The Bro Code of Saudi Culture: 1122 Bite-Sized Explanations of how the Human Body Acts in Arabia

by Abdul Al Lily

Every culture is governed by an internal code of conduct, and this publication offers the first written code of Saudi culture. The Saudi way of being has long been an oral tradition passed merely verbally from one generation to the next, despite its power to regulate every aspect of public and private lives. Most Saudi norms and values have long been unwritten and only orally communicated among Saudis. As a result, visitors to Saudi Arabia have been unable to read about Saudi norms and values. For this reason, this book spells out these norms and values in bold print, recording the Saudi code of conduct and displaying it in a published format. It displays 1122 bite-sized (often previously unrecorded) explanations of how the human body acts in Saudi Arabia. It seeks to cover everything from top to bottom; the face, cheek, hair, eyes, skin, brain, mouth, ears, nose, stomach, waist, heart, genitals and extremities. It is the product of close observations of everyday activities and around 2,000 interviews with nationals and residents, over the past five years.

This book is the first to talk about Saudi culture in a purely descriptive (and thus non-judgemental and unbiased) manner. It is the first to present Saudi values and norms in the form of a bullet-pointed list and in bite-sized explanations. Most explanations can be read independently of any other explanations. The way the content is focussed on bite-sized statements helps put across clearly and simply the information. The book is the first to be written by a male Saudi who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, who is still based in this country, who is a former officially-recognised imam and who comes from a working-class family—yet he is a backpacker, is married to a non-Saudi, non-Arab and non-Muslim European, has studied in Oxford, has published with the largest international academic publishers, has written in different languages and hence has the ability to communicate with and convey information to foreign mentalities.

Publications about Saudi culture tend to be too serious; however, this book is not meant to be taken too seriously. The book is intended to be entertaining and humorous (and, surely, informative). It tries to avoid the use of the words ‘religion’ and ‘politics’ because of two main reasons. First, these two words are sensitive and, more importantly, serious. Second, the book is purely cultural and written entirely for the sake of cultural exchange (not for religious or political matters). This book is unbiased, exposing both negative and positive practices in Saudi society. Many Saudi readers of the book have criticised the author for not trying to invite (through and in the book) non-Muslim readers to Islam. Yet, this book is written purely for the sake of international communication (not for religious reasons), with neither religious nor political agendas. The book is only about what is normal in Saudi Arabia, i.e. about norms and long established practices–––not about emerging and changing liberal practices and outliers. Abnormal practices lie beyond the scope of the book. The Bro Code varies from one region to another; so it does not apply to every region in Saudi Arabia, but it does definitely constitute the norm in, at least, one region.

298 pages, ebook

Published October 7, 2017

About the author

Dr Al Lily is a Saudi international consultant on Saudi culture, a bestselling author, an Oxford graduate and an associate professor of education, technology, sociology and organisational politics at a Saudi university. He has published with the largest academic publishers: Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, Sage and Oxford University Press. He has written in different languages, for academic & non-academic magazines. He was a 0.5%-researcher on Academia.edu in 2016. Email: allili55@hotmail.com Whatsapp: +447946674377 Twitter: @abdulallily Instagram: allili55 Website: https://abdulallily.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is indeed interesting for non-Saudi's to read and get a somewhat exclusive and rarely written 'code' of conduct in Saudi Arabia. However, it is not very well written with the author randomly adding topics that have nothing to do with the assigned section and some grammar mistakes throughout. More so, as a Saudi, I find that some of the content is untrue/area-specific for a lot of individuals like myself. Now it can be argued that this is due to the differences in values, religious conservatism, and traditions that come with each Saudi province. But since this book's title clearly states "Saudi" surely he intended it to be all encompassing. I wouldn't recommend this book to non-Saudi's new to Saudi culture to read as it gives an inaccurate picture than reality. But on the other hand, I surprisingly would recommend this book to Saudis or those living in Saudi to read as we already know the reality and as such the book can be viewed as a form of satire or comical literature rather than an educational insight of Saudi society with inaccurate 'facts' that foreigners may mistakenly believe is true.

[Nikita Tretyakov]

I would like to thank Prof. Abdul Al Lily for the book. Being in Saudi for almost 3 years, I am still experiencing and learning its fascinating culture. The book represents facts about Saudi and Saudis, some of them are very familiar for me, but many - absolutely unexpected and new. There are so many things to explore, to find out and to be impressed by. I highly encourage to read the book everyone who currently lives in Saudi or plans to visit the country, at the same time I am sure the book is very interesting to read for general audience and for general education.

[Jose Van Helden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to meet Abdul Al Lily in person and to recieve a signed "Bro Code Of Saudi Cuture". When I started reading I could not stop. Many things I recognized as well new information interested me very much. I am happy to have this book, so that I understand Arabic people and my Arabic friends better, as well during doing business with them and sharing frienship with them.
José van Helden
Van Helden International Business
The Netherlands

[Tomasz Gorzkiewicz]

The book presents quite unique material on some aspects of social life in Saudi Arabia. This can be of great use to expats living in the kingdom. It is revealing and at times even funny for locals. The content is non-judgmental and shown in minute detail. Knowing something about the thorough research done by the author enhances a reader's opinion about objectivity and the informative aspect of the book.

[Angela Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone curious about Saudi Arabia. It's easy to read, unbiased, and answers many of the questions people have about this mysterious and controversial culture. As a current employee living and working in Saudi Arabia, I found it very interesting, informative, and accurate about what I've observed.

[Isa Kooy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bro Code of Saudi Culture is a very accessible book because it is written in tweet size messages and because of the style of writing. It is sometimes humorous and informative at the same time. I am European and would especially recommend the book to other Europeans and other non Arabs/ Saudis/ Muslims. There are so many things we would never know about the culture and way of living. There are things we would never even think about because it is totally different in Europe. That makes it even more interesting to get knowledge about this. It is good to learn about other cultures, ways of living etc. I would say it even develops me as a person and it was my pleasure reading it too. I would highly recommend the book of Mr. Al Lily. Thank you very much.

[Gary Pangsayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saudis are the least understood individuals in the world. Not surprisingly, mainstream media depicts them as conservative, strict and bigoted. The book is a welcome treat as it brings to the world an honest and refreshing take of the Saudi culture.

The author’s ingenious style in detailing how Saudi lives in and out the country coupled with the distinct wit, unparalleled wisdom and unexpected twists, introduced unique concepts in an amusing and humorous manner.

As an expatriate living here in Saudi Arabia, the book was an eye opener as i was transported and immersed to their means and ways of living.

[Mohammed Zawad · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many years, I struggled to remember everything about my culture when I brought my American friends to hometown. But not until I read The Bro Code of Saudi Culture by Abdul Al Lily, who covered most of our rules and values. This is the guide for expats who want to know how to deal with Saudi society and for future investors in Saudi Arabia. As a Saudi, I agree with Abdul - I am one of whom he refers to as being proud of being generous and over-jealous, as being the one who will never leave Saudi Arabia for good, as being the one whose wife covers her face, as the one who uses a partition in a restaurant. When someone comes and proposes to my daughter, I will ask everything about him. Yes, I am frustrated by drivers. All these are things and way more Abdul covers in his book.

[BRYAN KIM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is very entertaining and at the same time educative especially to us expats living here in the kingdom. It provides a glimpse of the Saudi culture and traditions as if I've experienced it in real life. Two-thumbs up to the author who've managed to highlight all the details of the Saudi culture from head-to-toe. Highly recommended!

[Jasmine Hr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing read for anyone who is interested in learning about a culture outside of their own! The author does an amazing job of making his culture come to life to the reader. It is a short, yet intensive book which makes it an excellent and intriguing read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is need of a good read!

[David Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ** The Bro Code of Saudi Culture: 1122 Bite-Sized Explanations of how the Human Body Acts in Arabia ** Read in Riyadh and Khobar, KSA (Nov-Dec 2023)

[Ge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job in explaining those "unwritten" Saudi customs to the outsiders. As a student living in Saudi for four years, I found the book very helpful for me to get to know this country and its people better.

[Marcella Lipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Amazing plot really supported by the storyline details!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol – I was laughing throughout the book. What makes the book interesting is that it is a reflection of an interestingly insane reality. I found the book very informative. Some things make you laugh while others are sad. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Saudi Arabia and Saudi culture. The book is amazing and so funny. Saudi culture is insane and here is the proof.

[Ahmad Yasheqor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I'm in Saudi Arabia and I've found it different to understand this culture, I felt obligated to read this book. Although I am a bit dyslexic, I've found this book easy to read because it's written in tweet-sized points. Why aren't all books written in tweet-sized points? I've learnt a lot a lot about Saudi culture through this book - to be honest, I don't know if I can even know more about this culture, as the book is unbelievably comprehensive and deliver SO many norms and habits. Literally, every sentence (or two sentences) covers one norm. THis book is surely well crafted.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Over the past 5 years, I have lived and worked in Saudi. I have found this book to be quite insightful and funny. I have observed these "rules" being played out in day to day life. The dynamics between Saudis and expats are shifting due to Saudization. Prior to this process, interactions with Saudis were of mythical proportions (you had heard of them but never really saw them, kinda like BigFoot). Now, interactions are prominent as more and more Saudis are working in all kinds of career fields then a decade ago. This book provides the bridge between expats and Saudi citizens offering better understanding of each other. Al Lily is correct as there is very little material available about Saudi life outside of the politically motivated agendas. He handles the subject matter effortlessly. He provides the first, of hopefully, many more resources to come.

[Abdul]

This book is featured and talked about in different languages by well-known figures, magazines, academic journals and newspapers. It is available in Spanish and soon in Chinese. It is added to the reading list of the Saudi-British Society, which declares the book to have ‘gained a lot of interest and attention’. It is ‘an easy read filled with great information and lots of laughs along the way’ (American blogger). It is ‘fascinating and witty, a bit of a hoot and fun’ (British academic journal reviewer). It is ‘suitable for intercultural communication’ (African Google Book reviewer). It ‘can be used as a “training manual” for expats’ (Jordanian reviewer). It ‘takes you from “oh ok, it makes sense” to “omg, are you serious???”’ (Romanian reviewer). It ‘provides guidance far beyond the other guidebooks’ (US Amazon reviewer). It involves ‘a ground-breaking easy-to-read presentation of [Saudi culture]’ (British reviewer). It shows ‘great one-liners about Saudi culture’ (Pakistani reviewer). It is ‘a smart responsible and ethical work’ (Saudi reviewer). It helps one understand Saudi culture ‘from every facet of their lives, literally!’ (UK Amazon reviewer). One Saudi reviewer said: ‘“yeah we do that” was a constant feeling throughout the book’. Another review is: ‘Living in Saudi Arabia for eight years[,] this book gives me a perspective I never would have anticipated!’ An Australian scholar wrote: ‘I found this a very illuminating examination of many of the peculiar practices I’ve encountered during fieldwork in the country’. A Dutch goodreads reviewer wrote: ‘When I started reading I could not stop.’