Saudi Arabia’s Surprising Affinity for American Culture and Dunkin’ Donuts
Saudi Arabia showcases an unexpected affinity for American culture, exemplified by the popularity of Dunkin’ Donuts. Despite a conservative image, American brands permeate daily life, reinforced by a long-standing U.S.-Saudi alliance focused on oil and security. The Vision 2030 plan further fosters this connection, enabling an increased American corporate presence, even as historical tensions persist.
In an unexpected twist, Saudi Arabia has cultivated a profound fondness for American culture, highlighted by the popularity of Dunkin’ Donuts. While commonly viewed through the lens of strict religious values, the Kingdom embraces multiple aspects of U.S. society, from fast food to entertainment. This cultural intermingling is sustained by a long-standing strategic partnership concerning oil and security, despite occasional tensions in their historical backdrop.
During his nine-year tenure in Tennessee, Fahd, a 31-year-old mechanical engineer, found solace in Dunkin’ Donuts, where consistency was key as he ordered the same thing daily. Back in Riyadh now, he continues that familiar routine, emphasizing the surprising extent of Saudi Arabia’s affection for American culture. “When I came here, thank God, the same café and same order were here too,” he remarked, illustrating how he mirrors his American lifestyle in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia, a country known for its religious significance, being home to Islam’s holiest sites, also boasts over 600 Dunkin’ Donuts branches, serving around 250,000 locals each day, as per franchise reports. Despite its traditional image, the Saudi landscape resonates with influence from American brands, noticeably featuring Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, and Starbucks throughout its urban centers. American SUVs and trucks dominate the busy streets, showcasing this cultural crossover.
The alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia traces back to their first leaders — King Abdulaziz and President Franklin Roosevelt — who forged an essential handshake aboard a U.S. cruiser during the latter stages of World War II. Following that, the U.S. has provided military protection in exchange for access to vast Saudi oil reserves. The Saudi riyal’s tie to the U.S. dollar further cements this financial bond.
This relationship, though historically troubled by events like the oil embargo of the 1970s, the September 11 attacks, and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, not only prevails but thrives. Many Saudis retain strong ties with U.S. culture, especially amidst a regional boycott of American products influenced by the Israel-Hamas conflict. “The one thing we never disagree on is going to an American restaurant,” noted Dalal Abdulaziz, 28, as she expressed her love for Buffalo Wild Wings, akin to traditional Saudi cuisine in frequency.
Khaled Salman Al-Dosari, a 21-year-old student, emphasized that American brands are now a standard feature of daily life in Saudi Arabia. “American companies’ products have become an inseparable part of our day,” he stated, highlighting the omnipresent nature of these brands in the Kingdom. The Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda aims to build on this momentum by facilitating further foreign investment in the market, including entertainment, which has seen a resurgence with live music and cinema.
Recent years have witnessed MMA fights and U.S. professional wrestling become part of the entertainment mix here. Andrew Leber, a political science expert at Tulane University, remarked on the prevalence of American brands within Saudi society, asserting that many Americans would be surprised by their ubiquity. The geographical and cultural parallels between regions, such as between Riyadh and Texas, contribute to this intertwining of lifestyles.
American expatriates in Saudi Arabia also find comfort in this cultural exchange. Joshua Dunning, a 36-year-old American working in the local tech industry, voiced that these familiar products serve as a bridge to home, strengthening his connections to his upbringing. “It always… reminds me of home and keeps that connection with the places that I’ve seen,” he said, underscoring how deeply intertwined these cultures have become.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s unexpected embrace of American culture reflects a complex relationship that intertwines commerce and tradition. With the prominence of American fast food chains like Dunkin’ Donuts, the Kingdom demonstrates a cultural affinity that may raise eyebrows among observers. Despite underlying tensions throughout their history, the strategic ties between the countries continue to thrive, reinforced by the Vision 2030 economic plan, opening the floodgates for further American influence. While navigating their unique social landscape, Saudis appear to integrate these American brands into the fabric of daily life, making them a prevalent aspect of contemporary culture.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
