Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Rules Of A Riyadhi Gentleman

Rules Of A Riyadhi Gentleman
By Johara Al Mogbel and Jou Pabalate

A matter of manly manners in maneuvering life in the city.


Automotive Maintenance

Modern knights need a steady steed. Consider your car as your air-conditioned chariot.

Photo Credit; squeakyswash.com
Photo Credit: squeakyswash.com

Driving

Road rage is unattractive. True gentlemen do not transform into the hulk when dealing with errant drivers. When confronted with continued pigheadedness, one is advised to get in one’s car and drive away. When driving, tread lightly on the gas pedal. A gentleman must always take heed of killing other passengers for the sake of saving three minutes, as murdering someone while speeding is quite unseemly. Automotive Yoga is not a thing. Never have your foot raised on your chair or your toes cooled by the AC. Definitely not with your windows open too.
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Cell Phone Etiquette
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Errands and E-Services

A Riyadhi man knows his responsibilities and maneuvers his way around errands efficiently.

Utilities – Electric, telecom and other bills can be registered under your bank account. Don’t be a caveman, do your transactions online and it will help you settle your accountabilities easily.

Governmental Concerns – Check your traffic violations, file for your national ID and passport, settle other family requirements through moi.gov.sa. It’s not hard, you don’t need a wasta and you’re just being lazy.

Photo Credit: diaccount.com
Photo Credit: diaccount.com

Foodie Etiquette

optimized-etiquette


Grooming

A well-kept beard is the best accessory a gentleman could ever grow. For those encumbered with out of control facial hair, it is recommended to look into laser hair removal treatment for the lines of your beard, as it will make grooming much easier and will vastly improve your visage.

Perfume is important for a gentleman’s overall disposition. A gentleman must always use bokhoor on his thobe and shmaagh for a clean understated smell that will linger throughout the day.

Photo Credit: fashionbeans.com
Photo Credit: fashionbeans.com

Generosity

Charity is an important pillar in Islam, and ‘having your palm open’ towards your family, friends and loved ones as well is the best use for your money. Be Hatem, not Scrooge.

optimized-charity
Photo Credit: tapsley.com

Home Improvement

A true gentleman knows how to handle a hammer. The essential Homeowner’s Toolbox: utility knife, screwdriver, nail and screw set, pliers, wrench, electrical power drill. Should home improvement feel absolutely tasking, have a plumber, carpenter and the like on speed dial.

optimized-toolbox
Photo Credit: telerik.com

Internet Trolls

Never be an Internet troll. Or a real troll. At all. If you need an explanation for why a human being must avoid being a troll, then it is too late. We can no longer help you.


Kissing

Or the tasteful way of greeting other human beings and avoid awkward encounters in Riyadh.

New Acquaintances:
Alsalamo Alaikum, handshake
Families
Cheek kissing, Seniors – forehead
Weddings
Cheek kissing – Groom, father of the groom
Friends
If you haven’t seen them in more than five days.

Basic Cheat Sheet to Kissing per region
Najdi: Right, Left, Left
North: Right, Right, Right
Hijazi: Right, Left, Right or Right, Right, Left

When in doubt, take cue from the person you’re greeting. Don’t abruptly shift to the other cheek or pull back. And if it needs to be stated: it’s cheek to cheek, you’re kissing the air. Your lips must not land on the other person’s face. EVER.

Photo Credit: arabiangazette.com
Photo Credit: arabiangazette.com

Leisurely Pursuits

Gentlemanly Pursuits

Doesn’t Count

Photo Credit: huffpost.com
Photo Credit: huffpost.com

Relationships

A true gentleman never forgets his family. He visits them on a regular basis, and helps out around his parents’ house, and concedes when his mother kisses his cheek in public. He is also patient when escorting his grandparents to various places and appreciates their role in his existence. Most importantly, a gentleman is not ashamed of his mother’s name, as that is preposterous and makes no sense.


Office Ethics

A true gentleman is polite and courteous to his co-workers. A true gentleman must always keep his workspace clean and tidy. One’s workspace represents the work ethic of a person. Also, an office is usually shared with other people, and one must be careful not to offend others with a horribly kept desk.


Traveling

Gentlemen respect the laws and the culture of country he is visiting. A true gentleman does not embarrass his nation by behaving unbecomingly.
A true gentleman keeps his appendages to himself, and should the flight prove to be unbearable for his delicate calves, seek permission from the passenger to place his presumably socked feet in their general vicinity. Should the passenger be a woman, however, don’t even think of it.


Working Out

A gentleman goes to the gym for the purpose of working out, not to take selfies or photos of their uncovered abs, chests and appendages for Snapchat. Bodybuilding must be approached with caution. One must not be too proud to not bother asking a professional trainer before engaging in weightlifting activities. Should one not have the time to go to the gym, a Riyadhi gentleman finds a way to stay active, even if it’s just in the comfort of his home.

Photo Credit: manorgeek.com
Photo Credit: manorgeek.com

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