What do you do when your Saudi colleague offers you a Miswak stick? When you receive a call from your manager at 11:30 PM? Or when you’re invited for an Iftar gathering?
As an interculturalist I’d say, “It takes all the seasons to understand a new culture”. In the case of Saudi Arabia, the holy month of Ramadan can be quite a mystery for many expats and business consultants relocating to or visiting the Kingdom during that time of the year. Here are some practical tips to help you sail through without committing those dreadful cultural faux pas.
Food and drinks
While some of your Muslim colleagues might be kind to insist you can drink water in their presence, it is only polite and respectful for you to head over to the designated space in your office to consume food and water where they cannot see you. Know that some workplaces do not provide water at all. In which case, it would be wise to carry your own water/tea/coffee. Additionally, some of your colleagues may quit smoking for the month along with fasting which could be a catalyst for irritability in the initial days. Being cognizant of the fact that it may be easier for some than others is important. If you’re offered a Miswak stick, which many locals use to beat their fasting breath, kindly accept it, and try it out by chewing on it. An intriguing cultural experience awaits you!
Greeting and gifting
Appropriate greetings are ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’ and will be reciprocated with the same. Observing Ramadan decorations like little lanterns and bakhoor and asking the significance behind them can be a great way to learn about Saudi culture. If you’re invited for an Iftar (breaking fast) gathering in the office or at a colleague’s home, consider dressing up in a thobe or a jalabiya and bring gifts like candles/flowers/chocolates/premier dates for the host. “Gifting is a norm during Ramadan. If I am visiting a potential client or vendor’s office in the evening, I will bring a box of sweets as a goodwill gesture”, shares a seasoned expat.
Working hours
Working hours vary for Saudis and Muslim employees but may remain the same for others. Your colleagues would stay up until Suhoor (around 3:45 AM), have a snack and sleep until late morning. Hence, most offices shift to 10:00 AM start time instead of 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM. It’s best to schedule meetings between noon and 4:00 PM to guarantee attendance. Working late hours after breaking fast is common during this month. Don’t be surprised to receive work calls and meeting invites after 10:00 PM. It is best to have an understanding with your respective management regarding rules of engagement. In general, the pace of work is slow during the month and deadlines need to be flexible.
Modesty
As an expat, dressing more modestly is a way to respect the local norms. For women especially, loosely fitted clothing with an abaya, toning down the make-up and using a mild perfume are some ways to respect the essence of Ramadan, although this is not a mandate.
Keeping it low
Ramadan is the month of self-reflection. Thus, speaking in mild tones, avoiding cuss words, and maintaining harmony are appreciated. It is also wise to use earphones while listening to music and attending virtual meetings.
Getting around
Ask any Riyadhizen and they will warn you to avoid driving or stepping out between 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM during Ramadan. The traffic goes berserk (and understandably so) with everyone trying to reach their homes or restaurants to break their 12+ hour long fast with families and friends. It is ideal to leave your workplace just after the call for prayer to drive on nearly empty roads.
“Our schedule is upside down in Ramadan! This includes eating and sleeping timings, working, and socializing hours”, mentions my Saudi colleague.
While we make the most of exploring the lively night markets and Iftar feasts, let us also embrace the very essence of Ramadan by being mindful, patient, and forgiving.
Palavi Kele is a curious traveler and blogger. She is currently on board as a Cultural Intelligence Consultant with Arabius and helps expat families and multicultural teams thrive in the Kingdom. Having traveled to, lived and worked in 30+ countries, she documents her Saudi adventures on her Instagram sojourn_in_saudi.
