A Pleasant Interaction With Saudi Dwellers
Saudi Arabia is the diversified Islamic Kingdom that is immensely revered by the Muslims across the globe for possessing the dignified Holy places of worship and prayers. Many Muslim folks flock to their Holy sites of Makkah and Madinah to undertake their spiritual itineraries of Hajj and Umrah. It is also the home of their spiritual guide and mentor Prophet Mohammad.
Saudi Arabia- A Once Ultra Conservative Country
It is true that this once-ultra conservative country was only open for business and religious purposes only. Thus the non-Westerner entry was strictly prohibited. So the only way to travel to Saudi Arabia was only on a business visa or via strong local Saudi relative or other VIP who could sponsor your visa.
However, with the advancement of postmodern times, this Islamic Conservative Kingdom has effectively learned to broaden its horizon and keep pace with the postmodern trends. Now you would observe a welcoming Saudi transition from Once-Ultra Conservativism to the Moderately Islamic Kingdom.
Yes, the Arabian Kingdom has opened its arms to welcome its Western fellas. The good news is that Western tourists can visit this rich Kingdom on their own. They can pick their bag packs and set out on a super exciting journey to this exciting place.
My Last Year Experience Of Saudi Arabia
Last Year I was among one of the few travellers to visit Saudi Arabia on the tourist visa. Personally, this country is one of the most surprising countries in my travel diary. I collected a number of cheering memories from this amazing Islamic land.
Saudi Arabia- A True Tourist Dream Land
Regardless of whatever good or bad you come across on social media platforms, let me assure you that this Arabian country is brimmed with loads of super stunning sites. Here you would find contrasting natural and archaeological landscapes. The Jeddah and Riyadh infrastructure would make you forget Europe during your Saudi spree. It is a genuine touristy spot to have your dream perks into reality.
A Lovely Stance On Saudi People And Culture
Apart from the catchy description of the Saudi Arabian landscape, let me share with you my wonderful experience with the dwellers or possessors of this landscape. These
Arabian dwellers are the Saudi folks who beautify the existing appealing landscape with their rich culture and amazing lifestyle.
The Saudis
The Saudis are very easy to recognize because of the characteristic uniformity of their clothing. They adorn themselves with a white long traditional dress which is called a Thobe in Arabic. The more interesting thing is their traditional head covering with their special Arabian headdress. This headdress is known as Ghutrah, which can of different colours. But the red and white Ghutrahs are most common among them.
The Saudi reverent females wore a jet black lengthy garbs to cover themselves from head to toe as per their religious conventions. This garb is known as Abaya.
Their Language
Arabic is the official language of this totally Islamic country. But English is used and understood by the Saudi dwellers to a considerable extent. However, being a non-Arabic English tourist I had to face some communication difficulties during my Saudi Stay.
But you would definitely find many English speaking people during your interaction there.
Religion
The largest majority of Arabian dwellers are the strict followers of the Wahabi school of Islam. There are a few Shia Muslim communities as well. But make sure to be humble And Respectful To Them Because They Are Quite Conservative In Their Religion
The Saddening Misconceptions About Saudis
Before my Saudi Arabian trip, a lot of people forbade me to interact with Saudis. Especially some people who had been on their business trips told me to refrain myself from intermixing with Saudis. They told me that
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· Saudis are Extremists.
· They are Arrogant
· Saudis are extremely strict to anyone who is not from the Gulf
· They try to enforce their religion on Non-Muslims
I don’t know what these people had gone through in this Arabian territory. But agree or not, the business-minded folks are only limited to their business-oriented interactions. They have no time to come out of their business box normally.
A Positive Hint From Some Folks
I was vacillating on the unwelcome reviews of some Saudi visits until I met an immigration officer who stamped my Saudi passport with a broad smile on his face. He assured me that he had a wonderful experience in Saudi Arabia.
My Pleasant Interaction With Saudi Folks
Unlike popular misconceptions, I had a superb interaction with Saudi folks and Saudi culture. The appeasing hospitality of Saudi folks shattered my fears and anxieties of stay in a strange land.
Wherever I rambled, I was offered special Arabian coffee and received many meal invitations even from random people.
Among all the courteous people I met some incredible Saudi locals whom I call friends now. These Saudi friends didn’t hesitate to show me around the city. I had a splendid stroll with them in the Saudi streets. These two Saudi locals truly changed the perspective of many things during that time.
Among those ones was a middle-aged English teacher of Riyadh. His name was Abdullah. He took me to his beautiful poultry farm. I was really impressed by his U.K English accent indeed.
Changed My Perspective About Islam
The Saudi gentleman Abdullah changed my perspective about Islam. He said that Islam doesn’t enforce anything upon anyone. There is enforcement in their religion. He was perfectly okay with me being a Christian. I had a great lunch party which I enjoyed after his kind invitation.
A Meeting With Some Broadminded Saudis
The one who says that the Saudis are conservative or narrow-minded is utterly mistaken. Among the Saudi locals, I met a boy named Ibrahim at the souk of Abha. He was a traditional young man from a beautiful village named Rijal Alma. Ibrahim said that he married a Finnish woman despite being belonging to the traditional Saudi Arabian village. I was truly amazed after listening to something unusual and unheard of Saudi Arabian outskirts. I came to know that our Saudi fellows are quite broad-minded indeed.
The Saudi Hospitality
The Saudi Arabian nation is really very hospitable. The people who say that the Saudis frown at the strangers are utterly mistaken. In Al-Kharj I got a lift from a young man who was in a loose T-Shirt and tight jeans. What a decent dressing sense he had.
The boy’s name was Mohammad and he was a college boy. I had a superb conversation with him. He started telling me the stories of his college life and discussed some difficulties in English grammar. He said that he is fond of the English language and will seek my help in the future.
He insisted me to have dinner at home. So after his utmost insistence, I accepted his invitation. I was welcomed with a more than delectable meal adorned on the dining table in his beautiful house. I had a great time at the young man’s house.
Don’t Rely On Misconceptions
After my super successful public interaction in Saudi Arabia, I would highly recommend you not rely on false speculations or misconceptions. Everyone has his own perception or thought based on his/her own perception.
Moreover, Don’t rely on the prejudiced or wrong portrayal of social media about the splendid Arabian Kingdom. These are neither terrorists nor arrogant. These Muslim fellas are disciplined and devoted to their own religion like every nation in the world. They are very kind and open-hearted people busy in their lives.
So it’s safe and secure for every man and woman. For single or solo females, I believe that it is safer for them than males. Being a male traveller I didn’t interact too much with females except in the few malls. Mohammad also introduced me to his veiled mother. I bowed my head down before her while maintaining a considerable distance.
