Job Discussion Forums

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

Hello,

I have never been to Riyadh and have a few questions:

Can a woman shop at the mall alone ?
Can she just wear the abaya or does she have to cover her head too ?
What is the cost of living like ? (Compared to the UAE, Qatar, or Oman ?)
Are the any all female gyms that a woman can join outside the compound ?
What is the social life like for a woman ?
Finally has anyone heard of Kingdom Schools ?
Thank-you !

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Can a woman shop at the mall alone ? - Yes.

Can she just wear the abaya or does she have to cover her head too ? - When out in the general public, you need to wear an abaya and hijab (head scarf). However, it's common to see expat women without the hijab when shopping in the malls.

What is the cost of living like ? (Compared to the UAE, Qatar, or Oman ?) - Hard to say; depends on your shopping habits.

Are the any all female gyms that a woman can join outside the compound ? - Don't know.

What is the social life like for a woman ? - Very general question; depends on your personality and what you like to do.

Finally has anyone heard of Kingdom Schools ? - I have no knowledge of this school.
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You'll find this blog, http://americanbedu.com/, useful. It's up-to-date and she apparently responds to questions. Also, http://www.expatarrivals.com/saudi-arabia/riyadh/moving-to-riyadh.

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

I can see how my answer can be confusing. I meant out in the general public to indicate outside the confines of compounds and malls. But yes, some expat women go bare-headed once inside the malls.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

My imagination of "Kingdom School" is a private one run by Wally bin Tally's Kingdom Holdings.

It's a shot in the dark, but I heard someone move!

CamTam · Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Posts: 32

IS, You're very, very bunny.

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

I can see how my answer can be confusing. I meant out in the general public to indicate outside the confines of compounds and malls. But yes, some expat women go bare-headed once inside the malls.

... and that just goes to show how confusing rules can be for women in Saudi. I think the key word is "can". Yes, you can go shopping alone and go without hijab, but will you want the attention? You might see it as unsolicited attention. Others might feel that you are soliciting. [/i]

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

I always keep my hijab on; I'm used to wearing it anyway. Plus, I look more like the natives than the typical idea of a westerner and certainly don't want any negative attention based on others' confusion about my nationality. I've noticed that most of the women who decide to go bare-headed when shopping are usually accompanied by their spouse. But frankly, within the more popular, modern malls, I don't sense anyone pays much attention to these women since KSA is quite diverse.

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

johnslat · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 1:57 pm Post subject:

Dear EnglishDoYouSpeakIt,

"In Riyadh, again, you don't need to wear a hijab anywhere.""

It's good to know that Riyadh has become so "liberal" since I was there. I can recall all too many instances of Western ladies being harassed by mutawwa'in for being "uncovered" in such places as Batha - the gold souk, especially.

Regards,
John

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

It always amazes me that people come to KSA expecting to carry on doing things the way they did back home. They feel no need to change any of their habits whats so ever. Then, they come to Saudi Arabia and are shocked and appalled that they can not do this and that.... they should be able to do as they please.

To wear the Hijab or not???? If it means the difference between getting harrassed and not getting harrassed...then wear the damn thing!

The argument that westerners do not need to wear one or that it's not illegal...is a moot point...the majority of women cover completely as it is part of their religion, tradition and customs, you will obviously be more vunerable in a sea of men uncovered...cuz it's a male dominated society...even if you are with your husband you attract more attention onto yourself...if you can handle the unwanted attention then don't wear it, if you can't, then wear it.

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

I fully understand your point that many Americans expect to "act the same way" in another country when they should not.
I too believe that one should respect a country's customs and traditions.
I have no problem wearing the abaya and already own a few as I have worn them in the past.

However ,that being said, I am still confused as to whether or not wearing the sheila on ones head as a female is important in Riyadh or not ?
I feel like I am getting mixed responses here.
Help!