Saudi Arabia

Communication
Culture
 SAUDI ARABIA
 Saudi Arabia is a kingdom covering most of the Arabian
Peninsula.
 The majority of the population is ethnically Arab, mostly
descending from nomadic tribes that have traditionally
lived throughout the region. Saudi culture is fundamentally
traditional and conservative.
 The Saudi people generally share a strong moral code and
cultural values, such as hospitality, loyalty and a sense of
duty to support their community. They are often highly
aware of their personal honour and integrity.
 Islam has an extensive influence on society, guiding
people’s social, familial, political and legal lives.

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 VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
SWEARING LANGUAGE STYLE
 Swearing is very uncommon in Saudi  Poetry is a regular feature of Saudi
culture and thought to indicate a lack of communication, most commonly used
decorum. If someone does swear, it is for deep praise or insults.
usually said in the form of a curse (e.g.
“May God curse your family”).  People use poetic citations for
preaching, greetings and speeches.
Saudi/Arabic expressions and language
can be very emotive.
 The structure of the language
encourages repetition and exaggeration.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 3
 INDIRECT COMMUNICATION
 As a broad generalization, Saudi women tend to be more indirect and reserved communicators than Saudi men.
 You may have to make assumptions about what is not said.
 It is common for people to understate their opinion in an effort to save face and remain polite.
Example: if you offend a Saudi person, you may not be made aware that you have done so in the moment. They may
become silent or cold towards you later on (e.g. perhaps becoming hard to contact or disagreeing with more of your ideas). 

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 4
CONVERSATION STYLE
 When conversing with one another, Saudis generally strive to maintain group harmony by avoiding
individual attention or singling out a specific person.
 It is common for Saudis to range from subject to subject while conversing, taking a long time
before getting to the point.
 They may make their point in a long, roundabout way to avoid embarrassment or offence.
Example: a conversation may begin at descriptions of the weather and move onto a discussion of
business. (To some, this may appear to indicate that the conversation is going ‘off-topic’.)

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 5
Hierarchy
 People’s communication patterns can differ
depending on the context.
 Generally, when speaking in a business setting or
with someone who is more familiar to the person, it is
common to speak in a more direct manner (e.g.
openly disagreeing with others).
 People tend to be very indirect and respectful to their
seniors, such as elders or professionals. When the
eldest person speaks, everybody is expected to listen
and pay their full attention as a sign of respect.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 6
 CRITISISM BLESSINGS
 Personal criticism or advice should  Blessings are said on a daily basis in
always be approached sensitively and Saudi Arabia.
privately.
 These are short Arabic expressions that
 It can quite easily be mistaken for mild wish for God’s intervention depending on
personal offence unless presented in an the situation (e.g. “May God give you
indirect way. Therefore, try to offer any health”). Blessings are often said instead
suggestion of improvement with praise of a ‘Thank you’.
at the same time.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 7
HUMOUR
 Saudi Arabians tend to have quite self-deprecating humour.
 People are often comfortable poking fun at themselves. However,
some may be sensitive about being embarrassed and laughed at.
 It is very offensive to make a joke that involves a man’s female family
members, the government or sexuality.
 Be aware that blasphemy is punishable in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, all
jokes about religion are strictly prohibited.
REQUESTS VOLUME
 If you ask a Saudi to do something for you that is  Saudi men may speak loudly with a rising tone.
within their means, they will often respond with
 This is seen as a positive characteristic rather than a
“I’ll see what I can do”, “perhaps” or something to
negative one.
that effect
 ‘shouting’ can indicate sincerity and engagement in the
 If the task is not a high priority or is dependent on
conversation, not necessarily anger or hostility.
their availability, Saudis often reply with
“Inshallah”, meaning ‘if God wills it’ (i.e. perhaps,  Saudi women are expected to be quieter and more
but it is the fate of God if it doesn’t happen). reserved.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION 9
 NON-VERBAL

PHYSICAL CONTACT PERSONAL SPACE

 Physical contact between people of the opposite  If the person is a friend of the same gender, the distance
gender should be avoided altogether out of is often smaller than what Westerners are used to in
respect and politeness (unless they are family).
public.

Example: Two friends may nestle together when sitting.

However, it may be bigger in instances when there is a
difference of authority or when the other person is from the
opposite gender.
 FEET
BECKONING
 It is considered insulting to show or expose
the soles of your feet to other people.  It is impolite to beckon with a single index
 Avoid pointing your feet towards other finger or the left hand.
people when sitting down or crossing your  place the right palm downwards and use a
legs around elders. clawing motion with fingers to indicate a
“come here” request.

EYE CONTACT POINTING

 Males and females are expected to lower their gaze  It is considered very rude to point with the
and avoid sustained eye contact with each other.
index finger.
 This is considered respectful and observant of the  Saudis raise their chin and look in the
partition between genders. general direction of the object they wish to
 Younger people may also lower their gaze when “point out”.
speaking to elders out of respect.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 11
 Disagreement: People may indicate “no” by shaking their head or
disagreement/disapproval by quickly tilting their head back whilst clicking
their tongue.
Patience: If a Saudi person needs someone to wait, they may touch their
thumb, forefinger and middle finger together and motion to the person they
wish to ask to be patient.
For example, this action may be performed by someone who is speaking on
the phone to another person approaching them.
GESTURES Sincerity: Placing the palm of the right hand on one’s chest shows respect or
sincerity when saying something earnest (such as an apology).

“to tie an Arab’s hands while he is Agreement: To touch the other’s shoulder with one’s right hand can indicate
agreement.
speaking is tantamount to tying his
tongue” Obscenity: Hitting one’s right fist into the left hand and lightly rubbing it in
the open palm indicates obscenity or contempt.
The symbol for ‘Okay’ (with the forefinger and the top of the thumb meeting
to form a circle, with the other fingers stretched out) has an offensive
meaning.
Holding the hand up (as if to say ‘stop’) with the middle finger down is the
equivalent of giving someone ‘the finger’ in Western culture.
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REFERENCES:

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/saudi-arabian-culture/saudi-arabian-culture-communication#saudi-
arabian-culture-communication

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