Job Discussion Forums

[007]

[amity]

Okay, I think I get the difference now.

eBay UK seems to be down at the moment, but how about these two (no doubt purchased by some ESL instructor now home in Illinois)?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-Niqabi-Abaya-Saudi-Style_W0QQitemZ160103771881QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4280QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-Niqabi-Style-Abaya-pull-over_W0QQitemZ160103772408QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4280QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[007]

[amity]

[Queen of Sheba]

Saudis always wear black abayas, so unless you want to stand out, it�s better to wear black. I agree with going bald, that it may be a good idea to go to one of those shops and buy an abaya before arriving here. I have not heard of any employer who provides one for the new teachers, usually teachers are kind enough to loan one of their own to the new teachers that arrive. Yet, I think its better to come prepared, and I commend you on your efforts. I would just keep in mind that many things will have changed from when you were in the Gulf last, and that many things about Saudi Arabia wont be easily understood from afar. On a related note, I have seen teachers roam around without an abaya for a couple of days before buying one or being loaned one by another teacher. Of course, these are often the same teachers that do not cover their hair out of arrogance or ignorance of the possible repercussions: arrest and or harassment, in the worst case scenario. Obviously its best to avoid both of these situations!

[amity]

If an abaya is not readily available from the minute I get off the plane, then I definitely want to bring one with me. I hate sticking out like a sore thumb for any reason, and sticking out for immodesty would be especially hard, I think.

And if the abaya has changed that much then I am sure quite a lot has changed since I was in Kuwait. What else, I wonder? I don't even know what questions to ask, so please just go ahead and save me a lot of grief and embarrassment.

[Queen of Sheba]

Amity, Just get an abaya to avoid embarrassment and the possibly worse consequences before coming to KSA. If you buy it over the internet, which is fine, just make sure you send them your measurements to make sure it will fit appropriately, and that the legth hits your ankles. I want to add something about the "all black" I mentioned above because now you will find all black abayas with different colored jewels, designs and embellishments on the sleeves and edges of the head scarf. These are the new styles and most everbody wears this style, it is fine to get one like this, with colored bits on it, and you will still fit in beautifully. You can PM me for any specific questions about abayas. Honestly, I think you will be better prepared than most in all regards. All your queries show a respect and interest in the culture, and I wish you good luck in the job hunt.

[Cleopatra]

While it seems reasonable to expect employers to provide newly arrived female teachers with an abaya, like Q of S I have never actually heard of this happening. If you can bring one with you, great, if not, try and take a long, dark coloured raincoat style garment which is at least two sizes too big for you. You'll certainly stand out if you wear this but it will at least satisfy the 'modesty' requirements. I know certain of our posters consider me some kind of regime apologist for stating that the abaya is not acutally required by law, but that is the truth.

As for covering the head, so far as I know, it is required by law, even though you'll see many foreign women flouting this rule, and more often than not, getting away with it. It's up to you, but personally, I think you will gain a lot more respect and reduce harrassment somewhat if you do cover your head in public. It's really no big deal: after a time, it will seem like second nature to you to do so. Any kind of scarf will do. Also, as Q of S says, these days there are plenty of beautiful abayas on the market, many of them with elaborate embroidery, lace or applique. The best ones dont' come cheap, but think of all the money you'll be saving on cocktail dresses!

[amity]

I will get both and wear them when appropriate. Is the abaya worn just outdoors? or even indoors if in a mixed sex environment? Do I get to my office and take them off to go to my all-women class? or do i wear the hijab with western clothes in class, too? Sorry for coming up with more and more detailed questions, but I do want to show up aware of the decorum as much as possible.

And yes, QoS, I do respect the culture.

[Cleopatra]

The rules are fairly simple: if you are in an all-female environment - which of course includes almost all colleges - you can wear whatever you want within the dictates of your employer's dress code. No need for any type of 'cover'. Once in the presence of men, you have to wear the abaya and preferably scarf too, whether you are indoors or outdoors.

[amity]

Thanks, Cleo and everyone.

[Taiwanlight Zone]

[007]

[Cleopatra]

[goingbald]

Dear all,

There is a lot of fun to be had by going to one of the "ladies only" shops (I imagine, because I've never been to one) and selecting a really good abaya. One could ask one of one's colleagues to help one find one (a shop) and select one (an abaya). How about that for "ones" in one sentence?

Be careful though: an abaya can cost from 200 SR up to 1500 SR. Always check the tailoring, m'dear.

As for sticking out like a sore thumb, then yes. In Khobar these days, an alarming number of women in Jarir bookstore and also that electronics/electricals emporium, Xtra, walk around without an abaya.

To be quite frank, if a woman doesn't cover up properly and she's a rather attractive lady, she'll look like a *beep*.

If she doesn't cover up properly and she's not a rather attractive lady, she just looks frumpy.

If she DOES cover up, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. She keeps her beauty for her husband (if she's married), keeps her modesty and keeps her dignity. Everyone's a winner, in other words.

Cheers,

gb