In Human Behaviors Culture in Saudi Arabia

Introduction  Where is Saudi Arabia located?  Demographics of Saudi Arabia.  Saudi Arabia is the Islamic center in the Middle East because of the holiest of destinations in the Muslim world, Mecca and Al-Medina cities.

Introduction  By July 2006, the population is estimated to be over 27 million, about 5.5 million foreign residents.  Saudi Arabia is considered the richest country in the Middle East due to the fact that it is one of the oil producer countries.  Each year, over 2 million Muslims arrive to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, or Great Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Development of Saudi Arabia  In the past 25 years, Saudi Arabia has developed in all areas. 1. Saudi Arabia is considered one of the developing countries, it has been developing in transportation, architecture and education because of the oil. 2. The development of the oil companies and the growth of the stock market.

Political Regulations  The law in Saudi Arabia is Islamic law. 1. People will be imprisoned for possessing illegal substances such as alcohol, pornography or pork. 2. Non-Muslims can’t eat or drink in the daylight of Ramadan (the fasting month) publicly. 3. Non-Muslims women must cover their bodies with loose gowns. 4. guns market is banned for the public.

Political Regulations 5. Prostitution is illegal, and there is no rights for homosexuals. 6. The Saudi broadcasting centers prevent obscenity and violence scenes. 7. In Saudi Arabia, there is no dancing clubs, casinos, or movie theaters. 8. Every neighborhood has at least one mosque. 9. In praying time, all stores, offices, companies and restaurants must be closed minutes.

Political Regulations  Many rules and regulations are based on the traditions and the norms. 1. The black veil for women, or covering up the whole face. 2. Women are not allowed to drive cars, vehicles that have women don’t get pulled over by officers. 3. Women don’t work as saleswomen in stores in public. 4. Women don’t wait in lines whether in banks, airports or stores, they get helped immediately by law.

Education System  No mix gender schools.  All grades must learn at least 5 different subjects of religion.  The praying time in all schools is obligatory from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm  In Ramadan, students have less hours in schools 4-5 h/d.  Half of Ramadan month is a vacation for students and teachers.

Social Life  All restaurants have two sections, one for families and one for single men.  Single men can’t get into any mall in the rush hours.  Women are much more respected by the society.  In marriages, men pay dowries and all other expenses.  Weddings start at 11:00 pm up to 6:00 am.  Women can’t divorce men unless in the courtrooms with lawsuits, but men can divorce women any where and any time.  Divorced mothers have the custody of their children who are under 7 years old.

The Culture Changing  We see many educated citizens.  Citizens are granted fully funded scholarships.  Many working women in many fields.  Saudis endorse the changing of trivial norms and vain traditions but not the Islamic regulations.

Conclusion  Location and demographics of Saudi Arabia.  The importance of Saudi Arabia.  The development of Saudi Arabia.  Islam is reflected in all aspects of life such as: 1. Political regulations 2. Education system 3. Social life  The change of culture.