Dining Etiquette

Dinner etiquette in Saudi Arabia, like food, reflects the country's culture and tradition. Men and women are not permitted to eat dinner and other meals together. Women are only permitted to eat with their children, husbands, and siblings.

In general, eating Saudi food does not necessitate the use of utensils. People scoop with their right hand and fingers. In accordance with Islamic custom, serve and pass any food or dish with the right hand. The left hand is unclean and should not come into direct contact with food.

If you are eating at home, you may eat at floor level, in which case you should sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. You should make an effort to try everything on the table and compliment the host. Dinner is the last meal of the day in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, dinner is usually similar to lunch. Saudis typically eat their dinners late at night. Dinner is usually served between 10 p.m. and midnight.

Alcohol is forbidden under Islamic law, so many Saudis will not consume it. Some hotels that cater to Westerners will serve alcoholic beverages. While your Saudi hosts may not object to you drinking, it would be wiser to either drink very moderately or abstain entirely in their presence. Getting drunk and acting strangely will be considered completely inappropriate, rude, and offensive, and may result in harsh punishment.