Sense of humour in Saudi Arabia

43498POSTS

6 years ago

Hello everyone,

Should we set out to explore Saudi聮s culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any faux-pas.

What is special about the sense of humour in Saudi Arabia?

Is it acceptable to joke about any situations?

What is typically funny and what is absolutely not funny?

Are there any popular comedians in Saudi Arabia and how would one be able to discover them (stand-up shows, festivals, internet, etc.)?

What is the funniest joke you have heard in Saudi Arabia?

Please share your experience,

Bhavna

2 members reacted to this post

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dataserve Contributor

184POSTS

6 years ago

Everything is accept like any other culture,

But few things you have to consider :

1) Humor should not be against state law.
2) It should not be also against religious law.
3)聽 Every male is obliged to respect to female聽 religiously and traditionally as we say in our culture "ladies first).

Thank you

1 member reacted to this post

Gullshan Malik New member

9POSTS

6 years ago

No idea

As1412 Active member

32POSTS

6 years ago

Its simple jokes are jokes no difference

awanzz26 Active member

25POSTS

6 years ago

1. Humor should not be degrade others also should not be against state Laws.
2. avoid to jokes against聽 any of religious laws
3. respect each gender and all nationalities.

1 member reacted to this post

Sweethoney123 Member

2POSTS

6 years ago

Well saudi arabia people are still conservative although changes are happening....therefore if joking with somone on the counter or just anyone else like in other countries might not be seen as normal ....before settling to ksa u really need to prepare as it is very different country specially when dealing with the people...i would say u might find big malls but illiterate people in it....so not a really good combination

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phesap Active member

53POSTS

6 years ago

Apart from normal rules on jokes, here in KSA, don鈥檛 joke about Islam, especially the prophet.
Don鈥檛 joke on sex or nudity
Don鈥檛 joke on the king or crown prince
Don鈥檛 joke on foreign policy

Suzusuza Member

3POSTS

6 years ago

Bhavan,
Lot of countries employees are working in Saudi Arabia and they have different mind set!Saudi Arabian persons are very good ,they don鈥檛 talk any unnecessary words to any body even I have never seen them to get involved in jokes and fun!
U can joke with another nationals like Pakistani,philipinoes,Egyptian but still u will have to understand them first! They may speak some words which are unusual for u but not for them.So my advice that u will get lot of Indians there so u can pass yr time with them.
Good luck

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dabakashe New member

6POSTS

6 years ago

I worked in Saudi Arabia for 28 years.
I have no problem in kind of jokes , but聽 never joke about muslin religion.聽
Saudi鈥檚 are different during 80鈥檚 compared to 2015 at present. Specially 2019.

Crickypop New member

6POSTS

6 years ago

#10

My two cents are don't make fun of shawarma. That's never nice!

Tehmas Member

2POSTS

6 years ago

#11

obey the all roles of state. it is must thing.

jameelmdj New member

4POSTS

6 years ago

#12

Well the rules of humor is almost same everywhere. Just follow the rule of the land, respect the culture / tradition and that's it.

Usually In my experience, Saudis are easy going people if expats are following the above rules. Again its the same if not similar everywhere.
Few special cases exist everywhere whom If don't like then don't indulge. Easy right !!

jaffary New member

7POSTS

6 years ago

#13

Hi
Sorry for delay in response, we expats socialise within our own communities, we rarely mix with local Saudis, my interaction with them is limited to professional meetings.
The sense of humour is same as back home, most common topic for men is desire for 2nd wife and mazalim (torture) of present wife. Honour is also focused to the performance of our politicians and cricket players.

Walid Tafesh Member

3POSTS

6 years ago

#14

There is no answer for the question of what would be a good joke in any culture.

Saudi Culture is like any culture which聽 has its own since of hummer, but to discover it, we need to live it.

Just my advice is to avoid things which could make people upset , which is mainly to make fun of beliefs or nation in any insulting way.

I think everything else is ok.