American-style chicken wings and trucks appear to be a surprising fascination in Saudi Arabia.
Fahd, a mechanical engineer in Riyadh, reflects the Saudi Arabian fondness for all things American that unexpectedly flourishes in this religiously austere nation.
"Same cafe, same order, thank God," Fahd, a 31-year-old who prefers to keep his family name private, remarks with a grin. "I've embraced an American lifestyle here just like I did back in the States."
Despite Saudi Arabia's global reputation as an Islamic holy site and a traditional society, Western corporate influence, particularly from American companies, permeates daily life. Cityscapes brim with American fast-food chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck-e-Cheese, and Starbucks, while traffic-crowded streets bustle with massive American SUVs and pickup trucks.
Saudi Arabia and the US have shared a tight bond stretching back to the historical meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Saud, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and US president Franklin Roosevelt on a US cruiser during World War II's final months. Throughout the years, the US has provided significant military protections and securities in exchange for exclusive access to Saudi's vast oil reserves. As such, the US dollar is pegged to the Saudi riyal, and prominent political figures like Donald Trump maintain regular visits to the kingdom.
Despite challenging patches, including oil embargoes, tragic events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the brutal murder of US-based dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi-US relationship remains intact. This connection, fueled by factors like mutual love for American food, cars, and movies, endures even after brief grassroots campaigns to boycott American products in the MENA region.
Taking a bite of her favorite food, chicken wings, Dalal Abdulaziz, a 28-year-old communications professional, explains, "You'll find American restaurants in every neighborhood here. We eat them weekly, like Saudi food."
Similarly, Khaled Salman Al-Dosari, a 21-year-old student in Riyadh, concurs, "American companies' products have become an integral part of our daily lives."
The incorporation of American companies into Saudi Arabia has intensified significantly in recent years thanks to the country's Vision 2030 agenda, a comprehensive economic diversification plan. Prior restrictions on entertainment, such as live music and cinema, have been lifted, paving the way for the introduction of MMA fights and US professional wrestling.
Andrew Leber, a political scientist at Tulane University, points out, "Many Americans might be surprised by the extent of American brands in Saudi Arabia."
Reminiscent of suburban Dallas in terms of climate and conservatism, Saudi Arabia's people share similarities with Texans. Fahd, the mechanical engineer, strikes this chord, noting, "The climate is similar, and their people are conservative like us."
The strong presence of American brands in Saudi Arabia is profitable for the numerous American workers who reside in the kingdom, particularly those in the oil industry. "It's always a pleasant reminder, bridging the gap between my past and present experiences," says Joshua Dunning, a 36-year-old American business developer at a Saudi tech firm. "Seeing familiar brands and products here in Saudi never fails to bring back fond memories."
© 2025 AFP
The mechanical engineer Fahd's favorite cafe serves a daily reminder of his American past in Riyadh.
Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck-e-Cheese, and Starbucks are common fixtures in Saudi Arabia's cityscapes, reflecting Western corporate influence.
Dalal Abdulaziz, a communications professional, admits to eating American food weekly, like she did in the United States.
Khaled Salman Al-Dosari, a student in Riyadh, acknowledges that American companies' products have become an integral part of their daily lives.
Andrew Leber, a political scientist at Tulane University, highlights the surprising extent of American brands in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's people share similarities with Texans, particularly in terms of conservatism, as Fahd, the mechanical engineer, observes.
The strong presence of American brands in Saudi Arabia benefits American workers, such as Joshua Dunning, a business developer, who appreciates the familiarity and nostalgia it brings to his work life in the kingdom.
