Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Makkah Province is in the heart of the Islamic world — show deep respect for Islamic practices, prayer times, and holy sites at all times
Friday is the Islamic holy day — many businesses have limited hours or close on Friday mornings
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours — this applies to all visitors regardless of religion
Greet Muslim Saudis with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) — it is always warmly appreciated
Shop prayer times (5 daily) cause brief closures — wait patiently, usually just 20-30 minutes
Saudi society is very family-oriented — children are always welcome and families receive priority at restaurants and attractions
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees in public; women should also consider covering arms
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and private homes
- Accept hospitality graciously — refusing tea or coffee when offered can be seen as impolite
- Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and giving/receiving items — the left hand is considered unclean
- Show patience and respect during prayer times when services pause
- Ask permission before photographing Saudi people, especially women and families
- Learn a few words of Arabic — even basic greetings are deeply appreciated
- Respect the sanctity of the Grand Mosque area — maintain reverence even outside the mosque
Don't
- Do not enter Makkah city if you are non-Muslim — it is strictly prohibited by law
- Do not bring or consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia — strict prohibition with severe legal penalties
- Do not display affection publicly — hand-holding between unmarried couples can attract attention
- Do not photograph mosques from inside or photograph government buildings and checkpoints
- Do not point the soles of your feet toward people when sitting
- Do not use your left hand for greetings, eating, or passing items
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Do not wear revealing clothing (short skirts, sleeveless tops, shorts) in public areas
- Do not criticize Islam, the Saudi royal family, or government policies
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Tea and Coffee Hospitality
Offering Gahwa (Arabic coffee) and tea is a sacred hospitality ritual in Saudi culture. If offered in a shop or home, it is polite to accept at least a small cup. Shake the cup side-to-side when finished to indicate you do not want more.
Prayer Time Closures
All establishments in Saudi Arabia pause operations during the 5 daily prayer times (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha). These closures last 20-30 minutes. Plan your schedule around prayer times.
Gender Segregation
Traditional Saudi settings maintain separate entrances and seating for families/women and single men. Most restaurants have family sections — use these if dining with women in your group.
Ramadan Etiquette
During the holy month of Ramadan, public eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours is forbidden for everyone. Restaurants operate only after iftar (sunset). The month is a wonderful time to experience Saudi culture but requires awareness.
Tawaf and Hajj Etiquette
Millions of Muslims perform circumambulation (tawaf) of the Kaaba at any given time. Maintain orderly movement, do not push, and be aware that this is an intensely sacred spiritual act.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Men greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' and handshake (with other men); do not extend your hand to a woman unless she offers hers first — some women observe strict non-contact with unrelated men
- Dining
- Wait for the host to begin eating; say 'Bismillah' (in the name of God) before eating; compliment the food using 'daaim' (may your table always be blessed)
- Dress
- Conservative smart casual for restaurants; modest clothing for all public spaces; abaya not legally required for non-Muslim foreign women but loose, covering clothes are essential
- Gifts
- Chocolates, high-quality dates, or sweets are appreciated gifts; avoid gifts containing alcohol; wrap gifts nicely and present with right hand
- Business
- Relationships are paramount in Saudi business — invest time in personal conversation before business; exchange business cards respectfully
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants is appreciated; round up taxi fare; service charge may already be included — check the bill
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-kum
Wa alaykum as-salam
Reply to hello
wah ah-LAY-kum as-sah-LAM
Shukran
Thank you
SHOOK-ran
Ahlan wa sahlan / Afwan
You're welcome
AH-lan wah SAH-lan / AHF-wan
Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f)
Please
min FAD-lak / min FAD-lik
Na'am / Aiwa
Yes
nah-AM / EYE-wah
La
No
LAH
Sabah al-khayr
Good morning
sah-BAH al-KHAYR
Masa al-khayr
Good evening
mah-SAH al-KHAYR
Bikam?
How much?
bee-KAM
Ayna...?
Where is...?
AY-nah
Ladhidh!
Delicious!
lah-DHEETH
Inshallah
God willing
in-SHAH-lah
Alhamdulillah
Praise God
al-ham-doo-LIL-lah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Makkah.
Main: Islam (Sunni, predominantly Hanbali school) — the dominant and state religion; all aspects of Saudi public life are governed by Islamic principles
Sites: Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba (Makkah — Muslims only), Masjid Al-Nabawi (Madinah — Muslims only), Al-Shafi'i Mosque in Al-Balad Jeddah
Holy Days: Eid Al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (during Hajj season), Mawlid Al-Nabi (Prophet's birthday), Islamic New Year. All businesses close for Eid holidays.
Conversations: Avoid discussing politics, the Saudi royal family, comparative religion, or criticism of Islam. Discussion of your own religion is acceptable if not proselytizing — proselytizing non-Islamic religion is illegal.