could i wear shorts in saudi arabia? because i've heard they're really strict there on what women wear. i'd love to travel the middle-east but i'm afraid that they're gonna hate me because i'm American.
2006-06-14 13:22:44 · 15 answers · asked by Alexis Samira 5 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Saudi Arabia
the middle east in general is pretty nice.....Saudi Arabia is very nice..I'm from Saudi...but like the other guy said you have to dress appropriately we nice malls, nice hotels, the food and culture are also wonderful here..Riyadh is the capital .(very nice buildings and if you like designer stuff, theres some pretty nice stores) jeddah is also nice...I'm from the eastern area...many westerners like the eastern parts like Khobar people here are nice and it's very close to Bahrain only 30 minutes or less.....Bahrain is a totally different city...pretty much like any other western country...but theres nothing much to do,,,,you should consider Dubai...for westerners Dubai is probably the best....it's a very modern city that has alot of culture and tradition...nice beaches and hotels(probably the best in the world....(dont forget or skiis) they have an ice city ( i dont know the name but very nice) they also have nice dessert resorts and great malls......another great place is lebanon....it will remind you of greece or cyprus...you should go to a travel agency or just search the net for more info....if you want any on saudi i will be happy to answer you anytime....
2006-06-15 01:26:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sure, if you are darker hair you could pass as non-american. Learn a couple of greetings. And you wear a headress and loose dress down to feet. I heard about the "morale police" whohit the ankles of the female saudis if they see them with long sticks. Yikes, hope that is true and I am not just spreading BS. Bahrain is much more liberal than Saudi. I would go to Bahrain because it is more of a tourist attraction, like what westerners are used to. Qatar is even better. Beaches in both places. But if you are looking for beauty and Mid East culture go to Jordan, they have that beautiful temple in the mountains, I forget what it is called, but I have always wanted to go there. And I think the King's Father(K.Hussein) there married an american,so they gotta at least be tolerant of us, right?. THe current king is Abdullah 2. And Tunisia is where they filmed the first star wars.
2006-06-15 17:35:52 · answer #2 · answered by forgetfulmouse 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whereever you go, the Middle East or some other place, you have to respect the regulations and traditions of that country. Saudi Arabia is very strict. You not only expected to dress decently, but you have to wear a black robe or dress over your clothes. Something like tight clothes is not acceptable. In most areas, a head cover is also needed, even if put loosely over the head. How strict these things are observed differs from one place to another in Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain is more liberal. You can dress freely, but still some modesty is expected. Shorts might be acceptable, but not too short. But you have to cover the upper part of your body in a modest way. These might be acceptable in the regulations of the country, but you should expect some frowns from the local people.
2006-06-14 18:13:42 · answer #3 · answered by imdashti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bahrain would be the better choice. However, it is very important that you respect the culture of the people of whatever land you may visit. If going to the Middle East, as uncomfortable as it may be, you might consider wearing a longer dress. Anything that comes close to their cultural attire is good, but not too close if you don't want to run the chance of being mistaken for a Saudi Arabian feminist radical (they usually don't last long over there).
2006-06-14 13:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by TWB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is safe both in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Waring shorts in public is not accepted in Saudi Arabian (Islamic in general) values. You can do what ever you want if you are in a private place. It is that simple!
I urge you to come and see by your self. People of both countries are friendly and generous. Saudi Arabia is bigger of course and has more diversity. If you come to Saudi Arabia I recommend Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar and some historical places you can search for by using google. I dont know that much about Bahrain but it is an island. You can reach it through King Fahad's cause way.
It is a good opportunity to explore my country and tell others about it when you go back home. And you will see whats making me proud to be Saudi.
2006-06-14 21:51:16 · answer #5 · answered by zxcpoi 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You couldn't wear shorts in Saudi Arabia, but you can in Dubai, Cairo, Bahrain and Lebanon. I saw many tourists in pyramids area wearing shorts...
Being American, doesn't mean you are aimed, Arab people like all the other people...but for sure they don't agree with the American policy in the Middle East. My American friends have visited me in Cairo, and they enjoyed. Also, here in United Arab Emirates lot of Americans who live and work are safe and enjoying.
2006-06-18 00:25:45 · answer #6 · answered by egymah 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi again...
I answered your other Bahrain question and I hope that it helps you. As for Saudi, don't go. As a female, you'll have to be covered and NO shorts...very bad idea! Bahrain is much more relaxed and you will LOVE it! They won't hate you for being an American, the only time they'd be rude to you is if you acted like a "typical" American....gawking at the women in the traditional dress, being loud..etc.
2006-06-16 04:37:23 · answer #7 · answered by yogazen 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't have alot to do with being American. You are a woman. I don't think you'd have much of a problem... except for wearing shorts... traveling in Kuwait, Dubaui or Bahrain... they are pretty tolerant. But I would check with the State Department Protocol Office if you have fruther questions before you book a flight.
2006-06-14 13:28:55 · answer #8 · answered by tcatmech2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saudi Arabia noop
Iam Bahrain and i don't like to go there you have to come Bahrain it's open country and you can do whatever you want
Thanks
Ebrahim
Ebrahimyaqoob@yahoo.com
2006-06-14 20:47:18 · answer #9 · answered by Bahraini 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi ! Nice to see your questian, I would like to suggest you to travel with your Husband or parents, No one will hurt you, if you follow the rules here, I am an Indian guy working here with an american based oilfield co. there are so many americans working safely here in saudi arabia. Don't be afraid if you are interested to travel but be with some one,coz ladies can't come here alone. for more information feel free to contact me, thanks with regards
2006-06-17 23:42:05 · answer #10 · answered by hanan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋