RIYADH, 1 June 2004 — Saudi Arabia is home to well over eight million expatriates from all corners of the earth, speaking many different languages and bringing with them a rich collection of cultures and traditions. Unfortunately, there is far too little personal contact between these people and Saudis. Barriers such as language and a lack of information also isolate foreigners from the local community.
Arab News spoke to several expatriate women who are trying to overcome at least some of those barriers.
Cristina, a Romanian, has lived here for two years and she recently enrolled in an Arabic language course at King Saud University (KSU).
The course offers free Arabic language classes to foreigners. The classes not only help her learn the language but also offer an opportunity to learn more about local culture. The institute recently arranged a trip to the King Abdul Aziz Historic Center and National Museum, offering students an idea of culture, religion and history in the Arabian Peninsula.
“The trip was useful and pleasant,” Cristina said and added, “I don’t think people understand much of this civilization; neither Saudis nor foreigners make enough effort but I keep hoping that will change.”
For Ivonne from Indonesia, the trip to the museum was very informative. “The museum is a good facilitator though it is not widely publicized,” she said.
According to Cristina, increasing cultural awareness between the Saudi and expatriate communities requires work from both sides. The local Saudi community, she added, should also try to be more open and responsive when foreigners extend a friendly hand.
“I think Saudis should do more. As a foreigner, I try to be friendly but I feel like I am up against a wall. Nobody makes an effort to get to know one another.”
Farida from South Africa suggested increasing cultural awareness through lectures as well as such things as family outings in which members of both the Saudi and expatriate communities would participate. Unfortunately, such events as Farida suggests are uncommon here and many say that news of such events usually reaches those interested too late.
Chris from Indonesia felt there should be easier access to all kinds of information. That would be helpful for new arrivals who are trying to orient themselves in a new country.
She pointed out that being in the Kingdom gives non-Muslims a chance to learn about Islam but without the proper resources, that can be difficult.
Furthermore, the lack of social interaction between Saudis and non-Saudis encourages and sustains misconceptions and stereotypes that are unjust and inaccurate on both sides.
For a large number of Saudis, especially young ones, the only exposure to foreign culture comes from domestic servants, shopkeepers and workers. Such limited interaction with only a certain segment of a much larger population is likely to give way to sweeping generalizations that reduce and label an entire nation with a certain “perceived” status. Stereotypes also open the door to prejudice and enmity.
“They look at us in an unfriendly way and we look at them in the same way,” a Pakistani youth told Arab News. He said he and his friends are sometimes given a hard time on the street by some Saudis but added that neither side should be blamed for this which is the result of no positive social interaction between the two groups.
According to him, if Saudi and Pakistani youth had more opportunities to socialize, they would be able to overcome the differences and become friends. Unless and until that happens, stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings will prevail. When acted out on the world stage, they pave the way for ethnic violence, perhaps even terrorism, and become the roots of many conflicts currently troubling mankind.
