A Taste of Tradition: My Journey Through Saudi Breakfast Culture
6 October 2024
Breakfast is important in any culture so I wanted to take some time to explore Saudi Breakfast Culture. It offers a lot of insights into the heart of Saudi culture and hospitality. This exploration of Saudi breakfast customs and dishes reveals not only the flavours that start the day for millions but also the social and historical context that shapes this important meal.
Visionaries in the GCC
29 September 2024
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a group of six countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In recent years, these countries have developed ambitious plans, called "visions", to transform their economies and societies. Let's explore what these visions are all about and why they matter.
The Role of Small Talk in Middle Eastern Business Culture
22 September 2024
In the Middle East, business is not just about deals and numbers. It is about relationships. And one of the key ways to build these relationships is through small talk. This might seem strange if you are used to getting straight to business, but in Middle Eastern culture, small talk plays a crucial role.
Let's explore why small talk is so important in Middle Eastern business culture and why it is worth getting help to understand these topics.
What is Eid Al-Mawlid?
15 September 2024
Eid Al-Mawlid is a special day for many Muslims around the world. It is a time when they celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, who is very important in Islam. This holiday is filled with joy, prayer, and spending time with family and friends. But Eid Al-Mawlid is more than just a celebration - it is a chance for all of us to learn about different cultures and beliefs.
Understanding “Wasta”
8 September 2024
If you're doing business in the Middle East, you might hear the word "Wasta" a lot. But what does it mean? And why is it so important? In this post, we will explore the concept of Wasta in Middle Eastern business culture. We will also discuss why it is crucial to understand and how you can get ongoing support.
Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Diverse Regions
1 September 2024
Saudi Arabia is the 12th biggest country of the world by area which makes it 9 times bigger than the United Kingdom, as comparison. Therefore it has quite some diverse regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for anyone doing business or travelling in Saudi Arabia. In this post, we will explore the main regions of Saudi Arabia and how they differ. We will also discuss why it is important to understand these and how to get more support in learning about the Kingdom.
5 Common Arabic Greetings and Why They Matter in Business
25 August 2024
In today's global business world, understanding different cultures is key to success. If you are working with Middle Eastern clients, learning a few Arabic greetings can make a big difference. This post will teach you five common Arabic greetings and explain why it's so important to learn about cultural differences.
The Journey to Hajj
18 August 2024
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Let’s look at the five pillars of Islam. They include: Declaration of Faith (Shahada), Prayer (Salah), Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), Almsgiving (Zakat) and Journey to Makkah (Hajj)
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a duty that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. This year, Allah granted me the opportunity to fulfill this obligation, and I approached it with a heart full of keenness and devotion.
Taif: The Summer Sanctuary of Saudi Kings
11 August 2024
Tucked away in the Sarawat Mountains and just a short drive from the megacity of Jeddah, the city of Taif offers a refreshing respite from Saudi Arabia's punishing summer heat. It's no wonder then that this scenic highland oasis has long been a favoured summer destination for Saudi kings and their royal entourages escaping the scorching climes. It is also part of a new Summer Initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism called “Your Summer of Discovery”.
With its fragrant rose fields, lush greenery, mild weather, and abundance of historical sites, palaces, and recreation - Taif exemplifies the splendour of an Arabian paradise. Here is an in-depth look at what has made Taif so alluring to royalty and visitors alike for centuries.