Culture Shock in Saudi Arabia
Moving overseas is a transition that can surely seem treacherous in its own right, but migrating to Saudi Arabia can appear more daunting than normal to even the most seasoned expat. In this situation, no matter how well informed the newly arrived expat is, there will be a degree of cultural adjustment required for living in this decidedly strange environment. This sense of cultural dislocation can take six months or more to wear off. It is vital to maintain a positive outlook and a sense of humour during this time.
It is best to remember that Saudi Arabia is characterised by a deeply conservative Islamic culture which governs virtually all facets of life. Sharia, a version of religious law that ordains the “way” Muslims should live their life and the “path” they should follow, is a force to be reckoned with and beyond all else respected – its adaptations and interpretations extend to affect politics, economics, family life, business, sexuality and even hygiene. In Saudi Arabia religious courts govern all aspects of jurisprudence and the Mutaween, religious police, are the keepers of social compliance.
The most glaring difference an expat may find is the fact that alcoholic beverages are illegal throughout the country, although in practice, alcohol is consumed inside Western compounds. The penalty for importing alcohol into the country, however, is severe and can involve detention and/or public flogging.
Saudi culture imposes distinct roles based on gender in society, thus women may struggle to adapt to what they perceive to be misogynistic regulations that, for example, deny them to the right to drive, and insist on their clothes being covered by a long black abaya. Women are also forbidden from socialising in public with men they are not married to, or directly related to by blood. Such rules are actively and aggressively enforced by the religious police – expats are expected to comply.
One’s feeling of culture shock may be tempered somewhat by the many western franchises that thrive here: there is a Starbucks on just about every street corner, and plenty of McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC outlets. The shopping malls are also pretty similar to western malls, and satellite TV can provide all your favourite shows from home.
Life within the Western compounds can also help to dispel the initial glum, grim grey of adjusting to a society that greatly limits individual freedoms. Behind the high walls and stoic security of these complexes expats have the opportunity to indulge in many of the “hedonistic” activities reminiscent of their homelands.
Still, the best method for stifling cynicism and countering culture shock is for expats to educate themselves as best as possible regarding the daily rhythms of the nation.
It is best to remember that Saudi Arabia is characterised by a deeply conservative Islamic culture which governs virtually all facets of life. Sharia, a version of religious law that ordains the “way” Muslims should live their life and the “path” they should follow, is a force to be reckoned with and beyond all else respected – its adaptations and interpretations extend to affect politics, economics, family life, business, sexuality and even hygiene. In Saudi Arabia religious courts govern all aspects of jurisprudence and the Mutaween, religious police, are the keepers of social compliance.
The most glaring difference an expat may find is the fact that alcoholic beverages are illegal throughout the country, although in practice, alcohol is consumed inside Western compounds. The penalty for importing alcohol into the country, however, is severe and can involve detention and/or public flogging.
Saudi culture imposes distinct roles based on gender in society, thus women may struggle to adapt to what they perceive to be misogynistic regulations that, for example, deny them to the right to drive, and insist on their clothes being covered by a long black abaya. Women are also forbidden from socialising in public with men they are not married to, or directly related to by blood. Such rules are actively and aggressively enforced by the religious police – expats are expected to comply.
One’s feeling of culture shock may be tempered somewhat by the many western franchises that thrive here: there is a Starbucks on just about every street corner, and plenty of McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC outlets. The shopping malls are also pretty similar to western malls, and satellite TV can provide all your favourite shows from home.
Life within the Western compounds can also help to dispel the initial glum, grim grey of adjusting to a society that greatly limits individual freedoms. Behind the high walls and stoic security of these complexes expats have the opportunity to indulge in many of the “hedonistic” activities reminiscent of their homelands.
Still, the best method for stifling cynicism and countering culture shock is for expats to educate themselves as best as possible regarding the daily rhythms of the nation.
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