What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Khobar?
We asked people in Khobar if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"In Khobar, it is considered disrespectful to show the soles of your feet or shoes, as they are considered dirty. Avoid using your left hand for eating, greeting, or giving and receiving items, as it is considered unclean. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon, and it's important to respect the local dress codes, with women expected to wear an abaya in public. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so do not attempt to bring any into the country or consume it while there. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and women's rights, as these can be seen as offensive. It's also important to respect the Islamic prayer times, during which many businesses will close for a short period. Photographing locals without their permission, especially women, is considered rude and invasive. Lastly, punctuality is not highly valued in Saudi culture, so don't be offended if people are late for meetings or appointments," explained one expat living in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Khobar?
If you live in Khobar, newcomers to Khobar would love to hear your answer to this question.