RIYADH: A British man raised in the UAE for eight years of his life before moving back to the UK is living the multicultural dream after embracing his love of Arab culture, as well as the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s language and heritage.
John Bin London, who has a global fanbase on TikTok, often shares videos of himself in traditional Saudi attire.
In one viral video, which currently has around 1.5 million views, he shows his coworkers trying Saudi coffee and eating dates. He teaches them to eat the date with their right hand followed by coffee poured from a traditional dallah into a finjan.
He has also used the social media platform to document his trips to the Kingdom, garnering a positive response from Arabs around the world.
Although London does not have an Arabian background, he is often mistaken for a Saudi national. He grew up in the UAE, interacting with locals and immersing himself in the traditional lifestyle.
A typical day with his friends would involve lounging with Arabic coffee, learning the language in the process. He would also pick up the cultural etiquette and mannerisms of those around him.
“My language was English, I couldn’t speak Arabic other than basic words that expats know, but my lifestyle was (such) that every day I was in the desert and my friends were all Bedouins,” he told Arab News.
London’s passion for Arab culture led him to teach himself the language and build his expertise in Najdi Arabic, more specifically a northern Bedouin dialect.
“I am someone who has been raised with multiple cultures and I have traveled the world, but the one that really influenced me are the people from Saudi Arabia,” he explained.
“I have been saying for years that Saudi Arabia is the future. This is partially due to leadership and partially to do with the people. Saudi people are extremely creative and think outside of the box.”
Discussing the positivity of Saudi hospitality and culture, he added: “When you know Saudis, you don’t see negative influence. They elevate us (westerners) in our identity, education, culture and mannerisms … I wish that Saudis could see what a positive impact they have on us and they should be proud of that.”
Through friends, YouTube videos, and books, London advanced his knowledge of the language. Within a week he learned how to read and write Misnad script, an ancient alphabet engraved in many parts of AlUla’s inscriptions.
“I have this thing where I have to understand everything to feel I understand something very simple,” he added.
During his first trip to the Kingdom in 2022, London regularly visited Diriyah, which is one of his favorite places, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif.
He said he had dreamed about going there for years. “I would drink my Arabic coffee and watch videos about Diriyah … once I arrived, I got my thobes tailored and the next day went,” he told Arab News.
“From the morning till the night, I am in Diriyah and At-Turaif exploring the place happily. I even Facetimed my mom and brother while I was there to show her the place.”
Although London is based in the UK, he supports Saudi fashion and coffee roasteries. During his Arab News interview, he wore a shirt by Saudi streetwear brand Not Boring which was among 30 brands featured during Riyadh Fashion Week.
“When you look at traditional culture like Saudi clothing and dress, the detail and jewelry that is put into everything is extremely creative, it has always been there,” he said.
