
In December 2023 I traveled to Saudi Arabia with friend and colleague Jeannie Sager. We had the honor of being two of three women presenters at the Eleventh Forum for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector. While I have been privileged to travel personally and professionally many times, this was my first trip to the Middle East. The experience was full of powerful impressions that will last a lifetime.
In this blog post I reflect on the Saudi Arabian culture of hospitality and generosity. The Kingdom has been famous for its culture of hospitality for those traveling to its holy cities Mecca and Medina to perform Hajj, the sacred Islamic pilgrimage. I was overwhelmed, however, that the welcoming culture would extend to the far eastern region of the country – especially to a white woman in Western attire. I purchased my tourist visa online and received approval almost instantaneously. Naturally, I expected politeness during our stay, but Jeannie and I were welcomed with open arms – beginning with the passport control officer at the airport. He peppered me with questions exuding curiosity and warmth, not interrogation: was this my first time in the Kingdom? What U.S. state did I come from? What are my impressions so far? Staff in restaurants, shops, and our hotel asked us throughout our stay how we were enjoying the country.