During his nine years in Tennessee, Fahd, a Saudi national, found comfort in Dunkin’ Donuts, sticking to the same order each day. Now back in Riyadh, he continues this routine, reflecting the growing Saudi affinity for American brands, which might surprise some given the country’s traditionally conservative image.
“When I came here, thank God, the same cafe and same order were here too,” says Fahd, a 31-year-old mechanical engineer. “I started living the same lifestyle here as I did in America.”
Despite Saudi Arabia being home to Islam’s holiest sites and attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims annually, the country is increasingly influenced by Western culture, especially American companies. With over 600 Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in Saudi Arabia, the chain serves about a quarter of a million people daily. Other American franchises, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, and Starbucks, are common in Riyadh’s shopping centers and office parks. The city is also filled with American SUVs and pickup trucks, further cementing the country’s ties to the U.S.
The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia has roots that go back to World War II, when King Abdulaziz and U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt met aboard a U.S. cruiser. Over the decades, this partnership has included military support and access to Saudi oil reserves, with the Saudi riyal pegged to the U.S. dollar. Despite occasional tensions, including the 1970s oil embargo and the 9/11 attacks, the bond remains strong, with American culture continuing to play a significant role in Saudi life.
Americans in Saudi Arabia are part of a community that enjoys familiar comforts. “The one thing we never disagree on is going to an American restaurant,” says Dalal Abdulaziz, 28. American fast food, especially Buffalo Wild Wings, has become as ingrained in Saudi life as traditional food. “We eat it weekly, almost like Saudi food,” she adds.
The influence of U.S. companies is only growing, as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic plan opens the door to further investment and cultural integration. Live music, cinemas, and even American wrestling events are now part of the entertainment scene. This extensive presence of American brands has a deep-rooted connection with Saudi culture, blending tradition with modernity.
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