Saudi Arabia

[CRAFTY MARY]

What is it like for a western woman living in Saudi Arabia?

[gary baldy]

Hot?

[Ethel]

I have no idea but this account was published in today's Telegrpah. It may give you an insight:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml =/arts/2004/06/04/ftsaudi04.xml

[vehelpfulguy]

I went to Sauidi Arabia about 5 years ago on business and I have a liitle knowledge.

It is a very strict muslim country, and the only way to go there is if you are invited, they do not allow tourists as such.

Because of there strict Muslim attitudes they do not allow women to hold positions of authority. At that time they could not even drive for example.

If a woman from the company I was with had wanted to visit the country she would have to be accompanied by her husband, father or brother.

Many of the western companies have their office and accomodation in a secure area (behind barbed wire) and the Saudi authorities do not usually enter.

Some women were employed behind these enclosures but it was kept very quiet.

All women must cover up, and the most female body I was was an exposed ankle.

more to follow

[vehelpfulguy]

Many places are segregated (like restaurants), and there is a section for single men, and another section for women and children, and families.

There was a McDonalds there and even that was segregated. There were 2 entrances and the single men had to go in one, and the women/families in the other. There was a barrier down the centre separating them.

In the country no alcohol was allowed, nor drugs, which actually made for a nice environment. You could walk out at night knowing you were not going to be beaten up by a drunk, or accosted by a druggie, which has happened to me in Amsterdam.

Having said that, the men are very arrogant, and when I arrived at the airport the smiles and greetings were non existant and because I had some computer CDs for my work I was made to feel like a criminal.

I was so angry I nearly turned round and went straight home.

They do emply a lot of asians (indians & pakistanis) to do the jobs they do not want to do (road sweeping, building work etc) but treat them like dirt and really look down on them.

I spent a week there and have to say it felt a bit like a police state. They still have a day when criminal have their hands chopped off.

The day I left I was so relieved and as soon as I got through passport control I ran for the seat on the place, and could not wait to take off.

I should imagine it is no fun for any westerners, but worse for women.

There is NO WAY I could live there.