Saudi Arabia showcases a surprising affinity for American culture, prominently represented by Dunkin’ Donuts and other fast-food brands. This relationship is underpinned by historical ties in oil and security. The Vision 2030 initiative further enhances American corporate presence, while Saudis embrace American lifestyle elements in everyday life, challenging conventional perceptions of the Kingdom’s conservative image.
In a surprising twist that contrasts with its conservative image, Saudi Arabia has developed a notable enthusiasm for American culture and brands. Fast food chains like Dunkin’ Donuts are front and center in this cultural affection, which not only reflects a deep commercial connection but also a historical alliance rooted in oil and security despite ongoing regional tensions. The Saudi Vision 2030 plan is expected to enhance this presence of American companies further, solidifying their influence on daily life within the Kingdom.
In Riyadh, Fahd, a 31-year-old mechanical engineer who spent nine years in Tennessee, illustrates this connection. He fondly recalls his daily visits to Dunkin’ Donuts, thanks to its familiarity upon returning to Saudi Arabia. “When I came here, thank God, the same café and same order were here too,” he expressed while reflecting on the lifestyle he continues to lead in the Kingdom. With 600 Dunkin’ locations, the brand caters to nearly 250,000 of Saudi Arabia’s 35 million people every day, showcasing a hybrid social experience.
Saudi Arabia, renowned as a bastion of Islamic tradition, is nevertheless bustling with American corporate influence. Fast food establishments like Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, and Starbucks have become commonplace in and around Riyadh’s shopping centers. On the roads, large American SUVs dominate the streets, emphasizing the extent of this cultural amalgamation.
The ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States trace back to the close relationship established during World War II between King Abdulaziz and President Franklin Roosevelt aboard a US cruiser in the Suez Canal. This cooperation laid the foundation for military alliances that have largely insulated the Saudi oil industry, ensuring the Saudi riyal remains pegged to the US dollar. Notable American leaders, like former President Donald Trump, have also periodically visited Saudi Arabia, underscoring the intertwined fates of both nations.
History, however, has not been free of challenges. Episodes such as the 1970s oil crisis, the September 11 attacks by Saudi nationals, and the Khashoggi incident in 2018—resulting in strained relations—raise questions about the longevity of American influence. Nevertheless, the attraction to American food and culture remains remarkably resilient. Dalal Abdulaziz, a 28-year-old, firmly states, “The one thing we never disagree on is going to an American restaurant — especially Buffalo Wild Wings.”
Moreover, the American presence is pervasive in Saudi Arabia. Khaled Salman Al-Dosari, a 21-year-old student, points out, “It is hard to find a single street in Saudi Arabia without an American brand on offer.” American products are viewed as ingrained in the fabric of daily Saudi life, often indistinguishable from local fare.
The Vision 2030 initiative promotes foreign investment, further embedding American companies into the Saudi marketplace. Entertainment options have dramatically shifted—no longer constrained—as live music and cinemas make a notable comeback, while venues for MMA and professional wrestling proliferate.
Andrew Leber from Tulane University notes, “Many Americans would be surprised at the extent to which American brands are all over Saudi Arabia.” Observers even draw parallels between Riyadh’s environment and parts of Texas. Fahd underscores these connections, stating, “Texas is close to Riyadh in terms of climate, and its people are conservative like us.”
For Americans residing in Saudi Arabia, this connection to familiar brands can evoke a sense of home. Joshua Dunning, an American business developer in the kingdom, reflects, “It always reminds me of home and keeps that connection with the places that I’ve seen since I’ve been growing up.” Thus, the apparent cultural contradictions in Saudi Arabia reveal a complicated, yet deeply intertwined relationship with American brands and lifestyles.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s affection for American culture, encapsulated by brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Buffalo Wild Wings, challenges the perception of a strictly religious society. The historical ties between the two nations, deepened through oil and security agreements, continue to manifest in everyday Saudi life, especially as the Kingdom ventures towards economic diversification with its Vision 2030 plan. Despite the complexities and historical tensions, the fondness for American culture persists, reflecting a unique blending of societies that surprises many.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
