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Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

I've read so much about how women must wrap up in abayas when moving around, but what about the men?

If I play sports such as tennis or football, would I wear such attire? Then I should only wear such attire on the field of play and cover myself in transit to and from? A curious point.

As well, should my sleeves be long or can I wear short-sleeve shirts?

Another question I have, and this would make packing really really easy. Can I wear the white shirt and head scarf that most men wear? Is that permitted? I can just imagine my life without having to consider what to wear? Does anyone do this? I just haven't a clue, I know, but that's why I ask.

Also, can I stop shaving and grow my hair long? I can have a long beard, right? I'm so excited!!

007 · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject:

Well, in the Magic Kingdom, the beard of a hippy is not 'sacred' like a beard of a Muttawaa! Laughing

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

How can one distinguish the two?

johnslat · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

Dear Green Acres,

The beards of mattawas are attached to bodies wearing short thobes and heads covered by gutras minus agals.

Regards,
John

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Can I get some of those? And a diet coke? Diet Coke!!

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject:

We've been through this before. If you choose to wear the attire of the local males, you will be considered an oddity at best and an insult at worst. It is not a way to make friends and influence people among the Saudis.

And I cannot bear to think what would happen if you showed up on a tennis court wearing a woman's abaya. Just say no, Green Acres, however much pain it may cause you. Very Happy

007 · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 7:18 am Post subject:

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:33 am Post subject:

Don't need to look up "majnoona, ibn majnoona" but I will look up the "wild al himara" part. I get the gist, anyway....and it's exactly what I was trying to say.

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Granted, a bit of an oddity if I am so crazy to even ask such a question, but could you explain why it would be insulting?

Is it that everyone should know their place and all, or what? I've often wondered about that when immersing in other cultures. It seems strange that my wife would HAVE TO wear an abaya, but that I should not dress the same as local males. Can someone explain that to me? I think you owe that much if you wish to make yourself amusing, but none the more insightful.

Thanks

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Have a look at
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=122470&d=13&m=5&y=2009

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Greenacres
You cannot expect cultural practices to be LOGICAL or RATIONAL.

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Interesting article, to say the least. It is the same kind of stuff I've been coming across in my research. The article does not reflect the attitudes or approach that Saudi's should have towards foreigners living in the KSA.

I don't plan to live in a compound. I would be much happier to blend in, but not at the expense of making everyone uncomfortable. What would my students be wearing? I find that in most places that I work, that I must dress more professional than my students.

Some of my simple questions have not been answered, for example -- long sleeves or short sleeves? How about wearing ties? What if I were from another Muslim country, say Jordan or Egypt, would my attire reflect that I'm from this area, or would someone from Jordan dress as a Saudi man while in the kingdom?

And, by the way, "we" have not been through this before. No one is forcing you to reply.

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

cmp -- why don't you just answer the question(s). They are simple enough. Who is disagreeing or agreeing anyway. The point of this exercise is to understand.

Sea of men, huh? It's a man's world, huh? Are you a man? Are you unhappy with this? Do you want to leave? I don't get your attitude. The topic is about dress code. How do you dress everyday? You could be more helpful, or at least entertaining.

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