What are Some Common Stereotypes of Saudi Arabia?

Common Stereotypes About Saudi Arabia and the Reality Behind Them

As part of Saudi cultural awareness training, we like to break stereotypes.

Although the country is very young in relative terms (it was founded in 1932), the people who live in Saudi Arabia are part of ancient history and a strong culture.

For those with an interest in country, aspects of the Saudi Arabian culture can be incredibly fascinating, beautiful, and intricate. To view the reality in more detail, however, requires breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions.

5 Common Misconceptions About Saudi Culture Explained

1. “Women in Saudi Arabia Can’t Think for Themselves” – The Reality

While it’s true that women in Saudi Arabia live in a very segregated culture and do not have the same rights as men, Saudi women do the best they can with what they have and have shown remarkable tenacity and resilience to this effect.

Culturally, women in Saudi Arabia are well educated from a young age and think for themselves. Females can work in professions such as medicine, teaching, accountancy, or business. Despite the role of Judge being a male-only position, in recent years, they have also been able to become lawyers.

Although they currently form only 22% of the workforce, the Saudi Vision 2030 Strategy aims to increase this number to 30% across all sectors. It’s also the case that women are championing greater equality and making their voices heard. They tend to be pushing for choice as opposed to a complete elimination of social norms. With harsh repercussions such as potential imprisonment, these women continue their campaigns regardless.

2. “All Saudis Are Religious Extremists” – Understanding Religion in Saudi Society

Islam is much more than a religion; it is a way of life that touches on almost every realm, including the political, and this has led to relatively elevated amounts of religious extremism within Saudi Arabia.

It’s important to bear in mind, however, that religious extremism is not unique to Islam and that many Saudis view their relationship with God as a very personal affair.

Just like members of other religions, most simply want to live their lives in accordance with their faith as best they can. If you have the opportunity to meet any Saudis, then you will find they are likely to be fairly relaxed, accepting of other religions, and not necessarily comfortable with the strict gender segregation within the country. For those who avoid visiting Saudi Arabia for fear of terrorism, it’s worth noting that individuals are far more likely to be killed on the roads than in any other way.

Many Saudis laugh at the idea of them riding camels in the desert. It’s more common to see them riding something expensive and Italian!

Photo by Ben on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

3. “Saudis Live in the Desert and Ride Camels” – Modern Life in Saudi Arabia

Saudi culture has shifted dramatically, beginning with the foundation of the state in 1932.

Tribal culture is still very important, but the modernisation of the state in accordance with Western standards was seen as one of the key components to its survival. The result of this is that over 85% of the population now live in urban centres and the ‘old Saudi culture’ is receding into the past.

4. “All Saudis Are Wealthy” – The Economic Reality in Saudi Arabia

Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia has as much of a poverty divide as any other country. Despite its vast oil wealth, nearly a quarter of Saudis are deemed to be living in poverty.

Visitors doing business in Saudi Arabia tend to see the wealthy side of the country, such as the incredible shopping malls or the skyscrapers of Riyadh and Jeddah. Very few see the slum areas where those at the very margins of society live. It’s also worth pointing out that those in Saudi Arabia who try to focus others on the plight of the poor are at risk of repercussions. In 2011, for example, three Saudi bloggers who exposed poverty in an online documentary were jailed.

5. “Women Can’t Divorce in Saudi Arabia” – Legal and Social Realities

Women can divorce their husbands in Saudi Arabia. However, it’s more difficult for wives to divorce their husbands than it is the other way. Whereas husbands in Saudi Arabia must merely verbally state their intention to divorce for divorce to happen, women must take the situation to court for a judicial decision. This is because a female is deemed too emotional to make the decision herself, subsequently necessitating the intervention of an official intermediary.

As part of a further relaxation of laws, women are no longer required to return to the marital home once they have instigated divorce proceedings. Last year, the Ministry of Justice removed an article in marital law termed the ‘House of Obedience’, which mandated a wife’s return to her husband even though she had requested a divorce.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes: Understanding Saudi People and Culture

If you are doing business in Saudi Arabia, relocating for work, or visiting for a short-term business assignment, then avoid taking the people you meet at face value.

Many people have been subject to pervasive stereotyping of the Saudi people, and despite your open-mindedness, it’s likely that these stereotypes will try to fill in any gaps when you meet people.

It’s also important to note that significant shifts are starting to take place in Saudi Arabia, which focuses on affording people the freedoms that they may not have had before.

With this level of change, it’s essential that you keep an open mind throughout your visit if you’re to get the most out of your stay.

Main photo by Mojack Jutaily on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)