The Middle East Sunday Pages Archives

UAE Flag Day: Celebrating the Colours of Unity and Progress

UAE Flag Day was first established in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The date coincides with the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's accession as President of the UAE. What began as a government initiative has blossomed into a beloved national celebration that brings together Emiratis and expatriates alike.

The Liquid Gold of the Gulf: Honey

In the Gulf countries, honey is not just a sweetener – it is liquid gold, a symbol of hospitality, and a connection to an ancient way of life that still thrives in the modern world. From the mountain valleys of Oman to the busy streets of Doha, honey holds a special place in both culture and commerce that might surprise many Westerners.

The Saudi Games: A New Era in the Kingdom

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been making headlines for its rapid social and economic reforms. Among these changes, the realm of sports has seen a particularly dramatic transformation. The Saudi Games, first held in 2022, stand as an example of this evolution, showcasing the Kingdom's athletic talent. Let's dive into this groundbreaking event and explore how it's reshaping the Saudi sports landscape.

Riyadh Season – Entertainment Extraordinaire

When you think of Saudi Arabia, what comes to mind? For many, it might be vast deserts, oil fields, or conservative traditions. But in recent years, the Kingdom has been undergoing a dramatic transformation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heart of its capital during Riyadh Season, annual festival that has taken the Saudi capital by storm since its inception in 2019.

A Taste of Tradition: My Journey Through Saudi Breakfast Culture

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

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

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?

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”

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

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.