Job Discussion Forums

dime a dozen · Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 44

If a western English teacher flies to Riyadh then Damman with his wife, does she need to wear an obaya and-or headscarf/face cover?

What are the dresscodes for international women in the Kingdom?

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

Good question -- I am interested to know too.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:33 am Post subject:

Ideally, your wife should be wearing a black abaya. The headscarf is optional, but from my experience, she will probably feel more comfortable if she is wearing one the first time in. Western (non-Muslim) women are not required to wear the headscarf (at least in the Eastern Province), but your wife may want to avoid any stares when she first arrives.

The niquab, or face-cover, is never a requirement, just a choice.

If your wife does not have an abaya, a long trench-coat would be a good substitute. If that is not available, she should wear long, baggy pants and a large, loose, long-sleeved shirt buttoned up to the neck. As long as her body is covered to the wrists and the ankles and she does not display her shape through tight clothing, she should be ok to enter.

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

Mia, I just PM'd you.

Best,

RE

007 · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

Many women discard their abayas in the airport, so it's really not a problem to be there without the required 'cover'. However, once your wife ventures into any Saudi town, she will risk disapproval - if not arrest - if she is not suitably attired.

The Saudi dresscode is not as clear-cut as in, say, Iran. Mia has given you a good idea what it entails. Here in Riyadh, I would say that the abaya, while not technically required, is pretty much mandatory when in public. Many women do not cover their hair, but I personally recommend that they do so, at least when out alone or when walking on the street. A face veil is never required for a foreign woman.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

I just noticed the OP's name, dime a dozen. That's got to be the best name ever for an ESL teacher! Very Happy

007 · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

dime a dozen · Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 44

Mia Xanthi and Cleopatra; many thanks.

We'll start looking round for black abayas.

Do you think one would be generally available in certain stores, or is it an item specific to Arab countries?

We will be in Bangkok shortly, so we can try the Indian-Mulslim markets first. There are many Arabs passing through the Sukhumvit-Nana area, especially for hospital tourism in the vicinity of Bumrungrad hospital. We'll check dressmakers around there first.

Could you explain what is a good fit? I suppose it covers the wrists and ankles and neck, and it doesn't show the body shape, right?

As for material, the one's I've seen in the UAE seem to be made of a light synthetic (I've never touched one). Are abayas made of different materials; if so, which do you prefer to wear?

Cost: how much would you expect to pay for one in the KSA?

Thanks again for very useful information.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:22 am Post subject:

Ahh, abayas, I subject on which I could go on, and on......

007 · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:33 pm Post subject:

Well, I have heard about a very special abaya called 'The Million Dirham Abaya" which is designed specifically for princesses and queens for their wedding days. The abaya cost around US$365,000 in London!!!
This abaya has diamonds covering its collars and cuffs. This is the world�s first red carpet abaya.
http://hijabstyle.blogspot.com/2008/07/million-dirham-abaya.html

Well, I wonder how many years an English woman teacher will work to buy the Million Dirham Abaya?? Laughing

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

dime a dozen · Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 44

terrific help; thanks a million!