Social etiquette and rules in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been opening up rapidly in recent years, creating new opportunities for both businesses and professionals. As the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy, more expats are choosing to live and work there, particularly across sectors like technology, tourism, infrastructure and healthcare.

With that growth comes a mix of modern working environments alongside long‑standing cultural norms. Understanding how things work on the ground will help you settle in faster and build strong relationships from day one.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Dress and public behaviour

Saudi Arabia has become more relaxed in recent years, particularly in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

For women, wearing an abaya is no longer legally required, though modest dress is still expected in public spaces.

For both men and women, clothing should generally be respectful and not overly revealing.

Public displays of affection are still uncommon and best avoided.

The approach today is less about strict rules and more about reading the environment and adapting accordingly.

Social interactions

Saudi culture places a strong emphasis on respect and personal space.

Handshakes are common, but when greeting women, it’s best to wait for them to extend their hand first.

Using your right hand for greetings and exchanges is considered polite.

Hospitality plays a big role, so expect warm and welcoming interactions in both social and professional settings.

Work and daily life

The working week typically runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend.

Fridays remain an important day, so business activity is usually lighter.

During prayer times, some shops and services may pause briefly, although this varies more now than in the past, especially in larger cities.

Overall, day‑to‑day life is becoming more flexible, particularly in urban areas.

Dining and social spaces

Restaurants are no longer divided in the same way they once were.

Most venues are open to individuals, families and mixed groups.

The dining scene has grown significantly, with a wide range of international and local options available.

Riyadh and Jeddah, in particular, have developed a strong café and restaurant culture.

Leisure and lifestyle

Saudi Arabia’s lifestyle offering has expanded quickly.

Public entertainment, events and tourism are now widely accessible.

Beaches and resorts in cities like Jeddah are popular, with some private areas offering more relaxed dress codes.

These changes are part of the wider focus on creating a more open and dynamic environment.

Key considerations

Alcohol remains prohibited.

Gambling is not permitted.

During Ramadan, it’s important to be mindful of those fasting, particularly in public spaces during daylight hours.

Getting started in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers a unique mix of opportunity and experience. Taking the time to understand the culture, even at a high level, will help you build strong working relationships and settle into life in the Kingdom.

If you’re exploring your next step, you can browse our latest roles in Saudi Arabia and apply directly using your CV. If your profile matches, one of our consultants will be in touch.

For organisations looking to grow their teams, we work closely with clients across the region to provide insight and connect them with the right talent. Reach out to us to see how we can help you.