Job Discussion Forums

[hieroglyphs]

I'm considering a move to Saudi Arabia, and am wondering what life would be like for my wife. I've heard of the restrictions on movement for Saudi women (having to be accompanied by a male, etc.), but I'm wondering if that would also apply to foreign women. Assuming that she is dressed appropriately, would she be free to go out alone? Would it depend to any extent on where we are (such as in Hail, for example)?

[It's Scary!]

In Hail, it'd be better to carry her about in a box!

It's not a nice place to live!

[Middle East Beast]

When my ex- was with me in Jubail we lived on a western compound. She never left the compound by herself, but she did go with other wives on the compound bus into town or to Khobar on shopping trips.

Keep in mind that we weren't allowed public displays of affection in KSA. We weren't even supposed to hold hands, though ironically, guys were allowed to hold hands and to kiss each other on the cheek--cultural, I know, and you saw a lot of that. Go figure.

MEB

[Gulezar]

"I've heard of the restrictions on movement for Saudi women (having to be accompanied by a male, etc.), but I'm wondering if that would also apply to foreign women. Assuming that she is dressed appropriately, would she be free to go out alone? Would it depend to any extent on where we are (such as in Hail, for example)?"

If she is dressed appropriately and alone, she is a foreign woman. As you said, Saudi women do not go out alone.
If she is dressed appropriately and walking, sitting, or riding in a car, she will be identified as a foreign woman. The way she moves will give it away.
If she is dressed appropriately and walking with you, she could still be approached. The myth of the loose Western woman comes with the myth of the weak and non-protecting Western male who might be willing to pimp for his woman.
Don't forget that if she sits in her own home, that the windows must be shuttered, unless she is dressed appropriately.
There are degrees of acceptance of foreign women within Saudi. You and yours will need to accept the norms of your city. You may find that foreign women are tolerated, approached, harassed or threatened.

By the way, any non-Saudi woman could be fair game in certain places. Even obviously Muslim women can find themselves harassed.