How do I thank/welcome belatedly our new Saudi family to our neighborhood?
Last night around 7 pm I met a nice man who said he was my new neighbor. He had brought over a box of shoes I had ordered which were misdelivered to his house across the street. He said they are from Saudi Arabia and he works here in New Haven (I'm guessing Yale). H e said he had not been visited by anyone here when they moved in (which is a custom in his country). Of course, I thanked him and told him we were a retired couple, etc (I was in the middle of a phone call when he came but I got off the phone and we had a brief conversation).
I would like to thank him. Would it be OK if I bought his family some pastries and a festive bottle of non alcoholic sparkling grape juice which we drink (I can also get Kedem, which is kosher)? I would also have a thank you/welcome card to accompany the food and drink.
Does anyone know of any welcoming custom in his culture that I could adopt to welcome/thank him? I feel almost stupid that no one welcomed him to the neighborhood when he and his family moved in.
Thank you for any help you can offer.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I did a short stint in S. Arabia and while the professionals I worked with had more western exposure through education, etc., I'd guess your neighbors do too. I think they would be heartened at the gesture. The first thing most Arab families do with guests--whether in S. Arabia, Jordan, Egypt-- is to invite them in for mint tea (heavily sugared-LOL) and usually a light meal or snack. So, I'd expect that will happen in return for your gesture.
As to the non-Alcohol sparkling grape juice. That could probably work or even a box of fine tea. If you have a Middle Eastern grocery, they can offer some suggestions. I will say that once outside the Kingdom, you might be surprised that quite a few Saudis actually do drink alcohol, forbidden though it might be. I remember a flight from Riyadh back to the far more liberal confines of Cairo, when the flight attendant reminded a number of us to use the restrooms if needed early, as they quickly filled up with Saudis changing into western clothes (and once they did many would order alcohol, if the flights did not include a Mutawah or two).
Obviously, that's not something you'd assume at all, but don't be surprised if you do learn it to be the case.
Most of all, I think they need to know there is (at least) one friendly face in the neighborhood. Others may not be so welcoming. BTW, I never met a Saudi who didn't have a "sweet tooth"...
Kind of you to be so thoughtful. I messaged my son who is in the State Department and worked in Saudi Arabia for two years. He thought your idea of pastries and sparkle is a good one, but suggested you add a pretty little card to the bottle, clearly stating that it does not contain alcohol. Sometimes it’s kind of obscurely noted on the bottles themselves.
Enjoy your new friendship! 
Try these sites for guidance:
Waterloo International
Saudi Arabian cultural customs
Link: https://uwaterloo.ca/international/saudi-arabian-cultural-customs
Example:
Pointing at another person
Using your left hand
The "thumbs-up" gesture
and.......
Welcome to our Guide to Saudi Arabian Culture, Customs, Business Practices & Etiquette
Commisceo Global
Link: https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/saudi-arabia-guide
Good luck and thanks for trying to be a good neighbor.
Good example of following the Golden Rule!.....
