In Saudi Arabia, the oppressive heat of the day gives way to a vibrant, albeit unconventional, social scene when the sun sets. While many may assume that the country’s strict laws limit social interactions, the reality is far different. As the clock strikes 10 PM, life in cities like Jeddah comes alive in a way that would be unrecognizable to those accustomed to Western nightlife.
With alcohol banned and social norms that restrict public displays of affection, Saudi youth turn to alternatives. Coffee shops become the main hangout spots, where groups of young people gather to chat, sip on local brews, and engage in lively conversation. It’s not the bar scene many might expect, but it’s a thriving, unique social environment all the same. As locals explained, the night is when everything happens — after a long day spent resting to escape the blistering heat, the evening becomes their time to socialize.
Aisha, a local who asked to remain anonymous, shared her perspective on the unique social dynamic. While dating is technically forbidden, young people find ways to meet each other. “We drive around the area and meet new people now and then,” she explained. “There’s no need to do anything about it.” Her words reflect the underlying defiance against societal rules, which, while strict, don’t entirely suppress the desire for connection.
Diego Perez, a Mexican expat who has lived in Saudi Arabia for over five years, recounted his own adjustment to the local culture. “When I first arrived, it was tough,” he admitted. “But now, I enjoy it. Coffee spots are my favourite because I get to enjoy different coffees while socializing and networking.” Diego also noted the subtle ways men and women engage with each other at night. “Women put on their makeup and let their hair loose to meet us men, and we do the same. That’s the least we can do, just watch,” he chuckled. At night, when the traffic thickens, it becomes easier for strangers to chat while in their cars, occasionally exchanging app details or phone numbers.
Saudi Arabia’s nightlife may not resemble the party scenes of Western cities, but it is a testament to how people find ways to socialize, connect, and even flirt in a society bound by strict rules. In the stillness of the Arabian desert, the night unveils a world of human interaction, from casual coffee meetings to quiet moments of forbidden connection on the highways.
