What Is the Culture of Saudi Arabia?

Flag of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a kingdom located on the Arabia peninsula in the area of the world regarded by many people as the Middle East. The country is predominately desert. The vast majority of Saudis are Muslims, and Sharia (Islamic law) is a major basis of law in the country. Saudi Arabia is also home to two of the holiest sites in Islam, the cities of Mecca and Medina. The official language is Arabic.

History

Mosque

The modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Rahman Al Saud after a long campaign to unite various tribes under his rule. The country continues to be ruled by the al-Saud family.

In the ancient past, the area was a crossroads of trade between what is now Iran and Iraq (then Persia and Mesopotamia) and points further east and areas to the west such as Egypt.

In the 7th century A.D., the prophet Muhammad, then a resident of the city of Mecca in what is now Saudi Arabia, received the revelation from God that eventually led to the development of the Islamic religion. Muhammad was forced to flee a conspiracy against him and went to the city of Medina, another of the major holy cities located in modern Saudi Arabia.

As the Islamic empire expanded, the cities of Mecca and Medina became major centers of learning and thought regarding not only religion, but also philosophy, medicine and the arts.

Economy

Oil well

The modern Saudi economy is based almost entirely on the export of oil. The government controls much economic activity but has been encouraging more development in the private sector. There are a large number of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, including skilled technical employees often working with the oil industry along with domestic employees.

Religion

The official religion of Saudi is Islam, specifically the Sunni branch. The king is regarded as the "Custodian of the Holy Mosques," which means that maintenance and protection of the standards of Islam as interpreted by the king and his ministers is a major part of his role in government. In addition, the royal family follows a particular interpretation of Sunni Islam developed by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century that reinforces their legitimacy as rulers and requires them to rule in both religious and secular matters. There is, in essence, no separation between church and state.

While the government has stated that non-Muslims have the right to practice their religion privately, there are no actual legal protections. Individuals have on occasion been harassed or had their religious materials confiscated. The Mutawwa, or religious police, enforce standards of public conduct.

Behavior

Woman dressed modestly

The Mutawwa enforce the expected standards of public conduct in Saudi Arabia on both citizens and foreigners.

Women are expected to dress modestly, with skirts to the ankles, arms and hair covered. The abaya, an enveloping over-gown, is encouraged for modesty.

Men and women who are not closely related are discouraged from mingling publicly.

Women are not permitted to travel without permission from their closest male relative nor are they allowed to drive.

Consumption of alcohol is forbidden.

Public dancing, playing of music or display of movies is forbidden.

Only Muslims may enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Geography

Desert

The vast majority of Saudi Arabia is harsh, sandy desert. Most of the country is therefore uninhabited, with populations concentrated in cities near reliable sources of water. Saudi Arabia does have large oil deposits that currently serve as the primary basis of the Saudi economy and as a major source of oil for much of the rest of the world.

Culture and Art

Camels are used for trading caravans.

Arab and Islamic traditions comprise a major part of Saudi Arabian culture.

As a crossroads of trade for much of its history, Saudi Arabia has diverse cultural and craft traditions, including basket making, weaving and jewelry making.

Hospitality and generosity toward guests is a major component of Arab culture in general and is a major part of Saudi culture.

Major events in the Saudi year correspond to those in the Muslim religious calendar. The month of Hajj, during which Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca, is a particularly important time for Muslims. In Saudi Arabia, it results in the influx of thousands of Muslims from all over the world to share in this holy pilgrimage.

The month of fasting, Ramadan, is another significant holiday. Muslims fast during the daylight hours and at the end celebrate the Eid al-Fitr, exchanging gifts and visiting friends and relatives.

References

• CIA World Factbook, Saudi Arabia
• US Department of State Country Specific Information: Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Embassy: History of Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Embassy: Culture and Art
• Saudi Embassy: Cultural Instititutions