DAMMAM: The practice among some citizens of washing their guests’ hands with honey or oud perfume has been slated as excessive and extravagant.

This comes in the wake of videos emerging on YouTube showing men at an event having honey poured onto their hands, which they then wash off with water.

Some tribal chiefs and scholars have criticized these people, saying it does not reflect traditional or religious customs, and should be discouraged.

Psychologist Sulaiman Al-Zaidi said that these people appear to be quite rich, which indicates this has not become common behavior in Saudi society. However, they were displaying childish traits, he said.

Social worker Ahmed Al-Saad said there is widespread rejection of such behavior, which was likely only practiced among certain tribes.

Some people also simply liked to record such events for public display even though there was no logic involved, he said.

Sheikh Saud Al-Phenasan described the people in the videos as foolish and extravagant. They should be reprimanded if they continue with this behavior because it can create discord in society, he said.

Sheikh Oweidh bin Saeed, a tribal chief, said that these were not traditional acts. “We needed honey and oud in the past but people are now making use of them in a strange and disgusting manner.”