Riyadh: Dress Code & Customs Riyadh and the whole of Saudi Arabia is a very conservative Muslim country. Traditional roles are highly valued, and whether you agree or not, you will be expected to follow the strict moral codes whilst traveling within the country. Men and women do not commingle much in this country. For example, museums and other sites within the city have separate operating times for men and for families. Unaccompanied women are expected to chaperoned at all times. (Chaperoning will be especially important in travel, as women are not allowed to drive cars or ride bicycles in public, making travel from one place to another quite difficult when traveling by ones self. In addition, when in public, in order to conform to local customs, women should adopt the traditional dress--clothing that is shapeless, covered by the black abaya is to be expected. Females will also want to either wear, or carry with them at all times, a veil to cover their head from their hairline. Following the local customs will help to avoid any misunderstandings, hassling, or harassment by the moral police. Long story short, take it for what it is. Following local customs will help you to have a richer cultural experience while traveling through the region. Male Dress: THOBE: The traditional clothing for men is the Thobe, a loose, long-sleeved, ankle-length garment. Thobes worn in summer are generally white and made of cotton. Thobes worn in winter are generally darker in colour and made of wool. TAGIYAH: The Tagiyah is a white knitted skull cap GHUTRA: The Ghutra is a square scarf, made of cotton or silk, which is worn, folded across the head over the Tagiyah. The end of the scarf can be draped across the face as protection in the event of sandstorms. AGAL: The Agal is a thick, doubled, black cord which is worn on top of the Ghutra to hold it in place. Female Dress: THOBE: Women wear the Thobe - a loose, long-sleeved, ankle-length garment, but, for women, the neck and front can be embroidered and decorated with beads. ABAYA: The Abaya is a large, black cloak, worn either loose and flowing or wrapped around the body. The Abaya is generally made of silk or synthetic cloth. BOSHIYA: The Boshiya is a black veil, light in weight, worn across the lower part of the face. SURWAL: The Surwal are cotton or silk trousers worn by women under the Thobe. Simplest Expression of Hospitality – COFFEE: Arab traditions also play an important role in Saudi life. These age-old traditions have evolved over the past years and are highly regarded. They include generosity and hospitality, which every Saudi family offers to strangers, friends, and family. The simplest expression of hospitality is coffee – its preparation alone is an intricate cultural tradition, and it is often served in small cups along with dates and sweets. Arabic Coffee or Gahwa is a special mixture of Arabic Coffee and Cardamom. Cardamon is always added to Saudi coffee, either crushed or whole pods, giving it a distinctive flavor, and aiding digestion. A pinch of saffron may be added on special occasions, or by the wealthy. The coffee is poured from a long-spouted pot called a dallah. The green-yellow coffee is drunk without milk or sugar from small handleless cups, which are only half filled. Guests should accept no less than three cups. It is courteous to accept one cup, although not essential to drink it. Always hold the cup in your right hand. To signal that no more coffee is required, wobble the cup from side to side (or in some areas cover it with the palm of the hand). Oud (Incense / Oil): Another gesture of Saudi hospitality is the burning of incense (oud) to welcome guests. It has a very distinct Arab smell. Oud came from a bark of a 100year old tree either from Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. A gram or kilo of this will make a hole in your pocket. From 100USD up per kilo.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:25:28 +0000
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