Hey there, heading to Saudi Arabia on a tour? Here’s the practical advice you need. Now, this info is specific to Jeddah, known for being less conservative than other Saudi cities – other places might have tighter rules.
Finding accurate info online about touring Saudi Arabia as a woman can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. And, while I’ve tried to keep my own opinions out of this post, be prepared for a few. Being in a country with such different values to my home in the US, especially regarding women’s rights, was hard. I respect others’ religious beliefs and traditions, but watching the restrictions women face here was tough.
Understandably, you might get a bit peeved when your male colleagues celebrate being able to wear shorts, since the dress code doesn’t quite apply to them. But, don’t let it get to you.
Your first step is to get an abaya – a long, loose, usually black robe. Pick up two, trust me, you’ll thank me later. Generally, Saudi women wear plain black abayas. I found one with gold trim on Amazon for about $26. Another one I got off Amazon was lighter and had pockets – it quickly became my go-to garment.
Confession time: I felt uncomfortable and even angry wearing an abaya. But I tried to look on the bright side. It meant I didn’t have to worry too much about what I wore each day. You could opt for a different color, but that might make you stand out.
Sometimes, you might feel uneasy around the men here, even though everyone I interacted with was polite and kind. This struggle between genders can feel so strong that it even made me question whether I could share an elevator with a male stranger.
As for head coverings, you don’t have to wear a hijab (the usual scarf type) in Jeddah. But it might be handy to carry one if you’re planning to visit more conservative places, or if you’re getting too much unwanted male attention.
Trying to figure out when to change into your Saudi-appropriate attire for a flight through Germany, say, can be tricky. I ended up waiting until I landed in Jeddah, but I felt exposed during the customs line. So, next time, I’d slip into an abaya as the descent begins. If not bothered, you can change in the restroom after the customs line.
Under your abaya, wear anything you’re comfortable with – just remember the heat during the day. When we were running our show, I usually wore regular show blacks and no one said anything.
There’s not a lot to do in Saudi, at least by my standards. I’d recommend you bring some entertainment with you, maybe even a board game if you plan to host get-togethers. Just be sure not to bring anything related to gambling – it’s not allowed.
If you’re feeling adventurous, wander around the Al Balad marketplace, visit the Mall of Arabia, or drive by the large camel statues. And if you’re into coffee, you’re in for a treat. There are a bunch of cool coffee shops around.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia might seem daunting but it’s pretty safe – as long as you’re ready to trade some of your freedoms for following their rules. On a positive note, you might save money because of the lack of things to do, the included hotel breakfast, and catered dinners at the venue. Just a heads up: I had trouble with Verizon’s travel pass for data. So you might want to check that out.
Despite the challenges, coming from there will probably make you appreciate your home country even more. Safe travels!