When you hear the word Saudi Arabia, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of the magnificent architecture of Riyadh, Makkah or the ancient cities where time stood still, or the infamous city of Madain Saleh but did you know that one of the things that makes Saudi Arabia so popular is its hospitality?
No, I am not talking about the hospitality that we usually extend towards friends, family or a close circle of Saudis. I am referring to the hospitality that we extend towards total strangers and travelers. In fact, I can even humbly say that Saudi Arabia hosts some of the world’s most generous people!
With that in mind, let’s explore just how this culture of generosity and warm welcome was formed and evolved into what it is today.
A brief history of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality
Culture plays an important role in the hospitality of any nation, and it’s particularly true of Saudi Arabia, a country with thousands of years of history and many different cultures that have come together to make it what it is today. The Saudi people have always been known for their hospitality, and this tradition dates back to ancient times – with the Saudi way of life.
One of the most important aspects of Arab culture is hospitality. In the past, Saudi Arabia was a stop on the spice trade route. So, when a stranger came to a Bedouin camp and people who live in Hijaz, they would be welcomed with open arms and given food and shelter for as long as they needed it. This tradition of hospitality continues today and it is one of the things that makes Saudi Arabia such a special place.
Kindness and generosity – the hallmark of Saudi hospitality
Arriving in Saudi Arabia, whether as a tourist or on business, you’ll quickly notice that locals are anxious to please; this is a hallmark of Saudi hospitality.
Hospitality, generosity and kindness are age-old traditions in the Kingdom and part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance, be it be food, drink or even money.
So, if you are invited into someone’s home, you will probably be treated like royalty and will likely eat your own weight in meat and rice.
You may be surprised by how much you eat at first — it’s not unusual for visitors to leave with extra stomachs. You can expect a lot of food, drink and even gifts with full of the hospitality for the duration of your visit.
Final words
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and graciousness have been a part of its culture for thousands of years, dating back to the earliest days of the Arabian Peninsula. This simple fact makes Saudi Arabia prominent place in international travel all the more remarkable but it also gives us further proof of just how valuable Saudi Arabia’s unique culture really is.
It is clear that the Kingdom has a long and celebrated history of hospitality, one that continues today. As visitors to the Kingdom continue to embrace this rich tradition, we hope they will come to appreciate just how warm w