Summary: A practical, plain‑English field guide for expats who want to live well—and respectfully—in Saudi Arabia. We focus on culture, religion, daily routines, public‑decency norms, Ramadan etiquette, weekend/workweek reality, emergencies, and how life actually runs (shopping, payments, social life).
TL;DR: Saudi Arabia blends rapid modernisation with deep tradition. Learn the public‑decency basics, respect religious rhythms (especially Ramadan and Friday prayers), remember that alcohol is prohibited (with narrow diplomatic exceptions), and save the 911 / 112 / 997 / 998 / 999 / 937 quick‑dial list. Use the checklists, scripts, and phrase bank below to make your first months frictionless.
Culture snapshot — what shapes daily life
Hospitality & respect. Saudi culture places a premium on politeness, patience, and hospitality. Greetings are warm; a simple “Assalāmu ʿalaykum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way, with “Wa ʿalaykum as‑salām” in reply.
Family‑centred. Many routines—mealtimes, weekend travel, school runs—revolve around family. Expect evening activity to start late, especially in warmer months.
Religion in public space. The daily rhythm honours prayer times and Friday congregational prayers; some services pause briefly or operate with reduced staffing during those windows, and during Ramadan daily schedules shift.
Modernisation with guardrails. Cinemas, concerts, and seasonal festivals are now mainstream, alongside long‑standing norms in public decency and modesty.
Public‑decency & dress code — the baseline to avoid issues
Law & intent. Saudi Arabia’s Public Decency regulations require respect for local customs in appearance and behaviour in public places (e.g., indecent slogans, offensive imagery, disruptive conduct).
Dress reality. There is no legal requirement for non‑Saudi women to wear an abaya, but modest dress is expected: loose‑fitting clothing covering shoulders to below the knee, with headscarves expected at mosques and some religious sites. Men should avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts in public settings. Compounds can be more relaxed.
Photography & privacy. Ask permission before photographing people or private property. Avoid filming security sites or government buildings.
Public conduct. Loud arguments, public displays of affection beyond brief greetings, and offensive gestures can attract complaints under decency rules.
Quick checklist (save this):
Modest clothing for malls/offices/government offices.
Headscarf handy for women when entering mosques.
No offensive slogans/imagery on clothing.
Ask before you photograph people.
Keep music volume modest in residential areas after 10 p.m.
Religion in daily life — Friday, prayer times, Ramadan etiquette
Friday (Jumuʿah). The weekly congregational prayer falls on Friday midday; government offices and many businesses align hours accordingly.
Prayer times. Five daily prayers shape opening hours; since 2021, many shops may stay open during prayer, but brief pauses or staffing gaps still occur—plan buffers. citeturn0search6
Ramadan etiquette. During daylight hours, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public; expect shorter workdays in many workplaces and heavier evening traffic near iftar. Restaurants adjust hours and often separate dine‑in from take‑away until sunset. Respect Taraweeh (night prayers) traffic near mosques.
Visit etiquette for mosques: Dress modestly; remove shoes; move calmly and follow signage; non‑Muslims should avoid prayer rows during active worship.
Alcohol, drugs & controlled items — what’s allowed (and what isn’t)
Alcohol. Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Media speculation appears periodically, but officials have denied any general lifting of the ban; narrow exceptions exist for diplomatic contexts under controlled rules. citeturn0search3turn0news89
Drugs & controlled substances. Penalties are severe. Do not ship or carry herbal/medicinal products that could be restricted without first checking official guidance.
Homemade brews/imports. Do not attempt—serious criminal penalties apply.
Bottom line: If in doubt, don’t. When hosts serve non‑alcoholic beverages, follow their lead and enjoy the hospitality.
Workweek, weekends & public holidays — how time is organised
Workweek. The standard workweek runs Sunday → Thursday, with Friday & Saturday as the weekend (change formalised in 2013).
Public holidays. Key holidays include Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha (Islamic lunar calendar; dates shift yearly) and Saudi National Day on 23 September.
School year & exams. Expect summer breaks and exam crunches to affect traffic and after‑school activity schedules.
Planner tip: Use an app with Hijri↔Gregorian conversion to track Eid windows and note that government and private sector holiday lengths can differ year to year.
Payments, shopping & services — mada, Apple Pay, delivery and returns
Cards everywhere. mada (domestic debit) and major card networks are widely accepted; Apple Pay/Google Pay work in most chains.
Receipts & VAT. Keep receipts for big purchases; VAT appears on receipts and helps with warranty/insurance paperwork.
Delivery culture. Grocery and restaurant delivery is mainstream; keep your Ejar address and building details tidy in app profiles.
Returns & repairs. Policies vary—save boxes and ask for return window details on high‑value items.
Housing & neighbours — compounds vs city apartments
Compounds. Offer amenities (pools, gyms, social clubs), consistent security, and an international community. Dress is often more relaxed inside, while Ejar governs leases like elsewhere.
City apartments/villas. Expect a wider mix of neighbours and routines; keep quiet‑hours respect and parking courtesy.
Landlord basics. Register leases on Ejar, complete a snag list at move‑in, and agree how repairs are handled (urgent vs routine).
Getting around — roads, ride‑hailing, pauses, parking
Ride‑hailing. Uber and Careem are common; note surge pricing around events/prayer windows.
Road rhythm. Weekend evenings can be busy; heavy rain can cause short‑term flooding—avoid underpasses in downpours.
Parking etiquette. Avoid blocking driveways or double‑parking outside mosques during Friday prayers; use designated areas and walk a little further.
Emergencies & help lines — save these now
Unified emergency: 911 (expanding nationwide; firmly active in Riyadh, Makkah and Eastern Province). citeturn0search12
General emergency (works without SIM): 112.
Police: 999.
Civil Defense (fire): 998.
Ambulance / Saudi Red Crescent: 997.
Health hotline: 937 (Ministry of Health 24/7).
What to keep ready: Residency ID, policy numbers, known conditions, nearest hospital/ER, building gate code, trusted contacts.
Social life & entertainment — seasons, cinemas, cafés, sports, clubs
Seasons & events. Saudi now hosts large‑scale festivals (e.g., Riyadh Season) with concerts, food, and sports. Follow GEA channels for line‑ups.
Cinemas & cafés. Multiplex cinemas, theme parks, specialty cafés, and family spots are widespread.
Sports & clubs. Football is huge; expat clubs organise running, padel, gyms, martial arts, and community leagues. Bring ID for compound access when invited.
Social etiquette: Keep gatherings respectful of neighbours; secure rides home in advance during big events.
Family & children — schools, parks, clinics, activities
Schools. International schools offer multiple curricula; application seasons can be early—book assessments once you shortlist districts.
Healthcare. Map two ERs (home/work) and keep insurance e‑cards at hand. The 937 line can route you to services. citeturn0search5
Parks & play. New parks and seafronts are popular evening spots; carry water and sun protection.
Women in daily life — driving, workplaces, public spaces
Driving. Women drive and rent cars; follow normal licensing and insurance rules.
Work & public spaces. Mixed‑use venues are common; professional workplaces are increasingly diverse. Follow public‑decency norms and company policies.
Practical tip. Carry a light shawl or scarf for mosques or conservative settings; it’s about readiness, not fear.
Digital hygiene — apps that actually matter (+ OTP reality)
Banking & OTPs. Keep your Saudi SIM active; most banking and government portals use SMS OTP. If traveling, maintain roaming or eSIM coverage.
Government portals. Absher, Tawakkalna Services, and Najiz (for legal/title) make many tasks paperless—verify email and phone on each.
Maps & food apps. Save your home/work plus codes, building entrances, and parking pins; share live location when meeting drivers.
Arabic phrase bank — everyday lines
Greetings: «السلام عليكم» — Assalāmu ʿalaykum (peace be upon you).
Reply: «وعليكم السلام» — Wa ʿalaykum as‑salām.
Please/Thank you: «من فضلك / شكراً».
Excuse me/Sorry: «لو سمحت / آسف».
Where is…? «أين…؟»
I need help: «أحتاج مساعدة».
Call 911, please: «من فضلك اتصل بـ ٩١١».
Do you take card? «هل تقبلون البطاقة؟»
Receipt, please: «أريد الإيصال، لو سمحت.»
Day‑in‑the‑life timeline (weekday + Friday + Ramadan)
Weekday (Sun–Thu)
06:30–08:00 School runs & commute (cooler hours).
12:00–15:00 Lunch windows vary; short pauses around Dhuhr/Asr prayers in some offices.
17:00–21:00 Family time, gyms, cafés; many expats shop in the evening.
22:00–23:30 Quieter residential hours—keep noise down.
Friday
11:30–13:30 Jumuʿah (Friday prayer) traffic near mosques; plan parking.
Afternoon–evening Family visits, parks, beach walks, sports. Reservations help at popular restaurants.
Ramadan (indicative)
Pre‑dawn Suhoor; many sleep later.
Workday often shortens in companies for Ramadan; expect slower daytime pace and iftar rush after sunset.
Evening Taraweeh prayers; late‑night cafés and family gatherings.
FAQs
Dress & etiquette by setting — quick table you can skim
Setting | What’s appropriate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Government offices | Smart‑casual; shoulders/knees covered; bring ID | Security screening common; arrive early |
Workplaces | Business casual unless told otherwise | Keep a spare jacket/scarf for meeting rooms |
Malls & cafés | Casual‑modest; knee‑length shorts/skirts minimum | Some venues run cooler AC—carry a light layer |
Mosques & religious sites | Modest clothing; women bring a headscarf | Remove shoes; follow signage and flow |
Compounds | Depends on house rules; generally relaxed | Respect neighbours and quiet hours |
Beaches/pools | Family resorts: modest swimwear; compounds may allow typical swimwear | Ask before photographing anywhere near families |
Gyms | Sportswear fine; avoid very revealing apparel outside changing areas | Bring your own towel & bottle |
Etiquette basics: Offer greetings on entry, be patient during queues, accept refreshments when offered, and avoid loud phone calls in shared spaces.
Food culture & dining rhythms
Family and singles sections: Many restaurants have family and singles areas; follow staff guidance at the host stand.
Meal times: Dinner starts late; iftar during Ramadan is at sunset and restaurants can be fully booked—reserve ahead.
Cuisine mix: You’ll find Saudi specialties (e.g., kabsa, jareesh), pan‑Arab dishes, South Asian, Filipino, Turkish, and international chains. Explore local markets for spices and dates.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (5–10% for table service). Use card or small cash.
Climate & health — heat, dust, hydration
Heat strategy: Plan outdoor errands early morning or after sunset in summer; carry water and a cap.
Dust & allergies: Keep sunglasses and a light face covering for dusty days; consider air‑purifier filters at home if you’re sensitive.
Sun & skin: High‑SPF sunscreen and lip balm; reapply after midday commutes.
Hydration: Many expats carry a reusable bottle—fill before long drives.
Utilities & daily admin — small things that make life easier
Addresses: Save your plus code and building identifiers (gate, entrance, apartment). Couriers rely on clear drop‑off notes.
Deliveries: For large items, ask the store to unbox and remove packaging; keep the invoice and warranty in your property folder.
Repairs: Create a simple maintenance log with dates, issues, and photos. Vendors appreciate concise notes and parking instructions.
Weekend micro‑adventures (Riyadh / Jeddah / Eastern Province examples)
Riyadh: Edge‑of‑the‑world escarpment walks (guided), heritage zones, new parks and galleries.
Jeddah: Corniche strolls, Red Sea snorkelling/boat trips, historic Al‑Balad lanes.
Eastern Province: Family beaches, cycling paths, waterfront cafés, desert drives.
Packing list: Water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, battery pack, and a light layer for over‑air‑conditioned venues.
Community & giving back
Charity culture: Donations are common around Ramadan and emergencies. Use authorised channels and verified campaigns.
Neighbour etiquette: Share surplus food after gatherings; return borrowed items promptly with a thank‑you message.
Volunteering: Schools, community groups, and some NGOs organise clean‑ups, blood drives, and support initiatives—bring your ID.
Work & meetings — cadence that respects local rhythm
Calendar blocks: Avoid scheduling Friday midday; keep buffer time around prayer windows.
In‑person vs virtual: In‑person remains valued for first meetings; arrive on time, greet the most senior person first, and exchange pleasantries before jumping to agenda.
Follow‑ups: Polite WhatsApp or email summaries help; avoid late‑night pings unless urgent.
Safety & situational awareness
Road safety: Buckle up; use child seats; avoid sudden lane changes. Heavy rain can create standing water—don’t risk underpasses.
Crowds: At festivals and matches, pick a meeting point in case of separation; keep phone charged.
Lost items: Many malls have central security desks; keep a phone photo of your residency ID and cards (front/back) in an encrypted app.
More Arabic you’ll use in daily life
Where is the prayer room? «أين المُصَلّى؟»
Thank you so much. «شكرًا جزيلاً.»
I’m waiting for a delivery. «أنتظر توصيل طلب.»
Could you help me with directions? «هل يمكنك مساعدتي بالاتجاهات؟»
No photo, please. «من فضلك لا تصوير.»
I have a reservation. «لدي حجز.»
Separate bill, please. «حساب منفصل، لو سمحت.»
Respect in shared spaces — quick does & don’ts
Do: Offer seats to elders, queue calmly, lower your voice in waiting rooms, and keep prayer areas tidy. Don’t: Leave litter after picnics, block building entrances with cars, or film strangers without consent.