Job Discussion Forums

[ejc]

I've heard women foreigners have to wear the abaya (and hijab sometimes) as well. I am going to be in a small city (Tabuk), so I'm assuming that will definitely be the case.

How much do abayas cost? Do you always have to have the black color?
And what shoes do you wear?

And can I ever wear regular clothes outside? A skirt and shirt, let's say... I mean, it's strange to think that my luggage will be so light because there will hardly be any clothes in it..

Thank you.

[veiledsentiments]

Do you plan to never take the abaya off? It is merely a covering over your regular clothing when you are out in public. While some countries wear abayas in other colors, in KSA as a foreign non-Muslim, black is pretty much the only option. They range from plain and cheap... to fancy black on black embroidered, beaded, and laced... and expensive. It shouldn't be a major expenditure unless you want it to be. (be sure to get one with a zipper opening)

Yes, especially in a smaller town you will always wear it in public and covering the hair is a good idea too. It depends on your employer, but at a women's college, the abaya can usually be removed once you are inside the building. You would need to consult current teachers to find that out.

As to shoes, I wore sandals all year in the Gulf... too hot for hose. Wear whatever shoes you would wear with the outfit you have on under the abaya.

VS

[ejc]

So under every abaya is a splendid outfit? Haha..

Thank god we can wear sandals. I'll bring a lot of those.

But I've heard conflicting facts from different books and online sources. One book that I just read yesterday (Culture Shock! Saudi Arabia) said that "expatriate women are not obliged to wear an abaya." Ugh, confusion.

[johnslat]

Dear ejc,

For an author to write something like this: "expatriate women are not obliged to wear an abaya."

is not only wrong, it could cause some women problems:

"Dress Code

"17. There is no absolutely correct dress code for Saudi Arabia: the best way for both men and women to avoid getting into difficulties is to dress conservatively in public. Most women wear an abaya (black cloak) and some also decide to cover their hair in order to avoid confrontation with the Mutawwa (or religious police) who patrol the suqs (markets) and shopping centres and who often challenge women on this point. Men should not wear shorts in public."

http://ukinsaudiarabia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-saudi-arabia/

Moreover, a lot depends on just where an expat woman is is Saudi. Not covering your hair might be OK (but even that's not 100% certain) in Jeddah, but it would be ill-advised in Riyadh and downright reckless in Buraidh.

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

[ejc]

Thanks both for the help -

You're right, it's better to be conservative than frowned on. I'm going to be in Tabuk and I'm assuming it's a lot more conservative there than in Riyadh or Jeddah :/

I wish I were going to be in Jeddah, but I guess Tabuk may end up being a more pure experience.

[Gulezar]

Your employer should advise you as to the dress code. Even though the abaya is a cover all and you will be able to wear whatever you like under it in public, as long as the abaya covers and doesn't open to reveal what is under it. Long skirts and loose tops with sleeves to the wrists will probably be expected in the classroom. Avoid tight and revealing clothes. Pants are considered unacceptable in some places, even the Pakistani style of sirwal with ghames, probably one of the most conservative outfits one could find. You probably will not wear the abaya in the classroom with your female students. It would be like wearing your winter coat once you got to your classroom in Buffalo, NY.

Wait until you see the Saudi idea of a bathing suit.

[johnslat]

Dear ejc.


" . . . I guess Tabuk may end up being a more pure experience."

"More pure" is one way to put it .

Regards,
John