My husband has the chance to take a position in Saudi.I just wanted some more up to date information.
I know its strict and the culture is very different, I have no problem with having to wear an abiya or what ever the name is of the clothing women have to wear, at least out of the compound.
I am interested in hearing from those who live or have lived there .
Any information would be gratefully received
2006-06-29 08:39:47 · 9 answers · asked by britchick 3 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Saudi Arabia
I lived in Saudi Arabia for 2 1/2 years and it is an amazing country. There are restrictions and it is very hot, especially in the abaya but there are many positives that make up for it. I did go out alone a lot, most of the compounds have buses that go to the mall and safeway etc. A lot will depend on which city you move to though. Riyadh and some on the smaller cities are more restricted than Al Khobar or Jeddah. The Saudi people are very friendly as long as you respect their customs.
The food and shopping is amazing too. If you live in a compound there will be many women from western countries to socialize with. I would check the website for the American embassy in Riyadh and register with them once you arrive but dont be too afraid of their messages about terrorist threats. All in all it is an amazing experience and one that you should not miss. Be open to the culture and the people and understand that their religion influences every part if their life. Also if you ahve the opportunity check into a class into Islam, even if you do not accept the religion ( they do not try to pressure you in any way) it will help you to understand the people and their customs better. Good Luck and salaam alaykum
2006-07-06 06:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by brendagho 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Women in Saudi Arabia who walk unaccompanied, or are in the company of a man who is neither their husband nor a close relative, are at risk of arrest on suspicion of prostitution or other “moral” offences.
Women cannot vote, drive, leave the house without being accompanied by their husband or relative.
There is strict segregation of the sexes.
They may not travel abroad unless they have the written authorization of a male relative, usually their father or husband, and may have to be accompanied.
Women who breach the strict dress code for women also face arrest.
2006-06-29 08:50:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do like the question bec. i am in the same position as u are. i am joining my hubby in saudi next month too. i have read about and he has told me that it is a magnificent country with everything u can imagine, restrictions apply on women so they don't drive or go out alone and have to wear a abaya and so and i have no problem with that too. but u also get to go to malls where they have floors only for women , u get to take off your abaya and dress what u want and go shopping free.. in a comppoud life is really different as if u are in your home company... I wish u all the luck there. wish me luck to...
2006-07-05 20:32:19 · answer #3 · answered by messy_missy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i lived there for 11 years. it has everything you want people in compounds are very frendly..althought children that look old cannot go out looking very exposed and abayahs are not that bad...and also i recomend you dont go out anywer alone...also if you are Christian you are not allowed to wear anything religous ( necklaces...) and there are no churches very few compounds have church meetings... also stores are not open 24/7 there is a prayer time which i beleve is at 5 pm im not sure and that is when all the stores close. but its an amazing country i loved it!
2006-07-02 09:25:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well,
If your husband have an option 2 then I suggest take that option, and if he has to come, then, you will feel a bit strange living there, as u are aware of the restrictions on women, plus, SAUDIS are descriminating people, they think they are on top of you in every aspect.
2006-06-30 21:08:59 · answer #5 · answered by Shareef Shaitan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived there for 7 years and loved every minute of it.As long as you respect them you will get along fine.I always wore a head scarf and a long skirt when going into their towns.I had three children who went to the US consulate school .We all have found memories of our time spent there. If you have questions send me a note and I'll give you my email address.
2006-06-29 10:52:00 · answer #6 · answered by Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i can tell you that you will like it in the compound and you will like the city and most things if you were as you said fine with the thought of wearing an abaya
i live in KSA and am Saudi
so if you need any specific details about any thing just email me and il b glad to help :)
2006-06-30 04:58:17 · answer #7 · answered by cat_k00tah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send me a message. I'm an expatriate and have been living here for seven years.
2006-07-02 03:59:26 · answer #8 · answered by sapphire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
belive me u'll had the best time ever
2006-07-02 01:52:23 · answer #9 · answered by Reasonable 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋