Job Discussion Forums

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Thanks cmp. So it is common to see Saudi males dressed in slacks and a short sleeve dress shirt? And when other Gulf males come to KSA, they dress in the same manner as Saudi males -- traditional or in western attire as I have just described.

I find that most helpful, since packing a suitcase is really not my most favorite task, and knowing these things is very helpful. Do men wear ties often?

I have another question regarding sporting attire. If I were to play football, on a pitch somewhere, then I would change at the pitch and carry my clothes in a gym bag, right? I read that men should not show their legs, at all, is that right? Are women allowed to watch football matches in a stadium? Or must they be excluded?

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:53 pm Post subject:

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Thanks for your answer Mia Xanthi, it is helpful, to say the least. I wonder about shoes, both for men and women.

Under an abaya, would a woman wear heels? Are there any rules governing this form of attire for women? What kind of shoes do most women wear? Are shoes expensive to buy in KSA?

Is dry cleaning expensive and/or available in most cities?

Are there any colors which shouldn't be worn?

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

Kipling · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 7:49 am Post subject: Say Yer Prayers. Now!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr Braveheart directed us to here
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=122470&d=13&m=5&y=2009
and it contained this wonderful snippet regarding the punishment for improper dress

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:16 am Post subject:

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Im not a troll. I have legitimate concerns and I'm also thinking about more people than just myself, so pardon my own naivete, I am quite naive about many things...I will be the first to admit it. I began this thread, and I will continue to ask questions until I feel more comfortable about the things that my family will bring to KSA and those things we may purchase once we have arrived.

"Shoes" is a tricky one. They take up lots of room, sometimes you need many a pair, and goodness gracious if we hadn't thought of that!! I really have no problems with my own shoes, or my work attire. I'm thankful of the post by Mia Xantia on the part about the shoes that reveal flesh. That just excluded two pair of my wife's collection. So for women, they should wear a shoe that covers the foot (which really rules out stilettos and that type of high heel).

How about running shoes or tennis shoes? A good pair of addidas will run about 70-100 bucks (US). Would that be about the same rate in the KSA?

Do men wear sandals that reveal the foot? Is it wrong for men to reveal their feet by wearing sandals?

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 11:16 am Post subject:

One thing I forgot to tell you about shoes in general: they wear out quickly here. Every year when I go home, I buy an expensive pair of black teaching shoes....practical, school-marmish shoes made of good leather with thick soles. They never last more than one semester. The heat on the streets here and the dry desert air just destroys them.

If you have particularly large feet (not me - mine are dainty little things) you will want to bring extra pairs with you. Wide shoes are also difficult to find.

007 · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 11:21 am Post subject:

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

I think I'm starting to see the picture. Thanks for all the helpful replies. So the Saudi women have parties in their homes for "women only?" Interesting. Is it like a slumber party?

Also, is it safe to assume that male feet are visible in all walks of life? I could wear a pair of slacks and sandals when going out with my abaya covered wife whose covered head to toe and...

Children don't follow the rules until they are about 13? Is that right?

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 12:17 pm Post subject:

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

I agree with Mia on the pricing of women's shoes in Saudi ... expensive designer or cheap knock offs and not much in midrange. The cheap knock offs tend to fall apart after a week. Anything above women's 9 (US) or 40, can be difficult to find. However, you can take a weekend shopping trip to Kuwait and find lots of good quality designer liquidation shops.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Granted I didn't live in Saudi, but elsewhere in the Gulf - for the 15+ years in the ME, I wore sandals for nearly 365 days a year. I was never able to purchase shoes there because I have the problem of very narrow feet. I had about 10 pair of mostly high quality, expensive sandals, and they normally lasted for 3-4 years.

Now Cairo? You were lucky to have your shoes last a year. Cool

I agree with Mia... don't worry... wear what you are comfortable with. Cleo loves her strappy heels and I loved my sandals. Never once did anyone ever mention anything about my feet while working there.

VS

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

YOu never know who will spot what during what ebb or flow of heating-up or cooling-down political/religious fervor. Just because so-and-so never got a warning from the Virtue/Vice Squad doesn';t mean someone else will fair better or worse at the right place and time.

Better be safe and respectful. When in Rome..........