton Hawaiian Village – 808-945-2221
      • Maui Store – 808-661-1112
    • Lancaster
      • Park City Center – 717-390-8783
    • Las Vegas
      • Caesar’s Palace Hotel – 702-836-9654
    • Los Angeles
      • Valencia Town Center – 661-287-9415
    • New York
      • East Hampton – 877-544-1777
      • Madison Avenue – 646-478-7263
      • Manhattan – 212-371-7242
      • Bleecker St
    • Northern California
      • Arden Fair Mall – 916-920-3388
      • Hillsdale Center – 650-571-5582
      • Market St. Store – 415-618-0303
      • Powell St. – (415) 951-1929
      • Westfield Galleria – 916-781-0167
      • Foothills Blvd
    • Orange County
      • Irvine Spectrum Center – 949-585-9294
      • Cerritos Mall – 877-554-1777
      • Galleria at Tyler – 951-359-6764
    • Palm Desert
      • El Paseo – 760-674-0000
    • San Diego
      • Escondido – 760-489-0631
    • Santa Barbara
      • Pacific View Mall – 805-654-0043
      • Paseo Nuevo – 805-899-4455
    • Seattle
      • Bellevue Collection – 425-454-2909
    • Texas
      • Baybrook Mall – 281-486-1114
      • Galleria Dallas – 972-239-2036
      • Houston Galleria – 713-623-0691
      • Stonebriar Mall – 972-668-4900
    • Virgin Islands – 1-877-554-1777
    • Virginia Beach
      • Lynnhaven Mall – 757-340-0688
  • Abu Dhabi
    • Yas Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • The Netherlands
    • Amsterdam – +31-20-7370564
  • Australia
    • Sydney – 02-8542-6100
    • Chatswood – 02-9415-4454
  • Brazil
    • Salvador
  • Canada
    • Bramalea City Centre – 647-874-9994
    • Georgian Mall – 705-725-9248
    • Holt Renfrew Center – 1-800-848-2350
    • Scarborough Town Centre – 416-290-0454
  • Germany
    • Dusseldorf – 49-211-869-39030
  • Italy
    • Bologna
  • Hong Kong
    • Causeway Bay – 852 28712229
    • Matheson St
    • Central – 852 23240389
    • Yun Ping Road – 852 28712229
  • Malta
    • Bisazza St. – 356-27444312
  • Mexico
    • Andares
    • Angelópolis Centro Comercial
    • Centro Santa Fe – 55 9688 7363
    • Cozumel
    • Guadalajara – 01 (33) 31 10 03 02
    • Jalisco
    • Liverpool – 55 5480 1300
    • Parque Delta – 9154 9671
    • Pasanje Polanco – 52 80 04 63
    • Paseo Acoxpa – 56 79 72 29
    • Paseo Interlomas – 52 91 67 67
    • Paseo Queretaro
    • Perisur – 3488 8045
    • Playa Del Carmen – 01 (99) 84 68 85 57
    • Plaza Altabrisa Tabasco
    • Puebla – 01 (22) 22 25 75 55
    • Puerto Vallarta – 4893 6898
    • San Miguel de Cozumel
    • Oasis Coyoacán – 91 54 89 53
    • Villahermosa – 01 (99) 32 53 53 70
  • Oman
    • Bareeq Al Shatti Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • Philippines
    • Robinsons Place – (02) 354 78 27
    • Century City Mall – (02) 556 69 68
    • Newport – (02) 835 54 67
    • Shangri-La Plaza – (02) 718 55 08
  • Puerto Rico
    • The Plaza Las Americas – 1-877-554-1777
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
    • Orchard Gateway – 65 6702 6391
    • Wisma Atria – 65 6735 1829
    • Westgate – 65 6465 9771
    • Marina Bay Sands – 65 6688 7475
    • Marina Bay Sands
  • Spain
    • Barcelona – 34-932.725.269
    • Bulevard Rosa – 34-932.158.331
    • La Roca Village – 34-932.445.591
    • Madrid – 34 911 25 07 97
    • Marbella – 34-952.862.716
  • Taiwan
    • Taipei – 1-877-554-1777
  • Vietnam
    • Ha Noi
  • Blog
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Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Travel |

November 27, 2020

| OROGOLD

13 Things You Need to Know When Visiting Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia city street

SAMAREEN / Shutterstock.com

Tourism has only recently started opening up in Saudi Arabia, with the country now readily granting tourist visas to visitors. This mystical Middle Eastern country, with its tantalizingly rich heritage, culture, and traditions, is truly a magical place to visit.

However, if you’re visiting Saudi Arabia from a western country, there are a few things that you need to know before you go…

Dress Codes Need to Be Adhered To

Woman in Saudi Arabia

One of the biggest culture shocks for people who visit Saudi Arabia is the dress code. Although this has become much less strict in recent years, with many of the rules being relaxed, you still need to dress in an appropriate fashion when out and about around the country.

As you would expect from an Islamic country, the rules are more stringent for women. All clothing must be deemed “respectful”, meaning that it should fully cover the shoulders, legs, and arms.

This means that loose-fitting clothing is a must, which can actually keep you surprisingly cool when under the hot Saudi sun. Don’t bother packing tight skinny jeans and t-shirts, or shorts and mini skirts, as you won’t have the opportunity to wear these.

Men have dress code rules to follow too…

Local men usually wear a traditional white robe with a head scarf, but tourists can get away with simply wearing modest and loose-fitting clothing instead. Just like with women, shorts that bare the legs should not be worn.

What happens if you break the dress code rules?

The police will probably approach you and either ask you to return to your hotel to change your clothes, or to leave a specific area, especially if the rules there are more stringent than in other parts of the city/country.

The one exception to this is when you are at a private hotel or private beach. Rules are much more relaxed here – some will even allow women to wear bikinis, although a one-piece is still the better option.

Smoking Can Only Happen in Designated Areas

Everyone knows that smoking isn’t good for the health, but if you haven’t managed to kick the habit just yet, then you need to be careful about where you light up in Saudi Arabia.

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Even if you happen to be outdoors, don’t be tempted to light up unless you know that you’re in an area that allows people to smoke.

This applies to both cigarettes and shisha.

The Weekend is Friday and Saturday

You may be used to Saturdays and Sundays being classed as the weekend, but things are a little different in Saudi Arabia.

Here, the weekend is Friday and Saturday, with Sunday being the first day of the working week.

It’s worth keeping this in mind when traveling around the country, since many restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions will either be closed over the weekend, or will have different opening hours.

Be Aware of Public Decency Laws

Saudi Arabia street

memomemory / Shutterstock.com

Saudi Arabia has a number of public decency laws that both locals and tourists need to follow. It is most definitely worth reading through this list before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Examples of some of the laws are as follows:

  • Music should never be played during prayer times (more on prayer times below)
  • Littering is forbidden
  • Prints on clothing should never display nudity or offensive phrases
  • Cutting in line in public areas is heavily frowned upon
  • Never sit down on a seat that has been designated for disabled people, unless you are disabled

What happens if you break one of these public decency laws?

That all depends on how severe your “crime” is – a small discretion may just earn you a warning, while anything more serious could result in a hefty fine.

Prepare for Prayer Times

Being an Islamic country, there are five prayer times throughout the day in Saudi Arabia. The exact times for these change slightly each day, usually just by a minute or two, but it would be worth downloading an app that will tell you exactly when prayer times are each day.

Why does this matter for tourists who don’t intend on praying?

Because may shops and restaurants close during prayer times, since the people that run them need to pray.

Don’t worry if you already happen to be in a shop when prayer time hits, since the shopkeeper will likely give you a bit of warning and ask you to leave at the necessary time. The same applies to restaurants too, although if you’re in the middle of a meal, you will be allowed to finish your meal rather than having to stop midway.

How long does each prayer time last for?

Usually around 30 minutes.

As mentioned, the country is relaxing many of their rules, so you will find that some shops and restaurants do stay open during these times. However, it’s tradition for them to close, so the majority of them will continue doing this.

Understand Social Customs

Woman eating in Saudi Arabia

Every country has their own social customs, but many tourists fail to acquaint themselves with these, thinking that they won’t need them since they won’t be mingling with locals.

However, the locals in Saudi Arabia are very hospitable and friendly. They love to speak to and get to know tourists, so chances are that, at some point in your visit, you will find yourself being invited for a meal or a coffee with some locals.

When this happens, some things to keep in mind are:

  • Always eat and drink food and beverages with your right hand
  • Always remove your shoes before entering into a local’s home. Keep in mind that you may also be expected to sit on the floor on traditional floor cushions
  • Locals tend to stand very close to each other when they are in a conversation. You may feel as though your personal boundaries are being invaded, but don’t be tempted to take a step back, as this would be considered rude
  • Don’t be afraid to ask cultural questions, but avoid topics relating to politics and religion
  • If you’re a man, don’t try to shake hands with a local woman, unless she extends her hand first. A more appropriate greeting would be to place your hand over your heart and simply say “hello”
  • Public displays of affection are highly frowned upon, even if this is with your own spouse. Even linking arms or holding hands would be considered a public display of affection and should be avoided
  • Homosexual relationships are not allowed in Saudi Arabia. If you are visiting the country with your same-sex partner, you will need to be careful to keep your relationship on the down-low

Understand Shopping Customs

Saudi Arabia is a shopper’s paradise. Many would say that shopping is a local pastime, so you can imagine that there will be plenty of shops and markets for you to browse during your visit.

The upscale malls, especially in Jeddah, are fantastic for picking up exclusive designer goods. Jeddah is also where you will find the first OROGOLD store in Saudi Arabia, where you will be able to enjoy free product demonstrations, luxurious VIP gold-infused facials, and expert skin care advice and recommendations.

The local souks are worth browsing too, with maze-like alleyways bursting with local goods.

However, one thing to keep in mind when shopping for clothes in Saudi Arabia is that most stores will only have fitting rooms for men.

What happens if a woman needs to try on an item of clothing?

She will usually need to either take it to a public restroom, or take it home to try it on, before bringing it back and exchanging it if a different size is needed.

This may seem unfair, but men have certain restrictions too. For example, men would not be allowed into a lingerie store, unless their wife is accompanying them.

Only Use Bottled Water

Bottles of water

While this may not be considered very environmentally-friendly, it’s best to avoid tap water and use bottled water instead in Saudi Arabia.

This not only applies to water that you plan on drinking, but even water that you brush your teeth with or cook with.

When it comes to swimming, hotel swimming pools are generally safe, but avoid taking a dip in any natural fresh water pools – these are often a source of a parasite called Bilharzia.

10% Tips

Whether you’ve just finished a meal at a restaurant or have just taken a taxi ride, tipping is customary in Saudi Arabia.

The appropriate amount to tip is usually at least 10% of your final bill, although you can go higher than this if you’re feeling generous, or if the service you received was particularly exemplary.

The exception to this would be hotel rooms. A service charge, usually around 10%, will often be added to your room bill. Check this in advance – if the service charge has been included, then tipping isn’t necessary. However, if no service charge has been accounted for, then tipping the hotel would be a good idea.

The Weather Will Affect Your Visit

Just like with most other Middle Eastern countries, the summer months can quickly become unbearably hot in Saudi Arabia.

While most shopping malls and tourist attractions will be air-conditioned, soaring temperatures make it difficult to properly explore the country and all of its outdoor attractions.

The hottest months are usually between April and October, making this the off-peak travel season in Saudi Arabia.

The best months to visit would be between November and February. These months see a much milder temperature take over, although still hot enough for tourists to enjoy some winter sunshine.

The only downside to visiting during the cooler months is that rainfall can sometimes get quite heavy. Heavy rains lead to flooding, which could put a halt to some of the plans you have.

The best way to get around this would be to keep a constant eye on weather forecasts, adjusting your plans based on the predicted weather.

Follow Photography Restrictions

Man taking picture in Saudi Arabia

Most tourists have gotten into the habit of constantly snapping away at a new destination, either with a camera or a smartphone.

You will likely want to do the same in Saudi Arabia – there really is so much to photograph in this stunning country.

However, be wary of where you point your camera…

There are certain things that you are not allowed to photograph, and you could end up in quite a bit of trouble if you are seen photographing one of the following:

  • Local women, unless you have their explicit permission to take their photo
  • Airports
  • Military personnel or military buildings
  • Government staff or government buildings
  • Airports
  • Palaces

Learn Some Local Phrases

This is a tip that applies to any new country you may be visiting – it’s always a good idea to learn a few local phrases before you go.

In Saudi Arabia, the local language is Arabic. However, many locals are fluent in English, and you will notice that road signs are also printed in both Arabic and English.

While you would easily be able to get around the country without knowing a word of Arabic, locals are much more receptive and friendlier when a tourist makes the effort to speak their language.

This doesn’t need to take long – simply familiarizing yourself with a few commonly-used local phrases will be enough to win you some brownie points among the locals.

Take Out Travel Insurance

The main reason that people take out travel insurance before visiting Saudi Arabia is for healthcare.

The healthcare here is great, but this comes at a high price. If you happen to have a medical emergency, the bills that you could be left with would be excruciating.

Saudi Arabia is truly a fascinating country to visit, with so many exciting things to see and do. However, local laws, customs, and traditions are different in Saudi Arabia compared to the rest of the world, making it important to understand a bit more about these before you head off for your Saudi Arabian adventure.

Saudi Arabia, travel | Comment
Travel |

October 2, 2020

| OROGOLD

The OROGOLD Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia

Enchanting, mystical, and dramatic, Saudi Arabia is often overlooked in favor of other Middle Eastern destinations, but this stunning kingdom makes for an incredibly diverse and exciting travel experience. Of course, with so much to see and do, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip isn’t easy, but this guide will help you do exactly that.

Where to Go

Buildings in Saudi Arabia

There are 13 different provinces in Saudi Arabia, each one with its own unique charm. Most visitors tend to fly in to either Riyadh or Jeddah, but, from each of those cities, making your way around the country to explore different regions is surprisingly simple.

Some of the country’s most popular regions to consider visiting are:

  • Nejd – this is the central highland region and while it may be home to the country’s capital, it’s also considered to be one of the most conservative parts of the country
  • The Eastern Province – oil has played a huge role in Saudi Arabia’s development over the years, and the Eastern Province is at the heart of the country’s oil production, meaning cities that ooze glitz and glamor
  • Hejaz – this region borders the Red Sea and in addition to being exquisitely beautiful, it’s also home to a number of larger cities
  • Asir – known for its temperate climate and the gorgeous Farasan islands, Asir is home to some of the most ancient villages in the country
  • The Empty Quarter – the Empty Quarter is pretty different from the rest of Saudi Arabia, simply because this area is home to one of the largest sand deserts on the planet, making a 4WD vehicle a must for exploring this vast expanse of land

Things to Do

People walking by water

Andrew V Marcus / Shutterstock.com

Whether you’re into history and culture, nature and wildlife, or shopping and relaxation, Saudi Arabia really does offer it all.

History

With Saudi Arabia being home to two of the holiest sites in the Islamic religion, most visitors tend to flock to these areas first. Mecca is home to the Grand Mosque, while Medina is where you will find the Prophet’s Mosque, although both can only be viewed from a distance by non-Muslims. Maintaining the integrity of these areas is crucial to the kingdom, which is why you will find religious police patrolling these sites to ensure that all is well.

Another fascinating historical site to visit is Medain Saleh. These sandstone mountains date back thousands of years, and is where the ancient Dedan people have carved temples and created important burial sites. Both Timna and Shiban are also ancient cities worth a visit, with both of them nestled between vast orchards of bananas, limes, and pomegranates.

Nature

For those of you who want to experience the country’s wildlife and natural beauty, the Asir region is the place to go. With its unique climate and coastal mountains, this is really the only part of Saudi Arabia where lush and diverse vegetation grows, enabling it to support a wide range of different animals. From leopards to baboons to gazelles, Saudi Arabia’s wild side will definitely impress.

Watersports

Saudi Arabia boasts multiple large expanses of water, making watersports a popular pastime here. The Obhir Creek, which sits just north of Jeddah by the Red Sea, is a great area for this, with everything from waterskiing to sailing to swimming available here.

With such stunning marine life, scuba diving is something else that many visitors are eager to try their hand at. However, keep in mind that not only does the Red Sea contain quite a few venomous fish species, but the hospitals in Saudi Arabia are not well-equipped to deal with diving-related accidents.

Beaches

If you prefer to enjoy the water from a distance, rather than splashing your way through it, Saudi Arabia is home to some incredible beaches that are perfect for some rest and relaxation. With coastlines by both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, the beaches around the country are pretty diverse.

With its azure waters and subtropical feel, the Farasan Al Kabir Beach tends to be a popular spot and is also a good diving area. The Haql Shipwreck Beach boasts a 20-year old shipwreck as its focal point, although its crescent-shaped bay is also extremely picturesque. Half Moon Bay Beach is known for its white sands and clear waters, along with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment. If you would prefer something a little less crowded, Umluj Beach is one of 104 small islands that each boast pure white sands and very few tourists, which is why it has been nicknamed the Maldives of Saudi Arabia.

Shopping

With the major cities of Saudi Arabia being wonderfully cosmopolitan, there is so much shopping to be done. Many would say that shopping is a national pastime, and Jeddah is one of the best places to head to for some retail therapy.

The Red Sea Mall features 240,000 square feet of retail and entertainment, and is also home to the very first movie theater in the city. The Corniche Commercial Center is also great for international brands, with 11 floors of stores to browse. If you are looking to treat your skin to some pure indulgent luxury, head on over to Prince Majid Road, where you will find the very first OROGOLD store in Saudi Arabia – perfect for a quick VIP facial and some skincare product demonstrations!

While the sleek malls are always tempting, the traditional souks are definitely a must-visit too. Expect to be doing plenty of haggling here and you will be able to come away with some fantastic bargains.

What to Eat

Saudi Arabian food

The local cuisine in Saudi Arabia is full of flavor and spice. Chicken and lamb tend to be the most common meats served up around the country, with vegetables, rice, and pitta bread also accompanying many meals.

If you still end up confused when looking at a local menu, here are some of the must-try dishes that Saudi Arabia is famous for:

  • Kabsa – this is the country’s national dish, simply consisting of chicken and rice cooked with specific spices
  • Jalamah – a rich, slow-cooked lamb dish
  • Martabak – bread-like and pancake-like at the same time, this is a popular dish in many parts of Asia
  • Saleeg – this traditional dish consists of a creamy short-grain rice topped with roasted meat – many would say that it’s the Saudi Arabian version of risotto
  • Shawarma – marinated and spit-roasted meat that has been coated in a delectable marinade
  • Maamul – small, bread-like bites filled with dates, pistachios, or other sweet treats

While Arabic coffee is a great way to end your meal, laban is another drink that perfectly accompanies the spices used in just about every dish. This cooling and creamy drink is made from strained yogurt and always proves to be ultra-refreshing on a hot Saudi Arabian day.

Where to Sleep

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Saudi Arabia is not afraid of luxury, and many of the country’s hotels definitely offer some of the finer things in life.

With elegant rooms, butler service, and a relaxing wellness spa, the five-star Fairmont Riyadh is always a popular choice for those seeking indulgence. Its proximity to the airport also makes it super-convenient.

For those visiting Jeddah, the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah will not disappoint. This is another five-star hotel that sits on the Al Hamra corniche, with the sparkling Red Sea providing a stunning backdrop. The rooms are lavish and sophisticated, and the hotel also has two world-class restaurants for guests to dine at.

If Makkah is your destination, then book yourself a room at the Raffles Makkah Palace. This hotel only offers suites, each one with marble flooring, a spacious living room, 24-hour butler service, and spectacular skyline views.

Cultural Etiquette

Woman in abaya

One of Saudi Arabia’s greatest appeals is its rich culture, but this can also be a stumbling point for many first-time visitors. Cultural etiquette is strong here, and there are many rules and codes of conduct that you will need to follow in order to avoid any trouble.

Gender Segregation

The one that most Western tourists struggling to come to grips with is the gender segregation. Pretty much all aspects of the country are segregated by gender, from separate banks for men and women to separate sections for each gender in restaurants.

If you plan on traveling to Saudi Arabia with someone of the opposite sex who you are not married to or related to in any other way, you may find things a little more difficult. Technically, it would be against the law for the two of you to go anywhere together in public, with the punishments for men being pretty serious.

Dressing Modestly

While you may want to venture out scantily-clad in order to get yourself through the intense heat of the day, this is a huge no-no. Although woman visiting Saudi Arabia don’t need to wear the full traditional dress, modest outfits are still a must – to do otherwise would be considered a serious offence.

Men also need to watch what they wear – shorts should never be worn in public, and don’t even think about going outdoors without a shirt on.

Photography

Chances are that you are used to snapping away on your camera or smartphone when visiting a new destination, but you need to be very careful about this in Saudi Arabia. Technically, photography isn’t permitted, and if you happen to point your camera at any locals, this could land you in a great deal of trouble. Government buildings, royal palaces, and any other important buildings shouldn’t be photographed either.

Of course, with the increase in popularity of the smartphone, the country is starting to adapt. Many parts of the country now unofficially accept photography, with officials turning a blind eye, but you should always still seek permission before snapping away.

Social Customs

Just like in many other parts of the world, social customs are important in Saudi Arabia. While the locals tend to be pretty relaxed, they can also get quite passionate when it comes to certain topics, so don’t feel worried if you see them gesturing with what looks like aggressive body language.

Locals are extremely welcoming to tourists, and are more than happy to answer questions about their culture. However, be wary if the conversation moves over to politics – if anything you say about the king, the government or the royal family is misinterpreted to be negative, this could spell big trouble for you.

Ramadan

If you happen to be visiting during the fasting month of Ramadan, keep in mind that you will be required to follow all of the restrictions that come with this. This means no eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours. While some hotels are happy to still provide food to tourists during the day, breaking any of these rules in public can quickly find you in hot water with the authorities.

Since many of the local businesses close down during this month, or only operate with very limited hours, tourists often choose to plan their trip outside of this period. On the other hand, visiting during Ramadan can be extremely enriching with the nightly festivities and parties when locals break their fast. The exact dates for Ramadan vary each year based on astronomy, so make sure that you check this in advance before booking your trip.

With Saudi Arabia now issuing electronic visas for visitors that are arriving from 49 different countries, traveling to the kingdom has never been easier. While there may be quite a bit to get used to when it comes to cultural etiquette and social norms, the sheer volume of fascinating things to do and places to see around the country will make every visit here so rewarding.

Middle East, Saudi Arabia, travel | Comment

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