Middle East 24/7 • Page 15 of 23 • News, jobs, updates for countries in the Middle East

Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline for 2019

Being the best in a certain field within the region is admirable, but being called the best in the world defines excellence, and sets the benchmark for the rest of the players in the field to follow or surpass to become recognized for the same feat as well. Achievements recognized in the world makes smaller countries like Qatar become more known for good reasons.

For a number of years, Qatar’s official flag carrier, Qatar Airways, has been at the forefront of aviation services in the Middle East, edging competition from neighbouring countries such as the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, whose airlines are no pushovers, in their own right.

Skytrax Awards World’s Best Airline to Qatar Airways for 2019

But as far as aviation and airline service standards are concerned, Qatar Airways has been named the best airline in the world once again, for 2019 – putting a stop to Singapore Airlines’ four-year winning streak, as recognized at the World Airline Awards held in Paris last Tuesday (June 18).

Singapore Airlines claimed second place in Skytrax’s latest World Airline Rankings, based on a survey of more than 20 million passengers from around the globe.

This year marks Qatar’s fifth top placement in the prestigious rankings, following its feat in 2017, 2015, 2012, and 2011.

Moreover, the Gulf airline also bagged category awards for world’s best business class, world’s best business class seat, and best airline in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, ANA All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and Emirates claimed third, fourth and fifth spots in the world airline rankings, while Qantas Airways, which came in eighth, was the only Australasian airline to enter the top 10 rankings for global competitiveness.

Qatar Airways first started its operations in 1993, and then was reliance in 1997, when 50% of the ownership was passed on to a private company.

Since then, the airline has been known to offer the best in-flight services in the region, such as strong connectivity, also offering passengers the choice of flying to over 120 destinations worldwide. Qatar airways caters to the every need of passengers while on board. With unlimited entertainment options, a wide selection of scrumptious meals, comfortable seating, ample legroom, flying with the Gulf airline’s flag carrier is an experience not to be missed out when visiting Qatar.

ALSO READ: Qatar’s Tourism Council to Boost Activities During Eid, Summer

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment in Support of Women Empowerment

It’s been a long time coming, but initiatives to boost women’s rights and benefits in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are only signs of better things to come.

Despite the slow progress it has made in terms of reforms promoting women’s rights, most of which have only been lobbied during the last decade, this progress is still an indication that the Kingdom is slowly but surely moving in the direction where women will have more voices, and more freedom to pursue their dreams.

Saudi Arabia Commits to Women Empowerment Initiatives

In a recent meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, Saudi Arabia has re-emphasized its commitment to the empowerment of women, as shared in a report by the Arab News.

According to the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, 2018 had been “the year of transformation” for the country.

Citing the achievement of UN Women in realizing most of the first-year goals of its 2018-2021 strategic plan, Al-Mouallimi shared that 2018 saw the adoption of a number of decisions that contributed to the support and empowerment of Saudi women and their access to many new fields.

“The Kingdom values UN Women’s contributions to supporting women’s political rights, empowering them economically and supporting the development of government bodies, corporations, international organizations and policies to provide women with better opportunities and help them benefit from financial services and productive resources,” Al-Mouallimi added.

He also shared that for this year, the Kingdom was cited for its experience in two of UN Women’s performance results, ‘women’s leading role in governance systems and their ability to equally benefit from them.’

Al-Mouallimi pointed out that the Kingdom’s leadership has already released many orders to eradicate discriminatory practices against women, citing the decision upheld on April 17, 2017 requiring government bodies not to ask women for consent (from male guardians) when providing them with services.

Furthermore, a royal decree appointed Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan as the Kingdom’s ambassador to the US, making her the first woman to ever be appointed as an ambassador, Al-Mouallimi explained.

Accordingly, the Kingdom’s decision to allow women to drive was also received with much appreciation, not only in the country but also in the rest of the world.

Another initiative worth noting was the ‘Wusool’ programme, which offered transportation services to working women, and established a centre to help them find daycare to boost their participation in the workforce and support their professional and private stability.

Commenting on the UN strategy and plan of action on hate discourse, Al-Mouallimi explained that tolerance, understanding and open discussion are key factors in resolving those challenges, as he referred to a Muslim World League conference held last May at the UN’s New York offices, which saw senior religious leaders from various faiths, prominent intellectuals, politicians, civil and government officials from around the world, gathering with the single aim of overcoming the discourse of hatred.

ALSO READ: Here’s What to Expect on Your Visit to Saudi Arabia

Visas for Dependent Sons Over 18 Years Can Now be Renewed in UAE

Coming of age in most parts of the world is an important transition that families look forward to. But for quite some time for expat families in the UAE, this meant having to pay a deposit of AED 5,000 for the visa application of their dependents reaching 18 years old.

However, all that will be a thing of the past, as the government will no longer require parents or guardians to file for their dependents’ visa application on humanitarian appeal. Instead, eligible applicants will be allowed to renew their residency visa for up to two consecutive years, minus the previous requirement of a deposit, which is no small thing for any person with a family living in the city.

UAE Grants Visa Renewals for Dependent Sons Above 18 Years

In an update from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, residents of the UAE can now renew the residency visas of their 18-year-old dependent sons, whether they are secondary school or university graduates, for up to two consecutive years, as shared in a report by Gulf News.

The residence permit, in effect, will be valid for a year and can be renewed for an additional year.

This benefit will be available from the date of completion of secondary education of dependent sons, or those who have just graduated university, or those reaching the age of 18 years.

Meanwhile, the authority noted that daughters will remain on their parents’ visa without any age limit until they get married.

Application for the said benefit can be done through all the residency and naturalization offices or other government-approved outlets for a fee of AED 100 for residency permits or their renewal for a year.

Eligible residents can submit supporting documents by attaching the certificate of general secondary education or graduation certificate or the information from the university where the son studied, whether inside or outside the UAE, duly certified by his alma mater.

Also of note, there will be no more tourist visa fees to be charged for dependents below 18 years of age who are accompanied by their parents to the UAE.

Tourists can take advantage of the new scheme between July 15 and September 15 of each year.

According to the authority, these facilities include those below 18 provided that they are accompanied by a parent, regardless of the length of the validity of the parent’s visa.

Eligible applicants may apply through the authority’s electronic channels or via its smart application ICA UAE e-channels.

ALSO READ: UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

Meet the First Female Saudi Commercial Pilot

At the turn of the last decade, much has changed in the way Saudis have viewed women. And while there are still religious and traditional gender identifications, it can be said that the Kingdom is becoming more open to modern ideas and approaches, especially when it comes to gender roles and social awareness.

And while it can be said that slow progress is better than no progress at all, the women themselves are also doing their part to challenge this long-standing system, and assert themselves in places where they have great talents and use for.

Saudi Recognizes First Female Commercial Pilot

Such is the case of Yasmeen Al-Maimani, the Kingdom’s first-ever female commercial pilot, as she shared her delight and achievement through her post via Instagram.

As per reports, Al-Maimani had already undergone over 300 hours of test flights in the USA, after she had successfully completed a programme in Jordan.

In 2013, Al-Maimani exchanged her American license for a Saudi one, but after this she reportedly had a hard time finding an airline that was willing to recruit a female pilot.

In an interview, she shared, “I knocked many doors for a job, but the refusal is still going on under the pretext that women’s jobs as female captain do not exist.”

Years later, Saudi women were allowed to participate in the aviation sector including departments in customer service, air traffic control, and transport.

And just last year, Saudi women were allowed to work as administrative officers. And finally this year, Al-Maimani has become the first female commercial pilot in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Despite criticisms that reforms and social values in the Kingdom are slow-moving, almost unchanging, people like Al-Maimani dig deep in their individual strengths and capacities to bring a change not only for themselves, but also for the women, who, for the longest time, were unrepresented – if not entirely invisible in society.

With a dream, people are slowly realizing that nothing is impossible to achieve. Though it may take long years of hard work and sacrifice to become a reality, a small ripple can inevitably cause bigger ones, and eventually waves to challenge the tides of what “has been” into what will be.

For the rest of the women in the Saudi Arabia, and even in the rest of the Middle East, Yasmeen Al-Maimani’s achievement is a story of following one’s dreams and challenging norms to create opportunities for other (Saudi) women to follow.

ALSO READ: 25 Facts First-Time Travellers Should Know About Saudi Arabia

[UAE Labour Law] Guide to Working Hours, Official Leaves, and Vacations

Thinking of living and building your career in the UAE? You have to understand that labour laws in your country may not necessarily be the same when you move in other places such as the UAE.

It is for this reason that we need to have a basic understanding of some of the laws concerning work in the UAE, such as those that deal with working hours, official heaves, and vacations, to name a few.

[Guide] Things to Know About Working Hours, Official Leaves, and Vacations in the UAE

In this post, we will share some of the basic and useful guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), formerly known as the Ministry of Labour.

Any type of job or legal work involves regular working hours, official leaves, and vacations. In the private sector, here is what the UAE Labour Law provides concerning these matters:

Working Hours

Regular work hours for employees is 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week (Article 65).
The work hours may be increased to 9 hours per day for businesses, cafés, and hotels – but this will require the approval from the MoHRE.
Working for more than 7 hours in a day is not allowed among jobs that require “heavy physical labour.”
Any job that demands working beyond prescribed working hours may be subject to overtime pay, itemized as follows:
- Overtime pay should be equal to the rate for regular working hours, and an additional 25% of that amount. This may be increased up to 50% if overtime work was done between 9 pm and 4 am.
- Regular work hours are reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan.

Official Leaves and Vacations

In the UAE, Friday is the official weekend for employees, except for daily wage earners.
In the instance where a job requires overtime work on a Friday, the pay must be equal to the rate for regular working hours, and an additional increase of not less than 50% of that amount.

Public Holidays and Paid Leaves

Employees are entitled to paid leaves on public holidays listed below:

Hijri New Year (1 day)
Gregorian New Year (1 day)
Eid Al Fitr (2 days)
Waqfa Day and Eid Al Adha (3 days)
The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (1 day)
Ascension Day (1 day)
Martyr’s Day (1 day)
National Day (1 day)

Note: Other holidays not included in the above list would depend on official announcements released by concerned authorities. To get updates on upcoming public holiday announcements, be sure to check with official news sources to get alerts regarding this matter.

Annual Leaves, Sick Leaves, and Special Leaves

Outside public holidays, employees are entitled to annual paid leaves, sick leaves, and special leaves. Based on the UAE Labour Law, the provisions for these leaves are as follows:

Employees are granted two paid leaves for each month, provided that they have rendered a minimum service period of six (6) months and a maximum of one (1) year.
Annual leave of 30 days; provided that the employee has completed one (1) year of service.
Sick leave of not more than 90 days (3 months) per year, subject to the provisions specified in the law:
- First 15 days – full payment
- Succeeding 30 days – half pay
- Remaining 45 days – no pay
Special leave of not more than 30 days, specifically for the performance of Hajj. Special leave is without pay, and is only granted once throughout the worker’s years of service.

Understanding these things will better equip for your journey in your career in the UAE. Remember though that updates may be released every now and then so be sure to check with the official authority in the UAE, the MoHRE, for concerns or questions that you may have regarding these matters.

ALSO READ: Employment Contracts in the UAE

Gov’t Sets New Fees to Apply for Omani Citizenship

Working in a foreign country may cause one to think of getting naturalised in order to maintain their way of living, which they’ve built in their host country. Working in a country such as Oman has plenty of benefits not only for citizens, but also for foreign nationals. However, with the recent changes in the region’s economic performance, foreign employment is being reduced in favour of nationals, who are also seeking to join the workforce.

Of course, the process varies from one country to another – and unfortunately, certain eligibility requirements are imposed to limit those who want to apply for citizenship, as in the case of Oman.

Gov’t Sets Application Fee for Omani Citizenship at RO 600

However, for those who are deemed eligible to apply for citizenship in Oman, the government has issued a decision (No 92/2019) on the executive regulations of the Omani Citizenship Law, which elaborates on the fees required for regaining, renouncing, and applying for citizenship, as shared in a report by the Muscat Daily.

As per the new decision issued by His Excellency Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, an RO 200 fee has to be paid to apply for regaining or renouncing Omani citizenship and RO 600 to apply for the citizenship.

Furthermore, an RO 300 has to be paid to apply for citizenship for an expatriate wife of an Omani, widowed or divorced.

When applying for citizenship, as in the case of a minor son of an Omani woman, the applicant must pay RO 300, based on a decision issued on June 2.

The update, though, is not for all, since obtaining citizenship in Oman is limited to children of nationals who emigrated before 1970.

These people, who are the only known foreign applicants of Omani citizenship, who seek for this benefit on a relatively consistent basis, may return to Oman and apply for citizenship through the Ministry of the Interior, but they are by no means guaranteed success. It is for this reason that the government´s citizenship policy has been viewed as extremely controversial.

In most cases, the government will grant only half a returning family citizenship. In others, it will not even grant some members of these families residence or work permits.

Meanwhile, for those who have no Omani heritage, their only chance at citizenship will be through marriage to an Omani national, and even then their application will probably be denied.

It is more common, however, for generous employers to reward loyal workers by providing them with work and residence permits of indefinite duration. Even still, there is a good chance this support will end when those workers retire.

Therefore, the outside chance of acquiring citizenship in Oman may be more trouble than the actual benefit this may offer, especially for those who do not have a direct relation to the country, and are only trying their chances at migration.

Nevertheless, Oman is still one of those countries, which, when given a good chance, people would enjoy living in, as the sultanate boasts of rich cultural heritage and history, as seen in the many beautiful places travellers get to enjoy even on short visits.

Govt Introduces Service Tagging ‘Omanised’ Professions

With Oman’s nationalisation programme already in effect, more opportunities are being presented to citizens, and the opposite for expats in the country, as well as for those planning to find a job in the sultanate. Though this may seem like a disadvantage for some (mainly expats), this decision has taken into account the country’s overall affairs, as well as future performance.

However, as the general direction of the country’s labour force is steadily headed towards its targeted end-point, there are still areas in which the government can assist not only citizens, but also businesses as well as investors in adapting to this transition.

Programme Launched to Inform Public on ‘Omanised’ Professions

In line with this, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has launched a service through which citizens can enquire about Omanised professions in the sultanate, as shared in a report by Muscat Daily.

The service is part of the initial stage to introduce the new system of issuance of work licences.

Moreover, this service will enable employers and investors to know about the activities and professions that ban recruitment of expatriates. It will also help citizens check if a business is legal.

According to Asila bint Mohammed al Kalbany, director general of Information Technology at MoM, “This service will provide employers with the opportunity to learn about the details of ban on activities and professions imposed by the ministry. It will also help employers or investors avoid any losses that they could incur from setting up a prohibited activity or a business.”

Through this initiative, the government hopes to further encourage citizens to take part in the workforce, and ensure that they are well designated to do so. For the expats and investors, knowing which professions are only intended for Omanised professionals will enable them to decide which sector they can bring their talents to, or if there are better opportunities elsewhere that suit their career profile.

The Manpower Ministry has also taken part in the Government Performance Accelerators programme currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Civil Service.

As the sultanate is looking to make a shift from the traditional oil-based industry, for which all of the Middle Eastern countries have benefited from for a long time, labour and manpower allocation, as well as tax introductions will prove to be integral to sustaining Oman’s economic and social ventures in the long term.

ALSO READ: Oman Among 50 States Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Pakistan

Bahrain to Implement New Wages Scheme Starting September

Bahrain to Implement Much-Delayed New Wages Scheme Starting September

Elsewhere in the world, labour and worker benefit systems are constantly being improved in order to meet international standards, because when they do, this usually means better working conditions and environment for workers regardless of their nationality, country of origin, and so on.

In the Middle East though, these systems are often consulted and based on the standards set by the Gulf Cooperation Council, under which countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain are affiliated to. The Council decides standards that affect economic activities in the region such as imposing taxes in response to the oil crisis that have affected the region in recent years.

New Wage Scheme Soon to be Rolled Out in Bahrain

In relation to this, Bahrain will implement its much-delayed new wage system from September, meaning employers will have to transfer employees’ salaries directly into their bank accounts, as ashared in a report by Gulf News.

The Wage Protection System (WPS), whch has been launched last year has yet to be put into effect in order to give retail banks and providers more time to prepare for the management of the scheme.

According to Ausamah Al Absi, chief executive of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), they are now in the administrative phase and are expecting the WPS to be rolled out by the end of summer.

Al Absi further explained that the first phase of the scheme will cover all big companies, followed by small companies and then domestic workers in the country.

The entire process could take over a year, until all domestic workers are also covered under the new scheme.

The WPS will mean that employees will no longer be paid in cash but will receive their wages directly into their bank accounts through digital technology and advanced banking facilities.

With this transition soon to be implemented in the kingdom, the opportunity for migrant workers to be exploited by unethical employers will be managed more systematically, putting a solution to the vulnerabilities of the long-standing sponsorship or kafala system in most countries in the Middle East.

However, for the new system of wage protection or improved wage record-keeping to make marked impact across all sectors in the working society, there needs to be strong digital and banking technologies, to ensure that opportunities for exploitation of the system from the end of employers as well as third-parties (banking sector), will be pre-empted and duly addressed as the system is standardised across the Kingdom.

ALSO READ: [Guide] What You Need to Know About Working in Bahrain

[GUIDE] List of Banned and Restricted Items in Saudi Arabia

Every country has its own set of set of customs and traditions on top of international standards when it comes to traveling and importation of products and items. And the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, being a Muslim country, has got quite the list to take note of, as expected of a conservative Islamic state.

Generally speaking, anything that violates Islamic rules and traditions are not allowed in the country. Failure to recognize this may lead to unnecessary trouble with immigration and the Saudi police, and could even result to deportation or getting blacklisted in extreme cases.

Things You Shouldn’t Bring When Travelling to Saudi Arabia

In this post, we will identify both the prohibited and restricted items in the Kingdom. As the terms suggest, “prohibited” items refer to those which are strictly not allowed to be brought into the country, whereas “restricted” items may be allowed – as long as they meet certain requirements and (legal) specifications:

What are the Prohibited Items in Saudi Arabia?

Alcoholic products: Beverages and other products that may contain liquor such as cooking wines, flavouring extracts, as well as other related products, all fall under this category. These are strictly not to be imported in the country.
Pork products: Food and manufactured items containing pork or any of its parts (i.e. meat, fat, blood, etc.) are also not allowed.
Pornographic materials: While these materials may be accepted in other countries, in Saudi Arabia they are considered “offensive” and in violation of Islamic principles.
Publications on Religion: Any other religion other than Islam is considered illegal in the country. Similarly, “politically-sensitive” materials are also considered as taboo in the Kingdom.
Narcotics: Any form of illegal substances is strictly prohibited in the country.
Games: Materials and paraphernalia used for gambling purposes are also not allowed in KSA.
Fireworks: Similarly, these explosive items used for celebration and merry-making are also prohibited in KSA.
Imitation/Fake/Counterfeit Products: The country observes high standards when it comes to products being brought into the Kingdom, and so be sure to only possess genuine or authentic products, especially when these merchandises are intended to be put on sale.

What are the Restricted Items in Saudi Arabia?

Cash amounting to or exceeding SAR 60,000: Any amount of cash (in local or foreign currency), which may come in the form of notes, checks, or bonds will have to be declared upon arrival in the Kingdom.
Medications: Any form of personal medication must be presented in its original packaging, bearing the notes and prescription from your doctor. A representative from the Ministry of Health may also have to handle and inspect the medicine.
Electronic Gadgets: These include phones, modems, radio, transmitters, etc. Even if you have brought any of these devices for personal use, they may be checked for any potential “offensive” material (see Prohibited items above).
Pets: Traveling with pet animals in the Kingdom will require a health certificate and vaccination records approved by a Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate. Furthermore, upon arrival in the country, your pet would need to be inspected by a quarantine expert first. Similarly, importing birds into the Kingdom would require a permit from the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.
Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, and All Types of Blades: As these materials easily fall under the category of dangerous and bodily harm-inflicting products, these will need permission from and be proven necessary by the Ministry of Interior to be brought into the country.

It’s important that you understand the restrictions that come with travelling into the country with certain items (intentionally or otherwise), so as not to find yourself in a situation compromising your personal safety as well as the public’s.

ALSO READ: Here’s What to Expect on Your Visit to Saudi Arabia

25 Facts First-Time Travellers Should Know About Saudi Arabia

Travelling to new places for the first time will require some level of adjustment in the case of the visitor, as we very well know that no two countries are the same no matter how close they are in the region, or similar they are in their form of government, society, or lineage.

It is for this reason that we need to be informed and sensitive enough to do what the locals expect us to, when sharing the experience of being or living in the same country as unique individuals. And when visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered as one of the most culturally diverse and socially conservative countries in the Gulf Region, there are certain things that we need to take note of.

Basic Things to Note for First-Time Travellers in Saudi Arabia

And while the purpose of travelling is to get a more in-depth learning experience of other cultures, knowing some of the basics beforehand will oftentimes keep you out of trouble and help you enjoy your trip in a country such as Saudi Arabia, especially when it’s only your first visit to the Kingdom:

Society

Islam is Saudi’s official religion, and the curriculum in the Kingdom is focused on the study of their religion, as no other religion or form of faith is tolerated or to be practiced inside the Kingdom.
Unlike other countries in the region, Saudi Arabia does not have a constitution; the state is instead governed according to Sharia (Islamic Law).
Saudi’s form of government is a monarchy, with the King serving as both the Head of State and Government. The current king is King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who is also called the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Saudi Arabia is split into 13 administrative regions, and these are further divided into 118 governorates.
In Saudi Arabia, punishments for serious crimes include amputation, beheading, hanging, and stoning.
Abdul Aziz ibn Saud named his captured territories Saudi Arabia after unifying them in 1932.

Customs and Traditions

Men wear white cotton robes called a thob with a colorful kerchief called a ghutra as their headgear.
Women wear a black robe known as an abaya while their heads are covered by a black veil.
Traditionally, men were the only ones allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Women were not allowed to drive until 2013 or even travel abroad without a male relative’s or spouse’s approval.
Aside from a black veil, women traditionally wear a mask, known as a burka or batula, to cover their faces in public. Meanwhile, Saudi men wear an Igal, or two intertwined black cords that form a ring, on their heads.
Any type or form of alcoholic product is strictly forbidden inside the kingdom.
Men and women cannot be seen together in public that even in elevators, men and women should not be seen together or else they face interrogations from the Mutaweens, the Islamic Religious Police. Only in hospitals can men mingle with women in public.
Men take pride in having thick beards and moustaches, as these represent their devotion to their faith and to show that they are pious and religious. In Saudi society, the longer and thicker the beard, the more pious a man is.
The most common food in the Kingdom is kabsa, a rice dish mixed with raisins, nuts, and spices.
Pork is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom; no one can sell or eat pork.

Living in Saudi

Diesel is much cheaper than water; the price of a litre of diesel is more or less half the price of a litre of water.
Even though taxis have meters to measure the fare for the trip, it is quite common to bargain the price for a certain distance with the driver.
Commercial establishments and public places stop activity during times when “salah” is practiced. Salah is Arabic for prayer.
In Saudi Arabia, there is no income tax deducted from salary coming from jobs in the Kingdom.
While there are no direct taxes imposed in the Kingdom, a 5% value-added tax (VAT) has already been put into effect since 2018, making Saudi Arabia together with the UAE as the first GCC countries to impose VAT in the region.
Foreigners must carry their work permit at all times to avoid question and interrogation by police if caught without one.
In Saudi Arabia, the work week starts on Saturday and ends on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Thursdays and Fridays are considered the official weekend.
The way of writing is from right to left as opposed to the Western way of writing, which is from left to right.
“Sadik” is the Arabic word for friend; however, it is used casually that everyone calls each other Sadik, even if they’ve just met or simply to greet each other in public.
Most importantly, religion is a taboo topic. Religion is extremely sacred in Saudi Arabia.

And there we have it, even if we’ve only covered the basics, you’ll find these things extremely helpful in certain situations at work, or even during a visit or a vacation in the Kingdom.

ALSO READ: Here’s What to Expect on Your Visit to Saudi Arabia