I will start of by saying that i do not recommend this. Dating in Saudi Arabia is like playing a game on hard mode. The rules are strict, the players are cautious, and the stakes feel sky-high. In a country where tradition and conservatism shape daily life, finding love or even just a date means navigating a maze of social norms and expectations. But despite the challenges. It was possible for me to get the flag. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
A Society Rooted in Tradition
I went to Saudi Arabia because a friend of mine that i had met on another trip invited me and i also had a work connection there so i decides. Why not work here for a month and do some networking. I have stayed in and dated other muslim women before from countries like Morocco, Indonesia, Lebanon, UAE and Malaysia so i know how to act and what to expect. Don’t come here if you have no experience in Muslim countries and definitely don’t come during ramadan.
Saudi Arabia’s dating scene is shaped by its deeply conservative and segregated society. Gender mixing between unrelated men and women is rare in public, governed by religious values and cultural norms. Walking up to someone at a café or park to strike up a conversation? That’s a cold approach you won’t see here—it’s not just frowned upon; it can land you in serious hot water or jail . Most interactions are carefully controlled, leaving little room for spontaneous romance. To get a chance then i recommend writing your number on a piece of paper and going to lounges or cafes with more open looking girls.
There are exceptions, like underground parties or private gatherings, where rules loosen up a bit. But these are hard to find—you need the right connections to even hear about them. And honestly, the vibe there often attracts a different crowd, not always the “girl next door” type you might hope to meet.
Personally i would not recommend going here unless you’re looking for an arab wife and even for that there are way better places like morrocco or lebanon. It is possible to find the rare tourist girls and even if it might not look like it on the surface every country no matter how strict the rules are will have some women willing to escape or break the rules.
The Struggle of Meeting Someone
How do you connect with people in a place where flirting in public just isn’t an option? It takes some ingenuity. Cold approaches might fly elsewhere, but here, they’re a dead end. Instead, many lean on digital tools—dating apps and social media have become essential for singles. Tinder’s big, but don’t think it’s easy. The gender ratio is absurd—think 1 woman to 50 men, maybe more. Standing out’s a challenge, though looking like an outsider can give you an edge.
I figured this out through trial and error. I recommend reading our post on how to take better tinder pics for to have a chance.
But the apps? Mostly a wasteland. In big Western cities, you might see 1 woman to 3 men. Here, it’s more like 1:50 or even 1:100. I tested it: made a male profile and a female one, swiped till I couldn’t anymore in a 1-kilometer radius. As a guy, I hit the limit at 100 swipes. As a woman, I couldn’t exhaust it after 5,000—in a city of 7 million. So, if you’re banking on apps, you’re fishing in a tiny pond of the single women out there.
Some say Twitter and Instagram work better—discreet messaging can open doors. But most women keep their accounts private and won’t reply to DMs unless they’re already on the hunt and you fit the bill. I skipped twitter but gave insta a shot. Met a few women that way, though the vibe was hit-or-miss—flakiness was rampant. This place is so divided, and the women are super reserved. They’ll chat for months online but dodge an in-person meet-up. My advice? Bring up meeting within days. If they’re not down, cut your losses—otherwise, you’re just burning time.
Then there are the “dating hotspots” in big cities—specific cafés, smoking lounges, or even streets where women might linger, waiting for a guy in a flashy car to roll by. If they like your ride and your vibe, you might score a Snapchat handle. It’s a quirky system, but it works for some. I tried it once, cruising a known spot in Riyadh, but it felt more like a gamble than a strategy.
The Traditional Path to Love
For many, dating isn’t even the goal—marriage is. Traditional arrangements still dominate here. Families play matchmaker, setting up supervised meetings between potential couples. If there’s a spark, they move toward engagement, getting to know each other with chaperones nearby. It’s a world away from Western dating, but it’s how most people I know found their partners. It’s structured, intentional, and surprisingly effective.
The laws
But it’s not just about finding someone online—there’s a legal side to dating here that you can’t ignore. Saudi Arabia’s laws are rooted in a strict interpretation of Sharia, including the male guardianship system. This means women need permission from a male guardian—usually a father, husband, or brother—for big decisions like marriage. So, even if you match with someone, their ability to meet you might be restricted by these rules.
Interactions between unrelated men and women come with strict regulations too. A chaperone is often required when meeting someone of the opposite sex, and public displays of affection? Forget it—they’re banned. Unmarried couples caught together in private could even face legal trouble, so discretion is a must. Recent reforms, like the 2022 Personal Status Law setting a minimum marriage age, have brought some change, but the guardianship system still looms large. Dating here isn’t just a social challenge—it’s a legal tightrope but if you’re careful you will manage.
My Own Dating Adventures
I’ve dipped my toes into all these waters. I lined up a few dates after a bunch of texting and talking on the phone. Girls would talk for weeks but shy away from meeting up. I learned to push for an in-person plan early to avoid wasting time.
Flirting here is an art form, too. You can’t just toss out playful jabs like you might elsewhere—what works in one culture can offend here. I stumbled at first, but I got better at reading the room. If you’re curious about striking that balance, this guide on how to tease women offers some solid tips that adapt well to this setting. Respect and subtlety go a long way.
My breakthroughs came through a friend’s gathering. A mutual connection introduced me to someone at a small, low-key event. We clicked over coffee, and after a few more meetups, things took off. It felt natural—proof that sometimes, old-school networking beats swiping.
I always met at my place or somwhere discreet. most were foreigners from lebanon or other arabic countries. It takes some cooking but some of the girls here can be wild but its 1 out of 1000.
Not a Place to get laid
This one should be obvious: Saudi Arabia isn’t built for casual hookups. The culture leans hard into serious relationships and marriage. If you’re hunting for a spot where flings come easy, check out this map of the best countries to get laid—Saudi Arabia won’t be on it. It’s just too tough here, and most people aren’t playing that game anyway.
Lessons from the Journey
Dating in Saudi Arabia isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands patience, cultural savvy, and a willingness to adapt. Whether you’re scrolling Tinder, DMing on Instagram, or waiting for a family intro, success hinges on authenticity and respect for the rules—written and unwritten.
For me, it was a rollercoaster that taught me plenty—about the culture, about dating, and about myself. The effort paid off when I met someone worth sticking with for the month. If you’re diving into this scene, take it slow, keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to tweak your approach. It’s a challenge, and tbh the rewards arent worth it unless you’re trying to find a conservative wife.
