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The spectacular comeback victory of the Vietnam U23 team against the formidable UAE U23 team at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium created a real sensation among fans. Immediately after the final whistle, there was a surge in searches for airline tickets and travel information about Saudi Arabia.
Data from Google Trends shows an unprecedented surge in the keyword "Saudi Arabia travel" recently. However, the trip to Saudi Arabia to support Coach Kim Sang-sik's team in the semi-finals is not simply a trip to cheer them on. For many fans, it's also their first time setting foot in a unique culture, where rules and taboos must be respected.
The convincing victory of the Vietnamese U23 team has led many Vietnamese fans to be willing to fly abroad to cheer them on.
Halal food rules: No pork, no alcoholic beverages.
Saudi Arabia is known as a land of sacred sites, where the Halal Islamic principle permeates every aspect of social life. For Vietnamese fans, the biggest obstacle to overcome is the issue of cuisine.
Vietnamese fans need to be aware of the strict Islamic cultural rules regarding dress code and behavior when traveling to Saudi Arabia, in order to ensure a safe and culturally respectful trip to support their team.
In this kingdom, the consumption of pork in any form is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer are virtually non-existent in the list of publicly traded goods.
Visitors should take particular care not to intentionally bring these products in their checked baggage, as security at Saudi Arabia's international airports is extremely strict and any violations can lead to serious legal trouble before you even get to the stands.
Dress and appearance: The subtlety of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
The issue of attire when appearing in public is another important point that the "Golden Star Warriors" need to remember. For female fans, choosing clothing requires absolute respect for the local culture. Short, off-the-shoulder, or overly tight outfits are completely inappropriate here.
Female tourists in Saudi Arabia are advised to choose modest and respectful clothing. Public spaces may also be divided into separate areas for men and women based on time of day.
Instead, a long-sleeved shirt paired with wide-legged trousers is considered the most standard and safest choice. A small but extremely useful tip is that travelers should always carry a light scarf. This scarf not only helps protect against the harsh desert sun but is also a necessary accessory to cover the head when passing through religiously sensitive areas, helping travelers avoid troublesome conflicts.
Areas that are "sensitive" to the camera lens.
Gender segregation in public spaces in Saudi Arabia is also a unique feature that may surprise Vietnamese tourists. In parks, beaches, and at the entrances to some tourist attractions, gender-based zoning rules are strictly enforced during specific hours. Carefully observing signage is essential to avoid disruptions to your itinerary.
In particular, photography in Saudi Arabia requires utmost caution. Absolutely no pointing of the camera at local Muslim women without their consent is permitted. Areas such as government buildings, military facilities, and royal palaces are all restricted from filming and photography to ensure national security.
Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia need to exercise extreme caution to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Communication culture
In communication, the culture here emphasizes moderation. Even for legally married couples, holding hands, putting arms around each other, or displaying excessive affection in public is considered uncivilized behavior.
It's important to remember these rules to avoid unnecessary problems.
However, the locals are very hospitable if you know how to behave appropriately. In meetings, a sincere handshake is the most polite way to greet someone. Interestingly, you should stand close to the person you're talking to; maintaining too much distance can be misinterpreted as disrespectful. Conversely, kissing on the cheek, which is common in the West, should be absolutely avoided during initial interactions here.
Health and safety and local tipping culture
A practical health note that tourists cannot ignore is the water supply. The tap water system here may contain certain parasites that are unsuitable for foreigners. To ensure the best health during your cheering moments at the stadium, you should only use bottled water for all your needs, from drinking to brushing your teeth.
In addition, tipping culture is an integral part of traveling in Saudi Arabia. From taxi drivers to service staff, paying an extra 10% of the bill is considered polite practice, making your journey smoother and ensuring you receive more enthusiastic support from the locals.
