Looking at foreigners’ opinions on Saudi Arabia, I noticed how the most concerning thing for women, is the idea of having to cover one’s hair. If you ever ask a western woman about why she would not accompany her husband to Saudi Arabia, the answer is very likely to be: “I do not want to cover up.”, unless she actually decides to come along. Yesterday night I saw part of an interview…
clothing culture in saudi arabia
The Bright Side of the Dress Code
It’s always the same old story. You go to the mall with a solid plan of what it is you need to get and all you want to do is get in, buy what you need and get out again. Yes, this type of woman actually exists… But if you are a group of women on a sunny day in Riyadh and in a fabulous mood, you may end up buying something…
A Visit to the Souq
For those who get bored by the large and modern malls that are all over Riyadh, I recommend to pay a visit to the Suq (pronounced souk). It’s a mostly open market place with either several market stands or small shops that stand right next to each other. These little shops make me think of the ones I saw in Kosovo. At least just a little bit. There are even local women,…
How Do Women Eat Or Drink When Covered Up?
While taking a break from my catch up studies for school, I thought I could take the time and answer a question that several people have asked me before I left for Riyadh. Women in Saudi Arabia must wear an abaya, burqa or niqab when leaving the house. When wearing the burqa or niqab, the woman’s face is covered either entirely or it leaves a little room for the eyes. So how…
The Abaya- A Comfortable Thing Indeed
Many people believe that having to wear the abaya, the long, black cloak that women in Saudi Arabia are obligated to wear, is some sort of a punishment. This is just my 4th day here in Riyadh and maybe I will change my mind at some point, but as of now I have to say that I disagree with the majority of the friends and family members that dislike that type of…