What is a common greeting in Saudi Arabia?

A common greeting in Saudi Arabia is "Peace be upon you," which is a direct translation of the Arabic phrase "As-salamu alaykum." This greeting is widely used among Muslims and is a significant part of everyday interaction in the country, reflecting the cultural importance of respect and good wishes in greetings. It is customary for people to respond with "Wa alaykum as-salam," meaning "And upon you be peace," thereby reciprocating the expression of goodwill.

The other options, while they may be common greetings in various cultures or languages, do not hold the same cultural significance or widespread use in Saudi Arabia. "Howdy" is informal and regional, primarily used in parts of the United States. "Hello" is a generic greeting that lacks the cultural depth found in traditional Arabic greetings. "Hola," being the Spanish word for hello, is not relevant in a Saudi context where Arabic is the official language and cultural expressions are rooted deeply in that language.