Random women showed me their Instagram accounts on their phones, and people in shops were eager to draw me in for a sale. In November, I began my three-week journey, both solo and with friends, through Saudi Arabia. Malls in Saudi Arabia can also be luxurious and over the top, featuring high brow stores like Prada and Gucci.And if you think you'll only find stores stuffed with abayas and traditional clothing, think again. Inside Riyadh and Jeddah, things will only be slightly different. Considering I visited Saudi Arabia on the day this news was shared in 2019, I brought an abaya with me but quickly packed it away in my luggage. Until recently, women visiting Saudi Arabia were expected to wear an abaya (an ankle length robe) and hijab (a headscarf). Despite the fact that face coverings aren't legally required in Saudi Arabia, a large percentage of women still wear a black abaya and a Muslim niqab, which leaves only their eyes exposed. Figuring out what is and is not okay as a woman traveling Saudi Arabia is tricky, especially given these rapid changes. The festivities are underway for what is set to be the biggest royal wedding of 2023, when Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein will wed Rajwa Al Saif on June 1. Find out more about which cookies or turn them off in settings. (After a liberal local woman told me I could.) Someone in Jeddah handed me a cold bottle of water in the sweltering heat for no reason at all. She was joined by Ali al-Qarni, a fighter pilot with . In an oasis town called Al Bad believed to be where Moses lived after fleeing Egypt this small collection of Nabatean tombs is known by few and free to enter. I recommend solo women only stay with families, women, or men with hosting references from women. While alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, that has the potential to change. Most cheap restaurants are singles-only. Great information, Alex. An example: Several festivals including Riyadh Season and MDL Beast Fest took place while I was in Saudi Arabia. Visit ESPN to view South Florida match stats from all competitions, along with a season-by-season archive. But several Saudis drove at concerningly high speeds, with a healthy dose of drastic, last-minute maneuvers. I even worried I would be treated harshly when I arrived, or that I would feel threatened or uneasy walking or dining out without a hijab or the long, flowing robe Saudi women wear. Other notable and must-visit resorts dotted throughout the Kingdom include the InterContinental Taif, the Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental Makkah and the Rosewood Jeddah. Its also important to be respectful when visiting mosques or other religious sites, and women should wear loose-fitting, modest clothing that covers the arms and legs. If I swam at all. Blocked websites How to behave Rules to follow Miss conceptions Skyscrapers gave way to sand dunes. However, there were some spaces where I learned I could see women: shopping areas and malls, womens sections of cafes, and sometimes parks around sunset. The tombs are not open to the public until October. Some of the events I experienced there were slightly off-putting (like boarding my plane dead last), yet I didn't let it bother me or ruin my trip. Many locals from Saudi Arabia, including men and women, went out of their way to make outsiders feel like they belong. Plan your holiday in Saudi and explore its ancient heritage and culture, breath-taking outdoor activities, and delicious local food. Visitors can enter only one or two of the buildings to see very modest museums. All Rights Reserved. Contrary to how free women were several decades ago, these days the list of restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia is immense. Here's all the visa information you need to access Saudi. From sudden bursts of green palm trees among desert sands to rocky Martian mountain ranges, the scenery in Saudi was far less mind-numbing than I expected. Though unmarried men and women can mingle, my friend still had to be secretive. While Saudi Arabia offers travel options to fit any budget, luxury travel is an absolute must here. Suggested Read: 8 Popular Places To Visit In Al Ula, A Global Cultural Hub In The KSA. Taxi, Uber, Flights are the top modes of transport. No. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. An indubitable yes! I didnt know how it would feel being a very white, very blond woman surrounded by strangers that share a culture unlike my own. Still, despite the sweeping gender segregation you'll find in Saudi Arabia, you won't necessarily find it offensive. This means that most laws that restricted the freedom of women are slowly fading away. I drove around late at night, candidly talking about everything from sex to atheism with a man who was worried about being seen shaking my hand outside of his workplace. While the need to cover up in an all-encompassing abaya the traditional black robe is no longer required, the dress code is simple: Both men and women should wear clothes that cover the shoulders and go below the knee. Only time will tell. The fact is, visiting Saudi Arabia feels a lot like flying back in time to an entirely different universe with modern conveniences but Old World beliefs. Here is the link for the app in the appstore: Now the site embodies what I saw in many tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia: overdevelopment, a loss of atmosphere to Disney-fied luxury, and not much consideration of anything in the surrounding area. While gender segregation is largely being phased out by the Saudi government over time, you'll still notice it in full effect. See all stories. Travel Advisory Current travel warnings and advisories can be found on the U.S. State Department website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/saudi-arabia.html . The mysterious Kingdom decided to open its doors to travelers from 49 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, via a new Electronic Visa program.With that announcement, adventure-seekers and culture lovers had the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days at a time. The old city center of Jeddah is captivating with its uniquely designed antique balconies, ancient sidewalks and curated shops selling everything from spices to intricately detailed clothing. For me, a solo, female, non-Muslim traveler allergic to guided tours, Saudi Arabia was a non-option for years. Here are some of Saudi Arabias most popular tourist destinations: Makkah is the capital of Makkah Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and is considered the holiest city in Islam. King of Jordan Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 2, 2023. Respecting cultural norms is important for anyone visiting or living in Saudi Arabia. As an example, the capital city is home to name-brand luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, the Fairmont Riyadh, the Al Faisaliah Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. Some of the "Roshan towers" are in dangerous states of disrepair many have collapsed from neglect in recent years but slowly they're being repaired. There are ways to support people over governments. On the bright side, we didnt encounter any issues traveling together despite being unmarried. The mysterious Kingdom decided to open its doors to travelers from 49 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, via a new Electronic Visa program. CNN: Floridas Haulover Beach Park is the best nude beach in the U.S. Oct 7, 2022 A conservative kingdom with deeply rooted beliefs and cultural traditions, some experiences can be off-putting Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and one of. Playing music during the call to prayer is a $250-plus offense. No matter what you like to eat, you will find it here. My friend and I walking with a Couchsurfing host in Ushaiger village near Riyadh. The soon-to-be Unesco-listed stone fortresses of Rijal Alma were once home to wealthy traders and fearsome fighters but they felt more like an Instagrammable backdrop than a historic site. Just like anywhere else, everyday people are too busy with their daily lives to care about what tourists are doing or wearing.I was also pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming Saudi people could be. This richly diverse country has also endured its share of controversies, as well as a reputation for treating women as second-class citizens who must cover their bodies (including their faces) from head to toe. Alex Reynolds has been traveling the world full time for the past four years. However, many might choose not to as its still scandalous to do so. Suddenly, the idea of women traveling in Saudi Arabia went from laughable to very, very plausible. For Muslims, the cities of Mecca and Medina, rich in . Two men outside of Riyadh filmed me when driving by. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Image: Camels at the Al Ahsa Oasis (Saudi Tourism Authority), Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Sat October 1, 2022, Selling Groups, family and Adventure Travel. These rules have not been without misconceptions around them. Disrobing in public Still on decency, women are not allowed to try on new clothes while shopping. Remote in every sense, the Tabuk region bordering Jordan was my favorite in all of Saudi Arabia. The coast guard eventually spotted me; they were surprised, but didnt say anything. But what it was really like for me to travel to Saudi Arabia is a lot different than what you might surmise based on the news. Tourists have to be careful in all kinds of ways. I use cookies to make your browsing tastier. Rockin that abaya in Marid castle in Dumat Al Jandal. Enjoying the middle of nowhere, Saudi Arabia. A basic double room in a standard hotel costs around $100. Main roads were immaculate, perfect for cruising. It is safe for women to travel to Saudi Arabia alone. If my time in Saudi Arabia taught me anything, it's that this conservative country is more welcoming than one might assume. I also learned a lot and gained a greater understanding of this part of the world, which is something you cant do unless you see it for yourself. Streets were empty of people, despite the cars and houses. Im being recruited to work there long term and due to the nature of the job, I expect to travel for work but will also do family travel since we are all planning the big move. While Saudi Arabia may not be the first destination that comes to mind for solo female travelers, this captivating country is opening its doors to international visitors and presents an opportunity for a unique and culturally immersive journey. Harassment and other female travelers experiences, religious hardliners came to power in the 1980s, restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia is immense, What it was like to travel in Saudi Arabia, How much it costs to travel in Saudi Arabia, A detailed one-month itinerary for Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia has long taken steps to keep tourism at bay, all of that changed in late 2019. As an example, men and women go through separate security lines in Saudi airports, and women are moved through last. Visitors who have completed two doses of the following vaccines will be accepted: A visitor must enter their immunization data into the Saudi vaccination registration system Muqeem before arrival into Saudi Arabia. the latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more. Governments and people are separate entities especially in a totalitarian monarchy like Saudi Arabia and I don't believe in holding an entire population accountable for the acts of a corrupt few. Saudi Arabia used to be a more relaxed and open society, until religious hardliners came to power in the 1980s. The lack of women in public made things difficult for me. Learn More. 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Local men didn't want to speak to me (and often ignored me completely when I spoke to them, especially when I traveled with white friends). The Islamic call to prayer rings loudly in the streets here five times per day, and it takes your breath away to hear it in such a historic and extraordinary place. Womendontshake hands with men. Some restaurants I dined in featured extensive drink menus with mocktails that were both delicious and fun. Saudi Arabia has a well-developed transportation system, and women can use public transportation. I would love to return, but that doesn't mean I'd recommend it to everyone. Review visa requirements for your specific traveling needs and have a seamless journey. While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory anymore, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders is recommended. It's no mean feat the place is open 24/7! Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. My 4 Middle East itineraries Learn how to travel around the region without taking any planes In this Saudi Arabia travel guide you will find: COVID-19 travel restrictions Visa Travel Insurance Best time to visit Top experiences Getting to Saudi Tourism in Saudi Arabia Is it ethical? However, I would not plan to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman unless you are prepared to encounter a strictly conservative and very patriarchal Islamic society and respect their norms. Though women are not required to wear a hijab, it is advisable to carry one around if you plan to visit a religious building or area as you cant be allowed in without one. The city is technologically advanced and houses marvels of modern architecture. All Rights Reserved. For example, during the holy month of Ramadan, its necessary to be mindful of fasting hours and avoid eating or drinking in public. Id say so. Women can book hotels on their own. During my visit, I dressed as I normally do, wearing long dresses with light sweaters along with pants and tops. It has been a law for women not to travel without a male guardian. only issued business or visitor visas for a religious pilgrimage, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Zamzam.com uses cookies for proper & secured functioning of the site, and personalizing its content & advertising to ensure a superior user experience. Get your 5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link. Cheap restaurants are usually only for "singles" men. I have to say, I had plenty of preconceived notions about visiting Saudi Arabia before I hopped on my initial flight from Paris to Riyadh, the countrys thriving capital. Drive a bit, and it's possible to have an entire beach to yourself (well, yourself and the coast guards). Since tourism only opened on September 27, 2019 and I was visiting in mid-October 2019, there was a limited amount of information on the internet about the do's and don't's as well as what to wear. Women werent allowed to drive cars until 2018, limiting movement and forcing many to spend exorbitantly on taxis. Most buildings are empty. It helped that the old city streets are abuzz at all times, with chatting shop owners, roaming street vendors, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and souqs catering to international pilgrims passing through. Ive only briefly visited for a couple of weeks during the winter holiday in Dec 2019. Would you expect to see misty green mountains blanketed in clouds in Saudi Arabia? According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, it is not mandatory for women visiting the country to wear an abaya or hijab. Speaking of the long flowing robes Saudi women wear, which are referred to as abayas, they are no longer required for foreign women visiting the country. Now women aged 21+ can get a passport and travel without one, but many other guardianship rules are still in place. Simply saysalaamaleikum, nod, or put your hand over your heart. Buildings and public transportation have two entrances, each for one gender. A place like Saudi is way safer than most Western countries due to their strict laws and when visiting the country women dont need to constantly be in fear of men. Saudi Arabia is also brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the Al-Ahsa Oasis to the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site and the At-Turaif District in ad-Diriyah. For example, there are separate lines at airport security for men and women, and stores have separate entrances for men and for families.You may also notice that hotels you book might have a pool or spa that is only open to men, and that shisha bars-known at home as hookah bars-and bowling alleys are often only for men. Many women travel only by car, not foot, and are fully covered when they do. While a few Saudis politely invited me to convert to Islam, dozens of others asked me to meet them for dinner or tea. Meanwhile, the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh is a sight to behold, and the views of the city from its skybridge are unbelievable. Nor are men as aggressively forward as men in Iran. Yeah, me neither. Overall, its a very safe country, but I thought it would be useful for all travelers, especially female travelers, to know before visiting the country. So long as you have a Saudi license or an international drivers permit (IDP), that is! Women could not travel internationally, conduct business, or even receive medical treatment (among other things) without a male guardians written permission. Thanks for the insights. Being a strict Muslim nation, Saudi Arabia has been known to have strict regulations for women both residents and tourists. Youll see more women in open, colorful abayas, plus uncovered heads and faces. Gender segregation is probably the most noticeable cultural difference in Saudi Arabia, and it can be absolutely jarring. It was much more than a drink; it was an entire show, and every drink he made required at least six or seven steps. Its important that tourists respect the countrys rules and customs in this sensitive time of change. There are also private beaches that are accessed with a fee where you can wear your bikini comfortably. Combine the conservatism with the many tourist sights that are either poorly overdeveloped or under-maintained, a serious plastic-waste problem in natural places, and landscapes that, though beautiful, can be found in more tourist-friendly neighboring countries, and you can see why I'd hesitate to recommend Saudi Arabia to the casual holidaygoer. At one point during the trip, I noticed my private messages on Twitter were absolutely blowing up. Explore Phone time in the womens section of Specialty Coffee. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Parents: Should Cobb schools build a $50M events venue for graduations? Occasionally we said we were married to make things easier, but even when we admitted were friends we didnt get much more than surprised (or judgmental) looks. Suggested Read: Best Historical Places In Jeddah: Mosques, Museums And Markets. However, my arrival served as an excellent reminder of something I already knew. IATI Insurance offers different plans, for all budgets. This, however, is not the case. I had to actively seek out women to interact with via Instagram and Couchsurfing; I sure wasnt meeting many by chance! Visitors are advised to check the current entry requirements with their chosen airline before purchasing a ticket. The city is also a port city that offers access to the beautiful red sea. In Saudi Arabia, exchanging money and withdrawing cash from ATMs is not an issue. The architecture in Saudi Arabia perfectly displays the rich belief in the Muslim faith and unraveled culture that has stayed on for decades. Women who visit today only need to meet the same dress code as men, which requires conservative attire and covered knees and shoulders. This common misconception needs to be eradicated as soon as possible. However, its certainly possible, and youre not as restricted as Saudi women. Dont hesitate to be rude or run away. Separation of women and men is in every aspect of society. Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural legacy, many historical sites, and natural wonders. I went out for one-on-one dinner and coffee with a Saudi man who wouldnt let his own brother see his wifes face. Black abayas recommended. 8 Popular Places To Visit In Al Ula, A Global Cultural Hub In The KSA, Best Historical Places In Jeddah: Mosques, Museums And Markets, Al Tayebat International City: A Historic Museum In Jeddah, Things To Do In Duba: Explore Forts, Sample Seafoods And More, Richard Bodeker Park: A Natures Gift In Diplomatic Quarter, Al Hair Lake Park: Beautiful Boat Rides And Memorable Picnics, https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home. It was much more than a drink; it was an entire show, and every drink he made required at least six or seven steps. The new system allows eligible persons to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online and get their visa shortly in their email. Tall mud and coral merchant houses loom over alley mazes in the Unesco-listed old city. Though just as conservative in many ways, Saudi Arabia is not as intense for female travel as, say, Pakistan or Afghanistan. Manahel al-Otaibi is in jail awaiting trial for demanding an end to male guardianship. Still quite conservative. Forget fixations on clothes and hijabs, as Western media tends to dothere were (and still are) far more important restrictions on womens lives in the Kingdom. His father started the business several decades ago, and he took up the responsibility after his father passed away. Conversations were short; many were clearly uncomfortable speaking with me. Our experts will understand your specific requirements &, United Experts For Information Systems Technology, A joint venture with, Information for Travellers During COVID-19, Wanderlust and Wisdom: Traveling To Saudi Arabia As A Woman. In 2019 Saudi Arabia finally opened for tourism and visiting KSA couldn't be easier. Singapore Airlines Offers Complimentary Wi-Fi, Why the Travel Industry Needs To Prioritize Gun Violence in America, Give Your Clients Up to a $2,000 Villas of Distinction Visa Prepaid Card, US Visitors Spent Record Amount in Britain in 2022. Saudi Arabia. While a GCC national can rent a car in Saudi Arabia with a GCC license, for now a foreigner should have an international driving license, whether they have a GCC license or one from their home. It is as much law, as a guide to moral behavior. While traveling around Saudi, I wore a black abaya every day, and rarely took it off in public. Following the strict religious rules that have governed the country for decades, and in a bid to protect these rules, Saudi Arabia had been closed off to tourists for the longest time. ( and, Id venture to say, the color of your skin. I never covered my head, and I never felt out of place. As I visited Riyadh's striking hotels and landmarks, the winding streets of historic Jeddah, shopping malls and elsewhere, people smiled widely at me or didn't look at me at all. A friendly local guy happily showed a foreign female friend and I around his city, even though his family was so conservative that he didnt know what his female cousins looked like. Most restaurants in Saudi Arabia are divided by gender or for men only. Speaking critically of the royal family or their ideas is dangerous. Essential Saudi: a one-month Saudi Arabia itinerary, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/%D9%83%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%86/id1085635249, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sa.gov.moi.securityinform&hl=en_US&gl=US. It is possible to Couchsurf as a solo female traveler with male hosts. My female Couchsurfing host in Riyadh dishing out karak shay at a cafe. Despite the stimulant's illegal status, officials choose to overlook khat cultivation and consumption; it's too ingrained in the local social culture. Traveling women no longer needed male guardians, and women could drive cars as of 2018. The process is easy and everyone is extremely welcoming. Though foreign women are no longer required to wear an abaya (robe) by law, I was uncomfortable not wearing one. I hate not existing. To find family sections, look for family icons or opaque side doors to restaurants. During more than three weeks in Saudi Arabia, I spoke with women a total of five times. I had a business-class flight home from Jeddah to New York City, which normally includes early boarding, but I was one of the last people on the plane. As a single American woman in my home country who is provided taxi service by a Saudi Arabian owned and staffed company, I am often taken aback by drivers comments and questions. Two women I got chatting with in a coffee spot in Jazan. Rethink Summer. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia June 6-8 for meetings on economic and security relations between the two countries as well as global issues, the State Department said on Friday. As discussed above, it is not a must that women tourists wear an abaya and cover their heads contrary to what many believe. Or kick them in the balls. Women, when I did see them, were predictably more forward and curious when I was alone. While wearing the abaya or headscarf is not mandatory. Whats it really like to travel in Saudi Arabia? Restaurants were one challenge. Travel in Saudi Arabia is relatively easyinfrastructure is good, tourists are now welcome, and you dont have to worry much about scams or dangers. Every one of the customs officials is a young woman clad in a uniform of black abaya, black headscarf and black face mask. Sharing hotel rooms wasnt an issue. The official system of law in Saudi Arabia is Sharia, which literally means 'the path to water'. Saudi Arabia is on a path toward rapid change, but it's also a conservative Kingdom with deeply rooted beliefs and cultural traditions. Either way, the alcohol ban didn't impact my trip to Saudi Arabia at all, and you shouldn't let it ruin your trip, either. One of the hotels I stayed in also had a men-only pool and a mens spa, but no facilities like these for female guests. There were a few instances of verbal harassment, men catcalling, etc., but nothing serious by my standards. . Sitting and having food with men Id just met in Wadi Disah something that used to be illegal. I visited Saudi Arabia in late 2019 and would have gone back by now if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. You probably couldve guessed that Saudi Arabia is an interesting place for female travelers. Most women wear all black, even in fancy malls. However, outside the major cities, it is both unusual and socially unacceptable, so most still do not. Unlike in other places in the country, in Jeddah I saw plenty of people enjoying themselves outside. Men whistled and catcalled several times. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit ("iqama") may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver's licenses. Even now, there arent enough driving schools to handle the number of female applicants. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen. Color doesnt matter. Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to enter a cemetery. For example, foreign women no longer have to wear abayas, but local women do. Speaking of the long flowing robes Saudi women wear, which are referred to as abayas, they are no longer required for foreign women visiting the country. I covered my head about half of the time and had stuffy old men shout at me to cover up once when I didnt. Even there, it was common to see buildings consumed by time next to manicured mud facades. Sign up for our Travel newsletter here. As an example, men and women go through separate security lines in Saudi airports, and women are moved through last. People are just people anywhere you go, and that's even true in Saudi Arabia, where women were finally granted the right to travel without a male guardian's permission in 2019.This dynamic country has already changed a lot, but there could be a lot more change on the way as the Kingdom opens its borders to tourists and relaxes long-held societal beliefs. In November, she took a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, prompted by the newly available tourist visa and the. (photo via swisshippo/iStock/Getty Images Plus). Riyadh felt Floridian: wide boulevards with shiny skyscrapers and palm trees, malls and luxury shopping as primary entertainment, development concerned more with image than substance. People come to the beach to picnic, and that's about it. The government noticed and has since taken over. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's most liberal city, is a major seaport and gate to the holy city of Mecca, so people from all over the world have passed through Jeddah for centuries. Would you believe that this was actually more frustrating, if easier? I was one of the first Americans to visit under the Electronic Visa program, and as a woman traveling alone, I was curious but also cautious about visiting this country. Tahlia Street. Updated on January 5, 2021 A guide to independent female travel in Saudi Arabia, solo or otherwise. While my friend and I were stopping in Jubbah to see some ancient petroglyphs, a man sitting in a courtyard saw us driving past. Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia. I didn't feel comfortable doing so considering the circumstances, but it felt very real and genuine. In my experience, women were invisible outside of big cities. Credit cards from various countries can all work perfectly. Following the relaxation of the religious laws, women are no longer required to wear the abaya and hijab, they are however expected to wear decently in public. After all, most travelers were not allowed to visit for decades until 2019, the year the Kingdom opened its doors to tourists from 49 countries around the world, including the United States. I was on the e-visa portal in a hot second and received my e-visa via WhatsApp 15 minutes later. That means a loose fitting cloth that covers the shoulders and doesnt show too much flesh. After all, gender segregation is the norm in Saudi Arabia, and women were only granted the right to drive in 2018. Stay updated about exciting Umrah deals, latest news, guides, tips & more. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and it's also one of the most mysterious. Saudi Arabia felt eerily apocalyptic at times. Small towns and abandoned mud villages replaced apartment complexes. But at Riyadh Season, a young Saudi woman in a headscarf and face veil who was dancing was arrested. So, do not hesitate and go now! In November, she took a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, prompted by the newly available tourist visa and the relaxed restrictions on solo female travelers. Wadi Al Disah stretches for miles, ending at a historic village with yet more Nabatean ruins, aptly named Al Disah. There were events and concerts all over Riyadh, including shows with Western women performing in form-fitting clothes and parties with well-known international influencers dancing seductively. Gender segregation is probably the most noticeable cultural difference in Saudi Arabia, and it can be absolutely jarring. Sometimes restaurants will be flexiblethe nicer the restaurant, the more likely this isbut for the most part its family sections or takeaway to eat at home/hotel. I hope you can mention that in your article. I even worried I would be treated harshly when I arrived, or that I would feel threatened or uneasy walking or dining out without a hijab. You could accuse me of supporting the Saudi government's human-rights violations, religious extremism, and restricted freedomsby traveling to the country. Make a scene. Tread carefully. Women can be hosted by men. The kingdom is just opening up to tourists and for locals in smaller towns and villages, it is still somewhat of a novelty. Think historical ruins being demolished to be replaced by chic cafes with faux-historic feels. Saudi has banknotes and coins, although the coins are mostly useless. Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, woman tourist in Saudi Arabia must obtain the visa. Restaurants are usually divided into singles mens sections and family sections if theres a family section at all! Although it had to stop issuing visas due to the pandemic, the KSA finally reopened again in August 2021. Even if you disagree. My luck didn't improve. Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Sat October 1, 2022 Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and it's also one of the most mysterious. However, every travelers experience is different. For example, there are separate lines at airport security for men and women, and stores have separate entrances for men and for families. Some of the events I experienced there were slightly off-putting (like boarding my plane dead last), yet I didnt let it bother me or ruin my trip. Steep switchbacks took us through villages scattered across mountaintops and around terraced hills of coffee, vegetables, and khat, a plant chewed by men in the region. Morocco or Turkey. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. The fact is, there are so many exquisite hotels and resorts in the Kingdom already and plenty more currently in the works. Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a women has become flexible, easy, and an unforgettable experience after the significant adjustments and reforms the country witnessed during the past. Ill be honest: I found it frustrating many a time. When traveling with a man, I essentially stopped existing. Decent clothing is all you need. No, I'm no flat-earther, but I did visit the Edge of the World, a dramatic line of cliffs two hours from Riyadh. Rules about abayas, the long (and traditionally black) robe previously required by law, were relaxed. They were shocked when they saw I was driving a man around. They strike up conversations and invite you into their stores, and they make sure you feel welcome and safe. How to check for Saudi Arabia Visa Validity. If my time in Saudi Arabia taught me anything, it's that this conservative country is more welcoming than one might assume. However, women should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi if they are traveling alone. ", Or even:"Do you have to cover your face?". That means long sleeves, legs fully covered, and no excessive cleavage showing. Practically speaking: If you wear anything except a black abaya and hijab youre going to stick out like a sore thumb in most of the country. Many mosques have restrooms for men and women, but the womens stalls will be in the back. I'm a 20-something American solo traveler and blogger passionate about traveling to countries most tourists overlook. You probably could've guessed that Saudi Arabia is an interesting place for female travelers. Restaurants are no longer required to be segregated, but that doesnt mean everything has changed. While alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, that has the potential to change in the future. This is the first-ever autism certified city in the U.S. Profiles in perseverance: What makes these Georgia 2023 graduates special. For starters, taking photos of government and military installations is not allowed. If there is a final frontier of tourism left, it's Saudi Arabia. A trickling stream runs between towering pillars of red stone, nourishing tall grasses, and leafy palms. Restricting women in the name of Islam was one of the items on their agenda. By looking and behaving as much like the locals as possible, unaccompanied women should blend naturally into the mix and not draw unwanted attention. I might have felt out of place due to my lack of coverings, but Saudi people hardly looked my way. Saudi Arabia is slowly but surely opening up to modernization. While a few Saudis politely invited me to convert to Islam, dozens of others asked me to meet them for dinner or tea. Too many people form opinions about countries and their citizens based on exaggerated news; I prefer to come to my own conclusions. The coastal city of Jeddah is also surprisingly cosmopolitan, yet it features a strikingly beautiful old quarter with unique tower houses dating back to the 19th century. The same goes for bathing in swimming pools and public beaches. They can take planes, trains, buses, taxis and sit alone in restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. Clothes were another concern. Women over the age of 25 can now travel to Saudi Arabia without a male family member or companion, but women under 25 must be accompanied. Outside of Jeddah and diplomatic areas of Riyadh, I did not see any women without abayas. Many of us associate Saudi Arabia with sand dunes as far as the eye can see. It was much more difficult for women to enter the kingdom since they couldnt be allowed to enter on their own. The same goes for bathing in swimming pools and public beaches. Not that I'd ever test that myself. Malls featuring luxury brands are also all over the place. No. Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, and it is important to dress modestly to respect local customs and traditions. As I visited Riyadhs striking hotels and landmarks, the winding streets of historic Jeddah, shopping malls and elsewhere, people smiled widely at me or didnt look at me at all. Public concerts and cinemas became legal. Most men were distant, and respectfulif still distantwhen I spoke with them. Given I was backpacking around Saudi Arabia on a budget, this was annoying. The old city center of Jeddah is captivating with its uniquely designed antique balconies, ancient sidewalks and curated shops selling everything from spices to intricately detailed clothing. 4- Saudi is super safe, you won't be in danger. While the capital city of Riyadh features an array of towering high-rise buildings ranging from hotels to its famous Kingdom Centre, you'll find plenty of older, historic districts within Riyadh and far beyond where most Saudis live.For example, Saudi Arabia is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Ula, which is an ancient walled city built into the side of jagged mountains, similar to Jordan's Petra. While the capital city of Riyadh features an array of towering high-rise buildings ranging from hotels to its famous Kingdom Centre, you'll find plenty of older, historic districts within Riyadh and far beyond where most Saudis live. With women a total of five times & advertising to ensure a superior experience! Normally do, wearing long dresses with light sweaters along with a man.! With mocktails that were both delicious and fun license or an international drivers (. Smaller towns and villages, it 's also a port city that offers access to country... 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