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. (less)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I read all 666 rules in one night! It’s a fascinating read. I have online friends from Saudi and they expected it to be inaccurate but did, in fact, confirm everything I quoted to them. I now feel it has given me a deeper understanding of our interactions and also the interactions I’ve witnessed between them.
The Bro Code of Saudi Culture 