How would I be treated as a Western woman in Saudi Arabia?

Hi, My name is Katie (.. a friend of Pat's), I have worked in KSA for the past 5 years. I can give you the low down on the pros and cons of living in KSA, I am happy to help with any questions you have. read more

Saudi marriage proposal is equivalent to asking for a date in western culture. Asking a woman for a date is demeaning and offensive in Arab culture. Because of my position I knew dozens of western female English teachers in Saudi Arabia. Not one complained. However, treatment of western woman by foreign workers in Saudi Arabia was less then stellar. read more

These are things to bear in mind as a woman coming to Saudi Arabia: You cannot drive. It is illegal, and you will be arrested for driving a car on the streets of Riyadh, or anywhere in Saudi Arabia for that matter, even if you have a valid International Driver's License. read more

Shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia, and when attending a Riyadh Chamber of Commerce meeting, not only was I, the lone woman in the room, swiftly guided to a seat by a Saudi official alongside the American contingency of businessmen, but I was encouraged by another Saudi representative to launch the session by disclosing my initial impressions of Saudi Arabia. read more