Part-time Jobs for Saudi Women?

Question

I'm a Saudi female, I've been abroad nearly all my life (I'll be returnin g to Jeddah next month), I'm 23 now and I hold a high school diploma and a diploma in IT, however, because I've been away from my country for a long time, my Arabic is poor. I am proficient in English though and I love to write. I'd like to take up a part time job while I continue my studies in a private college in Jeddah. I feel I would do well in advertising or writing articles for the English media in KSA. What are my options and how can I go about getting a job considering my circumstances?

thnks for the great advice, esp to mintee and hayatannosman, i feel alot more confident now, i decided that i will just focus on getting back to college and completing my IT degree, while i brush up on my arabic, and tutor kids english on the side for some pocket cash. thnx again.

Answer 1

Welcome home.
Having been through the same experience i will say it will be hard... very hard adjusting.... Having said that... it is worthwhile
Saudi women hold many senior positions in the Economy, including in IT
Many companies have an IT team that is comprised mostly of females.
Part time jobs are hard to find regardless of gender. There are many volunteer jobs you can take.
As an option, and perhaps a better one, is for you to work independently for yourself.
As an example, IT + advertising + writing skills is a perfect combination for website design.
I would think that once you are here, and get into the social network, many opportunities will come up.

Answer 2

Things are changing here fast! I've been here for almost 10 years and opportunities for working and education are greatly increased. Most every woman I know is working out of the home. If you really want something you'll find a way. Being an English tutor is a good way to make a lot of money, better then most outside jobs. You can start writing to the english Saudi newspaper in your free time. Once you get used to the change you will be happy here, it is an exciting time of change for those who see the positive and take advantage.
Personally, I'm studying online at an American university here using the internet. Where there is a will there is a way!

To address some points brought up in the replies:
One thing non-muslims don't know is that the husband is responsible for all house and family expenses so if the muslim woman decides to work outside the house the money belongs to her, she is free to do with what she wants, she also keeps her family name after marriage. How funny these few things are a sign of an independant western women. Ignorance or double standards?
The Arab women I know are very strong women and alot have their masters degrees, they are in many way spoiled. Nannies, housekeepers and drivers are the norm here for all classes of people not just the rich and famous. Personally, I don't have a housekeeper because I want my family to be responsible and help each other out.
One quote I remember from 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', "The man maybe the head of the house but the women is the neck, she can turn the head wherever she wants." I think this sums it up very well, a smart women has a way to get what she wants regardless of where she comes from.
Wishing you luck and blessings

Answer 3

Most jobs for women are in the education and health care sectors. Media jobs are extremely competetive, but that doesn't mean you can't find one.

I suggest you start by getting a job teaching school. This will get you contacts and show that you can function on the local job market. It could be part time. In fact, I suggest you apply to Berlitz, which pays well and prefers to hire young women with native English facility. My daughters are working there now.

Once you have the first job, start networking. Publish online and start submitting articles to local print media. Go to every social event and meeting you can find, and pass out your card.

When I was new here, twenty years ago, the English in one of the local newspapers was so poor that I couldn't stand it. One day I went into a rage, marked an entire newspaper with a blue pencil, stufffed it into an envelope, and gave it to my husband to give to the doorman at the newspaper offices. A few weeks later they called me and offered me a job. Note that I hadn't even applied for one!

So, look for deficiences and offer to fill them. In the meantime, though, establish your presence in the job market by teaching, at least part time.

Answer 4

Hi! Got a job for you here in Jeddah. We need proficient English speakers like you part time. Email me your cv if interested. By the way, Im a Saudi who speaks little if no Arabic. Glad to hear that someone else out there exists! lol. Live in East Texas for 20+ Years.

Answer 5

well, I think it is really hard to find a part time job here in Saudi Arabia no matter is your gender.

As you said your English is so good, so in this way try to think about private business where you can use your skills, Like giving private English lessons or just look for any English institute they might need your help.

If you are looking for a volunteer job in IT, I think Aramco have some programs for volunteers.

Good luck................

Answer 6

If, as a woman, you value your skin's quality, take one anyway; the sun is brutal. A lot of Arab girls choose to go with the Islamic dress code not so much because of religious rules you know; covering oneself head to foot in a loose dress is ideal protection against the brutal desert sun. More for practical reasons, many non-muslim foreign workers do it. At least from what I was told. Also lately they have been revising the rules; according to Islamic law, a woman is supposed to cover her curves, and her hair, and that's it, she's not supposed to be a walking tent. There are all kinds of ways a woman can cover her curves without going underwraps, although again, because of the heat... Regarding the driving thing I think that is still true.

Answer 7

I think that is a + for U. Being a Saudi and proficient in English , U have to work in UR Arabic and get a job as an interpreter.

Answer 8

try recruitment's offices also google part times jobs in Saudi Arabia

Answer 9

given that you're still at shool and not holding a degree, the option will somehow be limited. however, there are so many advertising agencies that are looking for female recruits for account management and customer service & i can tell the opportunities are immense.. international agencies are a bit hard to enter, but you'll definitely find a good opportunity in Local agencies... don't worry, there are so many opportunites available and i assure you if you keep looking you'll find something nice.
Customer service will be another good field for female undergard... but arabic is must there... maybe it could be a good chance for you to refresh your arabic :)

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 10

Saudi females r offered only jobs like receptionist, nurses etc....at least till 5 years ago....But, if ur nationality is other than Saudi esp western..then u don't hv to bother...probably u wud get a good qualified job.....probably u wud b the best person to change the life of women in KSA...