Saudi Arabia’s Surprising Affinity for American Culture and Dunkin’ Donuts

Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape presents a surprising embrace of American brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, fueled by long-standing U.S. ties and the Vision 2030 initiative. The country boasts a vibrant presence of American fast-food chains and lifestyle influences, challenging the image of religious austerity and illustrating the depth of Western engagement in daily life.

Despite its reputation steeped in religious conservatism, Saudi Arabia is revealing a notable enthusiasm for American brands and cultural influences, particularly exemplified by Dunkin’ Donuts. This relationship, rooted in a historical alliance that blends oil interests with security collaborations, remains resilient, even amid shifting political tides and regional tensions. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is enhancing this dynamic by welcoming greater corporate American presence, which influences local consumer behaviors and societal norms.

In Riyadh, a notable case study is Fahd, a 31-year-old mechanical engineer who spent nine years in Tennessee. He found solace in Dunkin’ Donuts, maintaining consistency with his daily order. Returning to Riyadh, he quickly identified a familiarity in his routine. “When I came here, thank God, the same café and same order were here too,” he remarked. It highlights the deep intertwined relationship Saudis have developed with American brands that often surprises outsiders.

Home to Islam’s holiest sites, Saudi Arabia is often envisioned as a conservative society that shuns Western influence. However, the reality paints a different picture, revealing over 600 Dunkin’ Donuts locations that cater to approximately 250,000 customers daily from a population of around 35 million. Other American establishments, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, and Starbucks, have also found a thriving market amidst the towering office parks and congested streets of Riyadh, characterized by an abundance of large American vehicles.

The historic relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States dates back to a foundational meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Saud and President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II, cementing a reliance on oil and military security. Given this complex history, the Saudi riyal’s linkage to the US dollar has further reinforced this bond. Although the relationship has faced significant challenges, including past oil embargoes and tragic events linked to terrorism, the cultural affinity for American products endures.

For many Saudis, dining in American restaurants remains an unwavering passion. Dalal Abdulaziz, a 28-year-old Saudi, emphasized, “The one thing we never disagree on is going to an American restaurant — especially Buffalo Wild Wings.” The frequent consumption of American fast food has integrated itself into their lifestyle, mirroring the frequency of traditional Saudi meals in their diets. This cultural exchange extends to nearly every neighborhood, attesting to the pervasive presence of American fast food.

Adding to this cultural exchange are the components of Saudi Vision 2030, which spearhead economic diversification and invite foreign investments. The once-prohibited live entertainment scene is flourishing, with MMA and professional wrestling now part of everyday life, exposing Saudis to broader US cultural elements. According to Andrew Leber from Tulane University, the level of American branding infiltrating Saudi Arabia may shock many Americans.

In light of the similarities in climate and societal structures, some argue that Saudi Arabia mirrors parts of the American landscape. “Texas is close to Riyadh in terms of climate,” Fahd noted, drawing parallels not just between geography but also sociocultural dynamics.

For the expatriate community, particularly Americans residing in the Kingdom, the fondness for US products fosters a sense of connection. “It always… reminds me of home and keeps that connection with the places that I’ve seen since I’ve been growing up,” Joshua Dunning, a business developer in a Saudi tech firm, reflected. These American brands are not merely commercial entities; they are threads connecting the diverse fabric of life in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s unexpected embrace of American culture and products, especially exemplified by Dunkin’ Donuts, starkly contrasts with its perception as a deeply conservative state. The historical ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, along with the ongoing Vision 2030 initiative, facilitate a blend of cultural influences and consumer habits. This emerging dynamic reflects how globalization is reshaping traditional societies, fostering a unique intertwining of local and Western lifestyles.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com