Questions and Answers:

Saudi Social Culture & You

Q: I heard that dating is not permissible.
A: Single females are not allowed to travel in public with a single man, only in the company of a married couple.

Q: What do you do for entertainment with no bars or movie theaters?
A: Many of the large compounds have theatrical companies and there are cultural events in the Embassies. Socializing takes place in the comfort of your own home or round the pool with friends. As alcohol is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom, there is no need for bars. Movies are available form satellite TV and compounds carry extensive book and video libraries

Q: Can friends visit in the compound?
A: Yes, but Saudi Arabia has strict security, for your own safety, all you have to do is give the name of your visitors to the guard at the gate and he will allow them through following identification from their Iqama.

Q: Is it true that women can NOT drive anywhere in the Kingdom?
A: Yes, it is correct, but taxi’s (limousines) are readily available everywhere and at all times they are relatively inexpensive, you soon adapt to sitting in comfort watching the world go by.

Q: Is Saudi Arabia safe?
A: The first hand information you may get from your Foreign Ministry or your Ambassady in Saudi Arabia by Internet.

Q: What do we have to wear in public places and in the work place?
A: In public women must wear an Abaya, this is a black robe which covers you from your neck to your toes, they are very cheap and some are very elaborate, it is the same as taking your jacket every time you go out, except you do nor get to choose, everyone wears one so it is not a problem. In the work place, nurses wear the uniform provided, in offices for men the dress code is shirt and tie, men are not allowed to go out in public wearing shorts, and are not allowed to wear gold jewelry only a gold wedding band.