Saudi Arabia Red Sea Culture & Traditions

Saudi Arabian culture revolves almost entirely around Islam. The essence of Islam is the belief that there is only one God, and that it is the duty of the people to believe in and serve Him in the manner laid out in the Quran. In Arabic, Islam means submission and a muslim is one who submits to God's will. Muslims are called to prayer five times a day, every day from the minarets of mosques. Two of Islam's holiest sites are in Saudi Arabia and the country considers itself the birthplace of the Islamic religion. The Qur'an is Saudi Arabia's foundation, and Shari'ah (Islamic law) is the base of its legal system. Islamic law forbids eating pig and drinking alcohol. This law is followed pretty strictly throughout Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian clothing is strongly symbolic with their ties to the land, their past and Islam. The predominant loose, flowing garments reflect the practicalities of life in a desert country as well as Islam's emphasis on keeping covered up. Traditionally, men wear a thawb (an ankle-length shirt woven from wool or cotton) with a ghutra (a large square of cotton held in place by a cord coil) worn on the head. Women wear very ornamental clothing which is usually decorated with tribal patterns, coins, sequins, and metallic thread. However, when Saudi Arabian women leave their house, they must wear an abaya (veil) that covers their face and a black cloak that covers their whole body including their beautiful outfits.

The national dance of Saudi Arabia is a sword dance based on old Bedouin customs. Drummers pound out a rhythm, a poet chants verses, and men carrying swords dance shoulder to shoulder.