Saudi Arabia · Social gathering

Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Saudi Arabia?

Not for opposite genderHigh confidence

Explanation

In Saudi Arabia, cheek kissing between men is a common greeting among close friends or relatives, but it is strictly avoided between unrelated men and women in public due to conservative Islamic norms. Even among same-gender acquaintances, it is reserved for those with an established close relationship, not for first-time or casual social gatherings.

Varies locally: In more cosmopolitan cities like Jeddah or Riyadh, younger Saudis may be slightly more relaxed, but the general rule of avoiding cross-gender physical contact remains widely observed.

Local Tip

When greeting a Saudi man, offer a handshake only if he extends his hand first; for a Saudi woman, wait for her to initiate any physical greeting, and never offer your hand to a woman unless she does so.

How it compares elsewhere

United Arab Emirates

Similar to Saudi Arabia, but cheek kissing among same-gender friends is more common; cross-gender greeting still requires caution.

Egypt

Cheek kissing is common between same-gender friends and even between men and women in social settings, though it may be less common in conservative areas.

Japan

Cheek kissing is not a traditional greeting and can be seen as an invasion of personal space; a bow or handshake is preferred.

AI-generated guidance — customs evolve and vary between people. Treat as a helpful starting point, not absolute rules.

Frequently asked

Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Saudi Arabia?

Not for opposite gender. In Saudi Arabia, cheek kissing between men is a common greeting among close friends or relatives, but it is strictly avoided between unrelated men and women in public due to conservative Islamic norms. Even among same-gender acquaintances, it is reserved for those with an established close relationship, not for first-time or casual social gatherings.

What should I do instead in Saudi Arabia?

When greeting a Saudi man, offer a handshake only if he extends his hand first; for a Saudi woman, wait for her to initiate any physical greeting, and never offer your hand to a woman unless she does so.

Does cheek-kiss greeting mean the same everywhere in Saudi Arabia?

In more cosmopolitan cities like Jeddah or Riyadh, younger Saudis may be slightly more relaxed, but the general rule of avoiding cross-gender physical contact remains widely observed.

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More etiquette in Saudi Arabia

Tipping in Saudi ArabiaThumbs up in Saudi ArabiaShowing soles of feet in Saudi ArabiaEating with the left hand in Saudi ArabiaPatting someone's head in Saudi ArabiaDirect eye contact in Saudi Arabia

“Cheek-kiss greeting” in other countries

Cheek-kiss greeting in JapanCheek-kiss greeting in ChinaCheek-kiss greeting in ThailandCheek-kiss greeting in IndiaCheek-kiss greeting in South KoreaCheek-kiss greeting in France

See the full Saudi Arabia etiquette guide →