What is the Saudi Arabian diet? Exploring Tradition and Modern Trends

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Global Nutrition Report, 45.5% of adult women and 34.3% of adult men in Saudi Arabia are living with obesity, partly due to a shift away from traditional eating patterns. This significant change raises the question: what is the Saudi Arabian diet, and how has it evolved from its traditional roots to its modern, Western-influenced form?

Quick Summary

This article examines the evolution of the Saudi Arabian diet, detailing its traditional core of hearty, communal dishes featuring rice, lamb, and dates, and the modern transition towards convenience and Western-style foods.

Key Points

Traditional Diet: The traditional Saudi diet relies on staples such as rice, wheat, dates, lamb, and dairy products, with meals often prepared communally.
National Dish: Kabsa, a flavorful rice and meat dish, is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia and is a cornerstone of traditional cuisine.
Modern Shift: The modern diet is characterized by an increased consumption of energy-dense, Western-style foods, fast food, and sugary beverages, leading to health issues like obesity.
Dietary Restrictions: Due to Islamic law, the consumption of pork and alcohol is strictly prohibited across the country.
Health Initiatives: The Saudi government has launched public health programs, including The Healthy Food Palm guidelines, to combat the rise of obesity and other diet-related diseases by encouraging healthier eating.
Importance of Dates: Dates are a highly nutritious and culturally significant food, providing fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
Regional Variations: Saudi cuisine features regional specialties, with coastal areas incorporating more seafood, while inland areas favor meat and heartier grain-based dishes.

The Traditional Saudi Arabian Diet

Rooted in Bedouin history and Islamic tradition, the traditional Saudi Arabian diet is a celebration of hospitality and shared meals, often enjoyed communally on the floor. The cuisine is robust, drawing from locally available ingredients and flavors shaped by the desert climate. Staples form the foundation of most meals, providing sustenance and energy. These traditional patterns contrast sharply with contemporary eating habits, which are increasingly influenced by global trends.

Staples of Traditional Saudi Cuisine

Dates: A key food source for centuries, dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, making them a nutritious staple.
Grains: Rice is central to many main courses, often seasoned with aromatic spices, while crushed wheat is used for dishes like Jareesh. Whole wheat flour is also common for breads.
Meat: Lamb and chicken are the most popular meats, while beef is less common. All meat is prepared according to Halal standards, and pork is prohibited.
Dairy: Products from sheep, goats, and camels, such as milk, yogurt (laban), and cheese, are integral to the diet.
Herbs and Spices: Flavor is derived from a variety of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and dried limes.
Vegetables and Legumes: Vegetables and legumes, such as fava beans (Ful Medames) and chickpeas, are also part of traditional meals.

Iconic Traditional Dishes

Several dishes stand out as epitomes of traditional Saudi cuisine, often representing regional specialties:

Kabsa: The national dish, Kabsa, is a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (chicken or lamb) and spices, often garnished with nuts and raisins.
Jareesh: Made from crushed wheat, this creamy porridge-like dish can be prepared plain or with meat and vegetables.
Saleeg: A creamy, comforting rice dish cooked in broth and milk, often served with roasted meat.
Thareed: A hearty lamb and vegetable stew served with flatbread.

The Shift to a Modern Saudi Diet

In recent decades, Saudi Arabia's rapid economic development and urbanization have led to a dramatic shift in dietary patterns, moving away from traditional, unprocessed foods towards energy-dense, Western-style diets. This change has had significant public health implications.

Characteristics of the Modern Saudi Diet

Increased Fast Food and Convenience Food: High consumption of fast food and processed foods, often high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat, is a major trend.
Sugary Drinks: A high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is prevalent, especially among younger populations.
Decreased Fiber Intake: The shift from whole grains to refined cereals, along with insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption, has lowered overall dietary fiber.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Reduced physical activity, particularly among women, compounds the negative health effects of poor diet.

Government Health Initiatives

Recognizing the health crisis, the Saudi government has implemented strategies like the Health Sector Transformation Programme and promoted The Healthy Food Palm dietary guidelines. These initiatives aim to educate the public on healthy eating and physical activity to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. For more on these efforts, consult the Food and Agriculture Organization's dietary guidelines for Saudi Arabia.

Traditional vs. Modern Saudi Diet: A Comparison


Feature	Traditional Saudi Diet	Modern Saudi Diet
Core Ingredients	Whole grains, lamb, chicken, dates, milk, yogurt, seasonal vegetables	Refined cereals, red meat, processed foods, sugary drinks, high-fat snacks
Preparation	Often slow-cooked, boiled, or grilled with herbs and spices	Heavy use of frying and processed ingredients
Energy Density	Moderate to high, but from natural, wholesome sources	High energy density from added sugars and saturated fats
Fiber Content	Abundant in dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains	Significantly lower fiber intake
Meal Structure	Communal, large, shared meals with less snacking	Individualized meals, more frequent snacking, and eating out
Health Impact	Traditionally associated with lower incidence of modern chronic disease	Linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabian diet is a dynamic reflection of the country's evolution, moving from a tradition-rich, communal eating culture to a more Westernized, convenience-driven food landscape. While traditional meals, with their emphasis on wholesome ingredients like dates, grains, and meats, remain culturally significant, modern lifestyle changes have led to an increase in less healthy food consumption. The ongoing efforts by the government to promote healthier eating patterns are crucial for addressing the public health challenges posed by this dietary shift. Ultimately, the future of the Saudi Arabian diet will depend on balancing respect for culinary heritage with the adoption of healthier, more sustainable eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional Saudi meal typically includes staple ingredients like rice, dates, wheat, lamb, chicken, and dairy products. Spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are also commonly used for flavor.

No, pork is not consumed in Saudi Arabia. Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit the consumption of pork and alcohol, are followed throughout the country.

Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia. It is a mixed rice dish featuring meat (typically chicken or lamb) that is cooked in a fragrant spiced broth. It is often garnished with nuts and raisins.

The diet has shifted from traditional, wholesome foods toward more energy-dense, Western-style meals, including an increased consumption of fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks. This is a result of urbanization and lifestyle changes.

Yes, dates are a very significant part of the Saudi diet, both culturally and nutritionally. They are a rich source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants and are often consumed during celebrations and Ramadan.

The Saudi government has launched health initiatives, including The Healthy Food Palm dietary guidelines and a healthy food strategy, to educate the public and curb the rising rates of obesity and other diet-related diseases.

Yes, regional variations exist due to climate and geography. Coastal regions, for example, feature more seafood, while inland areas traditionally rely more on meat and grains.