Culture & Etiquette

A conservative and fundamentalist Islamic country, women are required by law to dress totally covered in black robes and masks when out of the home. Remote areas stick to the austere Wahhabi tradition, elsewhere life is being modernised.

Invitations into private homes are unusual. Eat with the right hand when not using knives and forks. Gifts are welcomed.

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are enforced rigorously; women should dress modestly, men should not wear shorts or go shirtless. Public behaviour is extremely conservative. Homosexual behaviour and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty. It is also illegal to eat or drink in public during Ramadan.

Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people.