Notes on the Saudi Lifestyle
Dr. Khalid Al-Seghayer, alseghayer@yahoo.com

“Every society in the world has its own distinctive lifestyle, and Saudi Arabian society is no exception.” This was the first statement I made in answering a Western fellow who queried me about how things were done in Saudi Arabia. I continued, “I am not going to dwell on the numerous good characteristics Saudi citizens possess. I will rather spell out some unpleasant aspects of our lifestyle, hoping to raise the awareness of my own people to our failings.”
At this point, I would like to emphasize that these negative features of our lifestyle are not exclusive, but they are the most noticeable ones.

This is a good human interest piece, offering a Saudi view of Saudi shortcomings.

Procrastination, Whinging, Refusing to Accept Responsibility… these, among others, certainly are correct, at least as correct as stereotypes permit. I’d add another: the automatic assumption that, if one doesn’t agree with you, you must be either a) morally degenerate, or b) being intentionally hardheaded and acting to thwart your aspirations.

And while the author doesn’t provide a list of positive stereotypes, they exist as well.

Among them you’d have to include personal generosity in every regard, friendliness (at least once the initial ice is broken), terrific sense of humor, straight-talking.