Curious about the intricacies of dating a Saudi man? You’ve come to the right spot where you can learn everything about your Arabian prince (current or to be – it doesn’t really matter).
The truth is that when I walked through the mixed-gender cafes of Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District for the first time, it hit me right there that many foreign perceptions of courtship in this country are completely outdated.
And even if you’re dating outside of the country itself, many of these will still stand. I am here to share what I have learned about the distinct advantages, potential hazards, and cultural practices related to dating a Saudi man. Let’s begin with the fun part!
What do Men in Saudi Arabia Look Like?
Men in Saudi Arabia have a unique and distinguished look, especially for those of us coming from the West. Men here usually dress in traditional garments, like thobes and dishdashas.
These are paired with a headdress called the keffiyeh or ghutra. Plus, many men grow beards to represent their faith and personal style. Special occasions call for the bisht, a smock-like outer garment that adds a layer of sophistication.
Those living in major cities follow modern fashion trends alongside traditional wear, while men in rural provinces stick to more conservative norms.
Appearance isn’t limited to clothing, though. Men also take care of their hygiene and grooming habits. Barber shops and salons are regular stops. Fragrance is also a priority, with oud and musk-based perfumes being the dominant ones.
It’s important to note that these men come from diverse backgrounds and, despite what you might think, not all Saudi men are rich.
Main personality traits of Saudi Men
Saudi men possess distinctive traits that shape their relationships. These traits are connected to the Saudi culture and are key to understanding how dating a Saudi man works. Here are a few core values you will encounter:
- Traditional Values: Respect for family, elders, and authorities is a universal standard among Saudis.
- Sense of Honor: Honor is highly esteemed in Saudi society. Men take pride in loyalty, integrity, and honorable behavior.
- Masculinity: Saudi men embrace classic gender roles. They usually take on the role of provider and protector for their families.
- Religious Devotion: Religion dictates the rhythm of daily life in Saudi Arabian culture. Saudi men are usually devout Muslims.
- Hospitality: Saudis are famous for their hospitality. Saudi men take immense pleasure in receiving guests and treating them with lavish generosity.
- Family-Oriented: Family is the absolute center of a Saudi man’s life. They prioritize family time and obligations above almost everything else.
Is dating even allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Fortunately, things are changing in this area where, in the past, young (and older) Saudis had to be crafty to be able to date other women, especially when it came to Westerners.
But modern Saudi Arabia is different and the men here no longer need to hide or rely entirely on arranged introductions to form relationships.
Under something called “the Vision 2030 initiatives,” men and women now mix freely in workplaces, restaurants, concerts, and public events.
Dating happens much more openly today, although there are still obstacles. However, if you are reading this article, you probably know what I am talking about. But the main takeaway here is that things are fortunately changing.
What’s it like being in a relationship with a Saudi man?
A romantic relationship with a Saudi man can be highly rewarding and revealing. They are well-known for their strong traditional values, fierce loyalty, and deep commitment. Respect and honor are two features they heavily value, and a partner should act with the same respect towards them in return.
Islamic customs and traditions also play a major role in their romantic lives. Relationships must respect these boundaries. Understanding and honoring his religious obligations is essential for a successful partnership.
Finally, Saudi men are incredibly ambitious and hardworking and no matter their current status, they always seek success both in their careers and in building a strong family.
Public Displays of Affection and Societal Rules
This is something extremely important to keep in mind, mainly because things are much different than in the Western world.
While dating is significantly more normalized now, the public rules of engagement are still conservative. Most importantly, PDA (public displays of affection) are culturally inappropriate and can still attract negative attention or even legal trouble.
Holding hands in certain progressive areas might go unnoticed, but that is probably the most you can do in public. Kissing or heavier physical affection is completely off-limits. You have to save your affection for private spaces, and it’s important to know this doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you or care about you – it’s just how things are in Saudi Arabia.
What do Saudi men expect from a woman?
Saudi men have clear desires when it comes to women in relationships. They value loyalty, respect, and modesty above all else. They want a partner who is supportive, understanding, and willing to embrace the role of a dedicated wife and mother. They expect you to place a heavy focus on the family unit.
At the same time, Saudi men appreciate an educated and ambitious woman. They highly value intelligence and independence. Education holds significant weight in Saudi society, so having a successful career or higher education is seen as highly desirable.
They also expect you to respect Islamic values and behaviors. This means dressing modestly in public and being supportive during religious events like Ramadan. Religion forms the backbone of Saudi society, so it is highly beneficial for a woman to respect these practices.
Plus, they expect strong communication skills. They want honest conversations where both parties can express themselves freely behind closed doors. Women should actively engage in discussions and participate in decision-making processes regarding the household and family.
Expat vs. Local Dynamics & Family Integration
If you are a foreign woman dating a Saudi man, as you probably know (or understood already from reading this article), you will have plenty of challenges and adjustments to make.
One important thing to know is that family gatherings are a massive part of Saudi life – especially the large Friday gathering known as Jumu’ah.
But that’s not a “family gathering” as you might know it. Instead, in many traditional Saudi homes, there are gender-segregated spaces for these large family events. In other words, expect to spend your time socializing with his mother, sisters, and female relatives in one room, while he stays with the men in another.
Regarding religion, a Muslim man is legally permitted to marry a Christian or Jewish woman. You are not legally required to convert to Islam, but practically speaking, sharing his faith makes societal and family integration smoother, while at least some actively expect it.
The Legal Reality of Marriage: The Ministry of Interior
This is probably the most important piece of information for any expat dating a Saudi national and hoping for long term commitment. If your relationship progresses toward marriage, your partner will first need to obtain official permission from the Ministry of Interior to marry a non-Saudi.
This legal process requires extensive paperwork, background checks, and patience. It can take several months or even over a year to receive approval, and there is always a chance the permission might be denied based on specific government criteria.
Tips & tricks for making a relationship with a man from Saudi Arabia work
For a relationship with a man from Saudi Arabia to be successful, it’s essential to respect cultural norms and values. Here are some tips to help:
- Communication is vital: Open and honest communication is essential in any relationship, but even more so when it’s a cross-cultural one. Consider learning each other’s languages to bridge any gaps.
- Familiarize yourself with the culture: Educate yourself on Saudi Arabian customs and traditions to avoid unintentionally offending your partner. This includes societal expectations, dress codes, and religious practices.
- Respect his family: Family is highly important in Saudi Arabian culture. Show respect to family members, especially elders, by being polite and considerate during interactions. Family obligations may take precedence.
- Be patient and understanding: Building a successful relationship takes time and effort. Be patient with each other as you navigate cultural differences, and remember that compromise is crucial. Seek to understand your partner’s perspective.
Every relationship is different, so talk openly and honestly with your partner about your needs and expectations.
By embracing each other’s cultures and practicing empathy, you can create a strong foundation for a successful relationship with a man from Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, dating a Saudi man is an incredibly rewarding experience, provided you leave your preconceived notions at the door and can take a challenge or two.
Approach this relationship with patience and open eyes, and know that, like everywhere in the world, when you respect his traditions while clearly communicating your own boundaries, things will be great.
After all, a cross-cultural romance in Saudi Arabia takes real work, but building a beautiful life together is completely worth the effort.
If you have additional advice or comments about dating in Saudi Arabia (or at least a man from this country), please let us all know in the comments down below.
