Local Customs & Etiquette in Mecca, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

All Topics about Mecca All Cities in Saudi Arabia

1. Holy Mosque Etiquette

Respect the sanctity of the Kaaba and follow etiquette in the Grand Mosque. Remove shoes, dress modestly, and pray silently.

Modesty Requirements: Women should wear a simple abaya and men wear an izar and thawb
Prayer Timings: Follow the prayer times announced by the mosque authorities
Prohibited Items: Do not bring cameras, food, or cell phones inside the mosque

Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction with sincerity and devotion.

Direction of Circulation: Circulate in a counterclockwise manner while touching the Kaaba's railings
Modest Attire: Women should wear a simple abaya and men wear an izar and thawb during Tawaf
Prayers During Tawaf: Recite Takbir (Allahu Akbar) at each corner of the Kaaba while performing Tawaf

Use the right hand for greetings, and avoid physical contact with members of the opposite gender.

Hand Position: Use the right hand to shake hands or touch someone's arm during a greeting
Gender Boundaries: Avoid physical contact with members of the opposite gender, especially in public areas
Salam Greeting: Say 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you) when greeting someone

Celebrate Eid al-Adha by wearing new clothes, sacrificing a sheep, and distributing meat to the needy.

New Clothes: Wear new clothing during Eid prayer and visitation
Animal Sacrifice: Sacrifice a sheep or goat on the day of Eid al-Adha as a symbolic gesture
Charity and Generosity: Give away a third of the meat to the needy, relatives, neighbors, and friends

Break the fast at Maghreb prayer time with family or at a communal gathering, and share food with others.

Maghreb Prayer Time: Break the fast immediately after Maghreb prayer
Food Sharing: Share food with family, friends, and even strangers during Iftar
Modest Attire: Wear modest clothing during the month of Ramadan, especially during Iftar gatherings

Offer a generous tip (10-20%) for services in hotels, restaurants, and taxis, as it is customary.

Service Charge Included?: Check if a service charge is already included in the bill before tipping
Rounding Up the Bill: Consider rounding up the bill to make it easier when tipping
Gratitude: Express gratitude and appreciation while giving a tip, as it is an act of kindness

Greet people politely and maintain eye contact during conversations, showing genuine interest in the conversation.

Polite Greetings: Use formal greetings like 'Assalamu Alaikum' and respond with 'Wa alaikum Assalam'
Maintain Eye Contact: Make eye contact while speaking to show respect and engagement
Active Listening: Listen attentively to the other person's words, and respond appropriately

Maintain public decency by speaking softly, avoiding loud laughter, and respecting others' personal space.

Speaking Softly: Speak softly to maintain a peaceful environment in public areas
Avoid Loud Laughter: Avoid excessive or loud laughter, especially in crowded places
Personal Space Respect: Respect others' personal space and avoid physical contact with strangers

Avoid taking photographs inside sacred sites like the Grand Mosque or the Prophet's Mosque.

Specific Areas: Do not take photographs in areas explicitly marked as 'No Photography'
Respectful Behavior: Avoid photographing people without their consent or in private moments
Authorized Areas: Take photographs only in authorized areas and adhere to the guidelines provided by local authorities

Eat with your right hand or use utensils when dining in a traditional setting.

Use of Utensils: Use utensils provided, especially when eating rice or other dishes
Eating with Right Hand: Eat with your right hand, particularly when dining in a traditional setting
Table Manners: Use good table manners and avoid eating too quickly or loudly

Bargain prices when shopping in local markets, but be respectful and polite during negotiations.

Asking Prices: Ask for the price before bargaining to know the initial selling price
Politeness and Respect: Be polite and respectful during negotiations, avoiding aggressive or impolite behavior
Settling on a Fair Price: Settle on a fair price that is agreeable to both parties while remaining friendly

Offer gifts during Eid al-Fitr or weddings, and present them with both hands, showing respect.

Appropriate Gifts: Choose appropriate gifts like sweets, clothes, or useful items for the occasion
Presenting the Gift: Present the gift with both hands and avoid wrapping gifts in white paper
Gratitude: Express gratitude when receiving a gift, even if it's small or inexpensive

Remove shoes upon entering someone's home, and offer help with household chores if needed.

Removing Shoes: Remove shoes at the door before entering the house
Offering Help: Offer help with household chores if needed, but wait for their response
Respectful Behavior: Maintain good manners and behave respectfully during your visit

Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs, and hair when in public places.

Modest Attire: Avoid tight or revealing clothing in public areas
Covering Arms and Legs: Wear long sleeves and pants or skirts that cover the arms and legs
Hijab Requirements: Women should cover their hair with a scarf or wear a headscarf in public places

Wear an izar and thawb, or long trousers and long-sleeved shirt, in public places.

Covering the Body: Avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts in public areas
Modest Attire: Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the body modestly
Trousers and Long Sleeves: Men should wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in public places