Arabian Culture
traditional clothing
Thobes, also known as Thawb,
dishdashas, kanduras, or jalabiyas,
are traditional garments worn by
men in various Middle Eastern and
North African countries. These
iconic robes hold significant cultural,
religious, and historical importance,
serving as symbols of identity,
modesty, and tradition. Different Types of Thobe
around the GCC
a traditional piece of clothing worn by
Muslim women, particularly in Arab
countries. It is a long, flowing robe that
covers the body from head to toe,
leaving only the face and hands
exposed.
The word keffiyeh means “relating to Kufa” and is a
reference to the city of Kufa in Iraq, where it is thought
that the tradition of wearing the keffiyeh originates.
During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the fez, or
tarboosh, was more commonly worn by the urban
educated elite, the effendi, while the keffiyeh was
associated with rural farmers and peasants, the fellahin,
who used it to shield themselves from the sun, dust, and
sand.
The keffiyeh’s design varies in different regions of the
Arab world. The popularized black-and-white keffiyeh
is associated with Palestine, while the shumāgh, a red-
and-white variation of the item, is more commonly worn
by members of the Bedouin community.
The ghutrah is another variation of the garment. It is an
all-white cloth with no patterns and is worn on the head.
A thick black cord called the ʿiqāl is tied around the
ghutrah to secure it to the head. This variation is worn
primarily in the Gulf States, including Bahrain, Qatar,
and the United Arab Emirates.
A garment worn by some Muslim women to cover their
hair. For Muslim women, the hijab serves as an identity
that reflects their modesty and strong beliefs or what is
called the ‘Imaan’.
The primary intention of the Hijab is to protect women
from evil eyes. And referring to this, Allah says: “O
Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the
women of the believers to bring down over themselves
of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they
will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah
Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an, Surah Al-Ahzab
verse: 59).
From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the
vast deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic cuisine boasts a
vibrant heritage shaped by centuries of cultural exchange,
trade, and diverse landscapes. The story of Arabic cuisine
begins in the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia, where some
of the earliest evidence of agriculture and food production can
be found.
The expansion of the Arab Empire from the 7th to 15th centuries
further enriched Arabic cuisine. As Arab armies conquered new
territories, they encountered diverse culinary traditions in Persia,
North Africa, and the Mediterranean. This exchange of ideas and
ingredients led to the incorporation of techniques like grilling meats
on open flames Discover fire-kissed specialties with a local twist at
Tarboush Restaurant, the use of nuts and dried fruits in sweet dishes,
and the introduction of new vegetables like eggplants and artichokes.
Spices are the heart and soul of Arabic cuisine. Cumin, coriander,
cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron are just a few of the treasures that
add warmth, depth, and complexity to dishes. These spices are often
used in blends like baharat, a versatile mix that adds a touch of
smokiness and warmth, and za'atar, an earthy blend with a citrusy
punch.
The Fertile Crescent: This region, encompassing Iraq, Syria, and
Lebanon, is renowned for its fragrant stews and mezze platters
featuring dips like hummus and baba ghanoush.
The Arabian Peninsula: Lamb reigns supreme in dishes like
kabsa, a fragrant rice dish with meat and spices, while flatbreads
like pita bread are a staple.
The Maghreb: North African countries like Morocco and Algeria
are known for their tagines, slow-cooked stews infused with spices
like turmeric and ginger, and couscous, a versatile semolina dish.
POPULAR TRADITIONAL
FOODS
1.
This chickpea-based delight, blended with
tahini, garlic, and olive oil, has become a global
sensation. From its roots in Levantine kitchens
to its place on tables worldwide, hummus
embodies the essence of shared meals and
communal dining experiences.
A street food favorite that has transcended
borders, shawarma is a culinary spectacle.
Slices of marinated meat, typically lamb,
chicken, or beef, rotate on a vertical rotisserie,
creating a tantalizing aroma that draws food
enthusiasts from far and wide. Whether wrapped
in flatbread or served on a plate, the layers of
flavor in shawarma reflect the diverse influences
that have shaped Middle Eastern cuisine.
Arabic cuisine offers a delightful selection of sweet treats.
Baklava, layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and
drizzled with honey, is a classic favorite.
Knafeh, a cheese pastry soaked in fragrant syrup.
Lokma, a bite-sized fried dough balls drizzled with
syrup.
Arab cuisine is synonymous with the mastery of
grilling, and kebabs take center stage in this
culinary tradition. Whether it's succulent kofta
kebabs or the aromatic shish tawook, the marriage
of marinated meats and open flames creates a
symphony of flavors that captivates taste buds.
These grilled delights are a testament to the
simplicity and perfection achieved in Arab culinary
techniques.
Rice, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, takes on
new dimensions in dishes like biryani and kabs.
Biryani, with its fragrant basmati rice, aromatic
spices, and tender meat, showcases the
region's love affair with intricate spice blends.
Kabsa, a dish originating from the Arabian
Peninsula, brings together rice, meat, and a
blend of spices in a harmonious celebration
of flavor.
1. Indirect Communication
Saudi Arabians generally have an indirect communication style. It is
common for people to understate their opinions in an effort to save
face and remain polite. You may have to make assumptions about
what is not said.
Other communicative cues, such as body language and eye contact,
often convey meaning. As a broad generalisation, Saudi women tend
to be more indirect and reserved communicators than Saudi men.
2. Conversation Style
When conversing with one another, Saudis generally strive to
maintain group harmony by avoiding individual attention or singling
out a specific person. It is common for Saudis to range from subject
to subject while conversing, taking a long time before getting to the
point. They may make their point in a long, roundabout way to avoid
embarrassment or offence.
3. Hierarchy
People’s communication patterns can differ depending on the context.
Generally, when speaking in a business setting or with someone who
is more familiar to the person, it is common to speak in a more direct
manner (e.g. openly disagreeing with others). However, people tend
to be very indirect and respectful to their seniors, such as elders or
professionals. When the eldest person speaks, everybody is expected
to listen and pay their full attention as a sign of respect.
1. Physical Contact
People are usually comfortable hugging and touching friends of the
same gender. It is common for two men to hold hands in public when
they are sitting or walking somewhere as a gesture of friendship.
However, physical contact between people of the opposite gender
should be avoided altogether out of respect and politeness (unless
they are family).
2. Personal Space
Saudi standards of personal space differ depending on the context.
If the person is a friend of the same gender, the distance is often
smaller than what Westerners are used to in public.
However, it may be bigger in instances when there is a difference of
authority or when the other person is from the opposite gender. It is
best to keep at least a metre distance between you and a Saudi person
to respect the modesty of the other person if you do not know them
well.
3. Eye Contact
When talking to people of the same age, gender or status, direct eye
contact is expected. Strong eye contact indicates sincerity and trust,
especially in business. Some men may look at the ground to avoid
observing a female altogether. This is considered respectful and
observant of the partition between genders. Younger people may also
lower their gaze when speaking to elders out of respect.
4. Beckoning
It is impolite to beckon with a single index finger or the left hand.
Instead, place the right palm downwards and use a clawing motion
with fingers to indicate a “come here” request.
5. Pointing
It is considered very rude to point with the index finger. Instead,
Saudis raise their chin and look in the general direction of the object
they wish to “point out”.
6. Feet
It is considered insulting to show or expose the soles of your feet to
other people. Avoid pointing your feet towards other people when
sitting down or crossing your legs around elders.
7. Gestures
There is a saying that “to tie an Arab’s hands while he is speaking is
tantamount to tying his tongue”. Saudi Arabians tend to use a range
of motions and many gestures whilst speaking. These emphasise,
exaggerate and/or demonstrate the point of their words, and also give
further meaning when little is said.
Some common gestures are listed below:
Disagreement: People may indicate “no” by shaking their head or
disagreement/disapproval by quickly tilting their head back whilst clicking their
tongue.
Patience: If a Saudi person needs someone to wait, they may touch their thumb,
forefinger and middle finger together and motion to the person they wish to ask to be
patient.
Sincerity: Placing the palm of the right hand on one’s chest shows respect or sincerity
when saying something earnest (such as an apology).
Agreement: To touch the other’s shoulder with one’s right hand can indicate
agreement.
Obscenity: Hitting one’s right fist into the left hand and lightly rubbing it in the open
palm indicates obscenity or contempt.
Eid, meaning ‘celebration’ or ‘festival’, is a prestigious word in Islam.
There are two dedicated times of Eid in Islam that Muslims celebrate as
per the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance: Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.
These are times at which Allah rejoices in His followers being happy and
encourages joy amongst all.
The two festivals are celebrated similarly, but they commemorate
different things and as such, encompass two contrasting facets of Islam.
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and lasts for one day. It is a celebration of Allah
giving you the strength to get through the Ramadan fast. For those who successfully
managed to fast, they should thank Allah for giving them the strength to get through the
trying month of Ramadan. Anyone who missed or broke the fast and is liable to pay
Fidya or Kaffarah must ask Allah for mercy and the strength to pay their owed dues.
Eid ul-Adha which is considered the great Eid because of its religious significance.
Eid ul-Adha is a time to revere the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim when he
demonstrated his obedience through his preparation to sacrifice his son, Ismail, for
Allah. Prayers will be made and Eid ul-Adha wishes will be exchanged amongst the
community. Gifts may be given to one another, and families will come together to feast
across the three days. It truly is a period of great celebration and joy amongst the
Muslim community.
The ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. It
is the month in which it is believed that the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven "as
a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation."
It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim
calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days
earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.
During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset. They are not
allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours. Fasting is a private act of
worship bringing about nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a
means to empathize with those less fortunate.
Arab culture and the Islamic faith are deeply intertwined. While Islam is the
predominant religion, other religious groups are accepted and treated with respect. Most
Arabs believe that most of life’s events are controlled and orchestrated by God. Man is
dependent on the fate as determined by God and is powerless in controlling many of
life’s events. As a result, religious affiliation is essential to everyone in Arab society.
Most Arabs believe there should be no separation between religion and state and that
religion should be taught to children in school.
According to Islam, piety is the most admirable characteristic someone can have.
Muslim theologians developed concepts like occasionalism and a
theology centered on the Necessary Being, framing the problem of
evil differently than contemporary Western philosophers.
Metaphysics played a crucial role in the transmission of Greek
thought into the Arabic world, beginning with the translation of
Aristotle’s Metaphysics by al-Kindī and culminating in extensive
commentaries that marked the end of the classical phase of falsafa.
• Pre-Islamic Thought - Tribal codes of honor, courage, and
generosity. - Poetry as a medium for expressing existential and
ethical ideas.
• Islamic Philosophy (Falsafa) - Kalam (Theological Disputation) -
Mu'tazila: Rationalist approach, using reason to understand ethics. -
Ash'arism: Emphasis on divine will over human reason.
• Sufism (Islamic Mysticism) - Focus on spiritual journey, love, and
unity with God (tawhid). - Key figures: Al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi.
• Rationalist Philosophy - Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and
Averroes integrated Greek philosophy with Islam. - Emphasis on
reason, metaphysics, ethics, and the harmony between reason and
revelation.
• Ethics and Political Philosophy - Justice in governance, virtuous
leadership, and the importance of social cohesion (asabiyyah). - Key
thinkers: Al-Farabi, Ibn Khaldun.
• Mystical and Esoteric Thought - Ismaili Philosophy: Focused on
hidden meanings in Islamic texts. - Illuminationism: Philosophy of
light and divine knowledge (Suhrawardi).
• Modern and Contemporary Philosophies. - Pan-Arabism: Advocacy
for Arab unity based on shared identity. - Islamic Modernism:
Reinterpretation of Islamic thought in the context of modern values
(e.g., democracy). - Ongoing debates on secularism, modernity, and
Islam’s role in public life.
Saudi Arabia is predominantly an Islamic country.
The Major Religions of Saudi Arabia includes the following:
• Sunni Islam: Approximately 85-90% of the population follows Sunni Islam, which is
the state religion. The country adheres to the strict interpretation of Sunni Islam known
as "Wahhabism".
• Shia Islam: Around 10-15% of the population are Shia Muslims, primarily concentrated
in the Eastern Province of the country.
Quran is a book – but it is not like most books. It is made up of words which
contain truth and guidance for every human being, and Muslims believe that these
are words revealed directly by God, in the Arabic language, to the last of His
prophets and messengers,Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. The sanctuary there with the
Ka'ba is the holiest site in Islam.
shahada (faith) - a simple formula which all faithful pronounce. The first part negates the existence of
any form of God (wealth, power or the like) except for Allah; the One. Then the second part states that
Muhammad – a man like us – is the messenger who has come with a message of guidance to us.
salah (prayer) - Salat or Salah is the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day. Salah is a
direct link between the worshipper and God.
zakat (almsgiving) - Zakah is the financial obligation upon Muslims. The word zakah means both
“Purification” and “growth”. Our possessions ُم متلكاتare purified by setting aside a proportion for
those in need and for the society in general.
sawm (fasting) - Every year in the month of Ramadan رمضان, all Muslims fast from dawn until sunset;
abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations with their spouses.
hajj (pilgrimage) - the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca required of every muslim at least once in their lifetime
if it is within their means.
1. Hospitality (Karim) - A cornerstone of Arab culture, welcoming and generously providing
for guests is highly valued.
2. Family (Ayla) - Family is central to social life, with strong ties and obligations toward
relatives.
3. Honor (Sharaf) - Honor, both personal and familial, is essential, influencing reputation and
societal standing.
4. Respect (Ihtiram) - Showing respect, especially to elders and authority figures, is crucial in
social interactions.
5. Religion (Deen) - Islam guides daily life, shaping values, morals, and practices.
6. Modesty (Haya) - Modesty in behavior and dress is emphasized, especially in relation to
religious guidelines.
7. Courage (Shaja'a) - Historically shaped by tribal life, bravery and standing up for one's
community are admired traits.
8. Loyalty (Wafaa) - Loyalty to family, tribe, and nation is a key value, ensuring unity and
trust.
9. Wisdom (Hikmah) - Wisdom is valued in making decisions, especially in leadership and
resolving conflicts.
Arabic is a Semitic language with a rich history that dates back centuries.
It is the common language spoken by Arabs. While Modern Standard
Arabic (MSA) is used in formal contexts like education and media, there
are numerous dialects of Arabic that vary significantly from one region to
another. Moroccan Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, and Syrian Arabic, these
dialects often differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar.
(as-salām ʿalaykum) – Peace be upon you
(wa ʿalaykum as-salām) – And peace be upon you
(marḥaban) — Hello
(ʿahlan) — Hi
(ʿahlan wa-sahlan) — How do you do?
(ṣabāḥ ul-ḫayr) — Good morning!
(masāʾ ul-ḫayr) — Good afternoon/evening!
(kayfal-ḥāl?) — How is everything?
Thank you
for listening!
