Saudi Arabia: The country is mosly desert but it has oil which has made it one of the richest countries in the world.

Saudi Arabia Trip

March 2009

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the holy shrines of Mecca and Medina. Before we could enter the country, we had to pay approximately $400 in VISA fees. It took 3 hours each way via bus from Duba to Tabouk. Our Saudi guide spoke very little English. We arrived at noon, one of the five daily prayer times, so everything was closed. We walked up and down a few streets but didn’t see much activity.

Women make up only 5% of the work force, and they are not allowed to work in a mixed gender work place. They must wear a long-sleeved full length black dress that should be loose fitting for it must conceal everything underneath. Nor may women wear bright colored clothing for it may attract men's attention. All of us (women) had to wear a jallabia, also known as abayo (long-sleeved black full length dress) for the entire day….Saudi style.

Driving an automibile is also forbidden for women because it would involve uncovering the face; it is considered obligatory to be covered at all times while out in the public. The Saudi culture is male-dominated to the extent that women must be treated by a female doctor unless there is not one available. Most Saudi homes have two entrances, one for males and one for females. Women are not allowed to vote.

While there, we visited the port city of Duba and the inland city of Tabouk, having a late lunch at a Bedouin camp with entertainment and riding camels for a bit of sport.

We learned that the price of their gasoline was less than $.50 per gallon, and the cars they were driving were big gas guzzlers…Mercedes, Cadillacs, Buicks. All the women are completely covered up with the black gallabiya and a full veil with eye slits cut out. Their banks are divided into two branches: for women on the left, and for men on the right. During our 6 hours on the bus, the countryside view was desolate desert.

Saudi Arabia

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