Saudi Life

My Saudi Life:

One of the largest Arab country deserts in the Middle East, literally in the middle surrounded by other Arabian countries.

My first time was the hardest time that I could ever imagine. A person who comes from a country that has a liberated democratic stand point. An individual who is well educated and has a different mind set from all other Saudis. Who used to being free of what to do and who wouldn't want to be restricted in so many ways? I felt like I was a prisoner!

I couldn’t believe what I’ve been hearing! 

My first day since I arrived, I want to go out of the house and buy something in the nearby store. I told the company driver on the phone that I will go out to buy something.  He replied in a low tone voice “Miss you can’t get out of the house, it’s too dangerous”. I was surprised and asked “But why?? I mean why it's dangerous?” So I waited for him to have time to come-by  before I could leave the house.

Later he explained to me that usually women here in Saudi especially expatriates do not go out of the house or even hail a taxi alone because there were and are many situations wherein they are kidnapped or abducted  --- that’s why it’s "dangerous".

I heard somebody was shouting over a speaker outside the house. I was bit of shocked and asked what was it, the man said it was their way of calling everyone during prayer. They are obliged to pray here five times a day. Do you know that mosques here are all over the place wherever you go.  Literally means right every one or two corners of the street you can see a mosque.

I want to go out, can you come with me?   I asked the company driver again. He said okay but you need to wear an Abaya.  Huh? What is an Abaya? It is the women’s traditional dress usually worn when they go outside their houses. It is a long black dress without any curve lines to prevent men's temptation to lust. It's not only that, it is worn together with a “Tarha” or veil also black in color to cover one’s hair. 

When the driver was not available, colleagues and I hailed a taxi every time we go out, because first and foremost we didn’t have a car, secondly, women are not allowed to drive in the Kingdom! When you are living with your family, taking a taxi whenever you want to go somewhere was too expensive, so the conclusion is: car in Saudi is a necessity, and if you are privileged, it can be of a luxury! 

I was in a grocery choosing some goods from a stand when a man shouted “Cover your hair! Cover your hair!” Then I looked at the man’s direction and realized that he was actually looking and talking to me! I was astonished and I realized that I wasn't covering my hair. So without hesitation I put my tarha that was hanging on my shoulder immediately on my head . My friend who was senior than me said that it was the “Mutawa” or their Priest. Oh, whatever!

Men and women in this place are not allowed to mingle with one another. It’s weird really! If you are friends but with opposite sex, don’t attempt to be in public together, because you will be caught by the “Mutawa”! Of course, relatives by blood can be together in the public eye. But because of some people not following their rules, unlucky you are, you will be ended up in jail.

Days passed by and same thing went on and on. My activities became a routine. We spent our time going to different malls in Riyadh. Oh, this is the bright side, there are so many huge sophisticated malls in this place. What I mean by huge is really enormously spacious and ravishing. There are different prominent brand names that you can shop around. They also give lowest discounts especially when it’s off seasons.

What’s another great thing in Riyadh is there’s no air pollution because almost all of the cars use gasoline not diesel. Speaking of cars, here you can see a lot of luxury cars on the side street parking lots, without giving high regard on their cars.

The grocery stores are at its lowest prices especially dairy products. Grocery stores give very good discounts too especially during the end of every month. How about their ready-made native foods, like Shawarma, Kabsa and Kebab? It were not my type at first, specially its smell. Later on, I was asking for more! 

Electronics are at its cheapest price as well, because this is a tax-free country! Since Saudi is a tax-free and an electric-generating country, the electricity is unlimited. All you need to buy is a durable long life appliance, or perhaps ask for the warranty service. 

Who would imagine that I would be here one point in my life? I was pessimistic about the place. I had prejudices about the country even when I was already here. But can you believe that I have been living here for almost a decade now! In fact I have traveled in and out of the country for an uncountable times.

Considering the very backward lifestyle they have, I learned to respect their beliefs and took the opportunity to embrace the richness of their cultures and traditions. With so much of adjustments that I have done, at times almost unbearable to tolerate, I’ve been grateful for the things I have experienced from this country and from this group of people.

To be happy in Saudi, learn to accept the things you cannot do, follow all the rules and just enjoy the things that they will allow you to do. 

I must admit Saudi became a meaningful part of my life’s journey.

Golden Tiara

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